Have you donated blood ?

The needles for blood donation are HUGE! Sorry if I scared anyone.

I've never looked and I assume they're the same as having blood drawn for labs at the clinic. I've injected insulin for years so needles are no big deal.

The needles for donating blood are larger than those used for blood tests. The facilities I have done donations at use lidocaine to numb the insertion point of the needle. They are taking a volume of blood to be used in a medical procedure for someone. I would guess that a small needle in your arm for the period of time needed to get the volume of blood would tend to clog as well as taking a ling time. When I have done platelet and plasma donation they also use a coagulant while taking fluid.

Many times and I do the double red most of the time.

Many times...the worse thing about it is the diziness you feel after ...I don`t mind the needles that much though

Nope I have rolling veins and so hard to find a vein ever, actually went to new doctor on Thursday and they had to take blood and of course she poked me and got no blood and when the needle went in I almost fainted, she told me that she wasn't going to try again as she knew if she did I would faint so thanked her for that, told me I had a week to get the blood and too drink plenty of fluids and so with my better judgement plan to go back over Monday when they open up and try again. Will give them one more chance and if they can't find any vein then asking for something so I can get my blood done at hospital and hopefully find someone who can get my vein as I hate when the needle goes in and I think that is why I almost faint everytime.

But worst thing about it is when it happens feel so bad the rest of the day and have to work that evening as I felt so bad on Thursday after I almost fainted but was off and pretty much slept the rest of the day and arm hurted bad.

I would like to donate blood now, but if you are anemic, they won't let you. Why is that?

I am not allowed to donate as I lived in the UK during the time of the mad cow disease pandemic.

Yes I have, and for many years. Hope that what we all do helps others.

I have twice, but felt horrible afterward both times. So, I don't anymore, but I'm an organ donor to make up for it. 😃

I have donated blood for many years. I know it helps alot of people. My friends are always trying to get to sell my plasma but so far I just donate.

Would love to-But being a gay man with a sex life I am not allowed.If they change the rules I would be honored to donate.

Everyone eligible should donate whenever possible, no matter what your blood type. It's one of the easiest things you can do that really helps people. Plus, you get cookies!

I think I'm close to 3 gallons now...

I have lived in the UK, therefore I cant give blood in the US, in the UK, because I have lived in the US I cant give blood, because I have travelled to Mexico, Far East, and Africa in the last 5 years cannot give blood in either. I am A+, kind of disappointing that no one wants my blood anywhere.

Yes I'm a regularly donate, was on a ten weekly trial scheme but have now returned to the normal twelve week system.

...hard to find a vein ever,...

I had a similar problem years ago whenever I had lab work done. One time after a needle was put in with no blood coming out the tech started moving the end of the needle around until she found what she was looking for. Needless to say, I had a really nice bruise after that episode. Anyway, during a subsequent lab draw the tech said something along the lines of "There's a good vein." In the 15 years or so since then I have always told/showed the tech where my best vein is. I have labs drawn 4 times a year and have never had another problem. The point is, once you have blood drawn successfully, remember exactly where that needle went in.

Yes I'm a regularly donate, was on a ten weekly trial scheme but have now returned to the normal twelve week system.

Wow, in the US it's every 8 wks for whole blood. Might be less for just platelets

... hard to find a vein ever...

I'm one of those 'lucky' guys that has very visible veins on my arms. They poke once, hit a gusher, and I'm done in 10 minute! Nurses love me... ?

I went back over this morning to try again with the blood for the doctor and knew I had to get it done, so took them 4 more times with a butterfly needle and you can't image the smile on my face when she said, “I see blood” and just so happy the hell is over.

GyneDoll,

Please tell me what "double red" is?

Course

I have but not in a while. I think I made it to the gallon donors club, even!

I have donated in the past but not recently.

,Please tell me what "double red" is?

During your Power Red ("double red"), blood is drawn from one arm and drawn through a sterile, single-use needle set to a machine. The machine separates and collects two units of red cells and then safely returns the remaining blood components, along with some saline, back to you through the same arm.

The donation process takes longer. A day or 2 ago I received a thank you card from the Red Cross for my recent donation. It suggested I may want to find out if I'm eligible to make a double red donation. Type O, A - and B - are the only 3 blood types eligible to make this type of donation. I happen to be A -. There are other factors in deciding if one is eligible. I will inquire the next time I donate on July 11th.

Anoldguy,

Thanks, I am O- so I cannot do that donation.

Course

Thanks, I am O- so I cannot do that donation.

ANY type O can do this, + or -.

http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/types-donations

I never have given blood

I have, but not in the last few years..I should again.... I don't like the anal sex question, because I did give that befor, to one women and one man, long ago,, and I don't like to lie about it but should not preclude me from donation blood,,,,,, all my test are fine and have always been.

The worst part for me was always having my finger pricked. I honestly don't know how diabetics do it.

We get used to it. I was severely needle phobic all my life, then in a cruel twist of fate was diagnosed diabetic. That first finger prick and first needle took a LOT of willpower to do! I'm used to it now though.

Even getting blood drawn for lab work doesn't bother me anymore. Larger needles, well, not so easy! I had my first cortisone shot in my knee in Sept and almost bolted when they told me what they were going to do. They did it with u/s guidance, I hung in there and went to my happy place and it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd feared.

I tried to donate blood years ago (before my diabetes DX). They sent me packing when I almost passed out just before they were going to insert the needle. Now, I don't think they would take my blood given my health issues and meds that I take.

I have donated blood just yesterday; it was my eleventh time. I convinced a friend to come along so she could give blood for the very first time!

Yes several times. No big deal

In my family, many of us have each given quite a few gallons, over the years.

In the U.S. they have a newer donation method which involves taking red blood cells, they call it, Power Red. You can only donate half as often as you could for regular blood donations, just three times per year, but each time is enough to help two people.

Yes I donate all the time. I got a certificate while back go donating 10 gallons.