Do you donate blood?

beekuzz

I love donating. They've moved me to platelets because I have so many. If my iron is not too low, then they get enough platelets for two or three, so I love that. I need to go back because now I'm eating better and taking supplements for my iron. A way looking time ago, I earned a two- galloneer t- shirt. That was a very special day.

Kitten2629

No, I do not qualify to give blood due to living overseas certain years as a child.

vintagesquirrel

I'm O+ and am involved in the medical field. I have assisted on so many transfusions that I feel a personal responsibility to donate. I used to be terrified of needles, but after my last couple stints in the hospital I think I'm used to them.

No matter what, though, I pass out at the end. I just give blood laying down these days, tell them I might pass out but that I'll be fine.

My next donation is scheduled for the 21st of this month! It's been awhile!

BeanQueen3000

I started donating blood as a way to get over my fear of needles. It's worked out great, and i'm always happy to know that i'm helping someone.

KatiD83

I wish I could, but it takes 20+ sticks for my doctor to get my yearly blood work. I donate items for emergencies instead.

tetecia

I would if i could. But, because of my health problems i'm not allowed to donate any blood. i guess it makes sense, i need all the blood that i have for myself as it is. I'm O+, which is a universal donor too. Too bad i can't

Redbird99ky

I probably would if I needed to, but I am MASSIVELY afraid of needles (I have almost passed out just having blood taken for a routine physical) and have yet to donate it.

AdAstra47

As often as they'll let me! My mother almost died on the table during a routine surgery, she had "a bleeder" and they couldn't find/stop it very quickly so she ended up needing four units of transfusions. Four strangers saved her life. So now I donate as often as I can. I know there are a lot of people who can't, for various reasons, so I think those of us who are capable have a responsibility to donate.

GnochhiGnomes

I can't give blood because I'm a sexually active gay male. Its sad really.

Kenzietea2

I just don't like how I feel the next few days after. Light headed and can't really work out.

OnionMomma

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!

My son had open heart surgery at 6 months old and they had to use alot of donor blood in the PICU and donor blood was used to prime the heart lung by pass machine.

People like you all helped save his life, literally!!!

Every time I go to donate I am turned away. They say my veins are too small for the huge needles they use. I about cry every time.

hillm12345

I give blood! I'm O- , so they harass me if I dont When I give blood I cannot look at the needle when they put it...i hate even thinking about it, ugh....

same here! O neg here.. and the United Blood Services definitely harass me ALOT! The only thing I absolutely dislike is sometimes my Iron is low and they turn me away

ETA: Sometimes too if I get a new tech, my arm looks like I'm a heroin addict because they jiggle the needle all around

Mewlingstork

For over a year, I donated plasma twice a week. I've never donated blood, but would if given the chance after I have my baby! Small town - not too many easy opportunities. Although, they probably need more blood donors here than otherwise, given the small population.

Sarah_Wins

I do every chance I get, though I'm always a bit nervous it'll affect my workouts that day. So far, as long as I don't attempt cardio, I've had no issues.

ancia03

i have done it twice, then i had to stop as i wa pregnant, but i lost a baby and had to wait 6 month to do it again, meanwhile i got pregnant again but i lost the baby again
so i'm waiting now, but i'm also planning another pregnancy trial so i guess 'll have to wait

BeanQueen3000

I can't give blood because I'm a sexually active gay male. Its sad really.

There have been a lot of calls for them to roll back this policy lately, and I think they might be looking into it. It's offensive and ridiculous and it should have ended a long, long time ago.

oregonzoo

I alway want to, but my loved ones encourage me not to. I've got quite a bit of issues that lead me to be light headed and weak often. So people worry about me giving blood.

MMarvelous

No b/c I am anemic.

daffodilsoup

I have to wait until January 2013 because I spent six months in rural China, but after that I plan on getting right back into donating!

focus4fitness

I did two days ago and I plan to do it a few times a year now.

WinWinGo

Yush. I like the cookies most, and being disqualified for low iron/high temperature (lol wut) least.

Veronadragon

I don't. I have a type of anemia that makes it difficult to give as well as I get tattooed at least once a year and the recommendation is not to give within 6months (some say 12) of getting a tat.

mminor77

Yep! Im O+ so everytime they are in my area to collect I get a phone call asking me to come see them.

NaurielR

I used to give blood all the time. But now that I've lost some weight, I'm too light to give blood. I'm right at the cutoff of 110 and could probably lie my way in, but last time I gave blood it really knocked me off my feet for about a week. Which is too bad, because I really enjoyed being able to donate.

tidesong

I wish I could. The medications I take for my MS make it so I cannot donate though.

WifeNMama

I'd like to, but I have low blood pressure as it is. It would probably be dangerous for me to donate, and even if it turned out ok, I would be out cold for the day. If they offered to collect smaller amounts at a time, it might work.

Peppychristian

I do not. I was told by a doctor not to even attempt it. I have very small veins that roll. It usually takes any where from two to eight sticks to get even a small vial of blood. I wish I could just because I know how important it is.

LesIsMoreXX

I've donated a few times but the last two attempts I couldn't go through with it because my iron was too low
I'm Type O Negative which means I have universal blood and I can donate to anyone

billsica

I'm O- I used to donate till one time the red cross guy punctured the nerve in my arm. I was pretty lucky it wasn't permanent damage. They paid for my medical bill on it, and still call me. I laugh at them and say that your lucky I didn't try to sue you.

I've been trying to find a place that will take my blood that isn't the red cross, but none are around me.

fit4lyfeLisa

I used to be a frequent donor, but now that I am anemic, I can't.