Congrats - it's an awesome thing to do! I used to work at a blood bank, and centers are always desperate for donors in the summertime more than any other time of the year.
I don't donate as often as I could/should because I get tired of the harassing phone calls from the blood bank once I do donate. They literally were calling 3x a day. (I am O-)
I was thinking when I saw your FB post that I found it interesting because most places I have donated blood won't let you donate if you have had a tattoo in the past year.
I was thinking when I saw your FB post that I found it interesting because most places I have donated blood won't let you donate if you have had a tattoo in the past year.
That is only the case in states where tattoo shops aren't regulated/health inspected. Since I got mine done at a shop in VA by a licensed artist it wasn't an issue.
Can I ask you how long it takes to donate? This is something I have been meaning to do but never got up the nerve. I am also not sure how "useful" my blood is (AB-).
I went in as a walk-in so there was a bit of a line before me. Got there at 2:30 and left at 4. The questionnaire/health check up they do before you donate takes 3x as long as the actual blood draw does.
I wish I could do this. But I just can't handle it. I can't handle needles. I have low blood pressure to boot.
A year ago when I started my job, I had to get a physical and a TB test (I'm a teacher). Got done with the physical and knew I was about to get the test doned. ALMOST passed out, and then threw up. The doc was like "are you okay?!" and I said "hand me the trash can please". Cue throw up. I was so pale, they made me lie down, gave me a damp cloth for my head, talked about giving me fluids I was literally *this close* to fainting. Then I had to answer a bunch of questions about whether or not I was pregnant (it ws like an 830 am appointment. Clearly that was just morning sickness.)
So yeah. I wish I could donte blood, but I know it wouldn't end well.
apalettepassion.wordpress.com/ WHO IS BONQUIQUI!?!?!?!??!
"I was thinking about getting off on demand, but it sounds like I should be glad that I didn't"
Post by verycontrary247 on Aug 12, 2012 23:05:27 GMT -5
Is it weird that at almost 23 years old I don't know what my blood type is? They said they'd send me a card letting me know my type in a few weeks once they test it.
Is it weird that at almost 23 years old I don't know what my blood type is? They said they'd send me a card letting me know my type in a few weeks once they test it.
I a 32 and i have no idea what my blood type is. What is even worse is that I have a anemia and see a hematologist on the regular. I have had to have several iron infusions. I should know this
apalettepassion.wordpress.com/ WHO IS BONQUIQUI!?!?!?!??!
"I was thinking about getting off on demand, but it sounds like I should be glad that I didn't"
Yay for you! This reminds me I need to call and set up an appt to go donate again. Last time I went, I timed it so poorly. I went right after work (without eating anything), plus I'm scared of needles and blood, and that can make me lightheaded. But I can usually work myself up enough to tough it out for the sake of the cause.
I talked our little summer student, J, into coming too. She was terrified, and I told her it would be fine. I went before her, and after I was done I went all white and almost passed out, and the nurses went into friggin code red mode and we were running around, wheeling me in a wheel chair, and generally making a huge production of it. In my delirious head all I could think of was that J would be scared off from donating, so I was shouting across the room "J! Everything is totally fine! I'M FINE!" while she sat there looking like she was going to shit her pants. And everyone in the room was like
Post by cheesierthanchedda on Aug 13, 2012 3:00:25 GMT -5
I love that the blood center comes to my work every 8 weeks. Makes it super easy for me. I've donated nearly 2 gallons over the course of my employment.
Post by princesscal on Aug 13, 2012 6:34:42 GMT -5
Thank you all for giving blood. Due to health issues, I have needed to get over 10 pints of blood over the past few years. It's pretty scary getting someone elses blood, but I am always so thankful to those who take the time do donate.