I've never really taken from the NHS.....
A&E once for a collar bone that I broke quite spectacularly falling off my motorbike as a nipper, the usual dentists etc. (must go again really) but it's always been there when I needed it.

I'm now about to sound like an advert.......

But I do give something back. I have no idea what prompted me to start but about 12 years ago I started to become a blood donor and as I have a fairly rare blood group, B- (about 2% of the UK pop) it's the decent thing to do. I'm also on the organ donor register, I mean FFS if I don't need it you are most welcome to it if it works (this rules out liver, lungs and kidneys tho.)

I reckon they've had had 30-40 pints out of me over the years and I do it just for the biscuits, well that and having 2 pints of Guinness afterwards is a cheap thrill.

If you have an hour spare and are in good health not gay or an intravenous drug user it's well worth doing.

It doesn't hurt (much) and now they have new machines and you can times yourself (personal best for 500Ml is 3mins 28)

www.blood.co.uk


(Speshal, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 1:50, 22 replies)

Do they really not take your blood if you are gay?
If all blood is screened, that doesn't make sense.

I've tried to donate blood, but they don't want mine.Too much time in the tropics, and treatment in third world hospitals.
( The Awful Puppy Bakery is still bored, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 7:10, closed)

I've just realised why my first repy is a bit stupid.
It's because of the three month period between an HIV infection and it showing up in a test. I guess it does make sense not to take blood from people who may be at a higher risk.
( The Awful Puppy Bakery is still bored, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 7:49, closed)

but still....
its still seems odd...

anyone know how 'the gays' feel about this? I reckon I'd be pretty pissed off. It's not a good idea for anyone to take my blood, christ knows whats in it, but I'd hate to be refused because I have red hair, or I listen to a bit of DnB now and then, or that I'm a sex-God...

you know?
(Ol' Ginger Bastard a role model for the children, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 9:29, closed)

these are the reasons given
www.blood.co.uk/can-i-give-blood/exclusion/

that issue aside; please give blood if you are willing/able/allowed. thanks to speshal for recommending.
(Brumdee, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 10:06, closed)

I do, my friend
I missed the last one in my area, but will go to the next one :)
( RossThePiper Stretch Armstrong is my Father, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 15:10, closed)

The only time I tried to give blood the hurse giggled at me
Apparently I had failed on something like seven of the major categories where only one fail would have made me ineligible to give blood.

I should go back and try it again, but the memory of nurses laughing at me always pops to the front of my mind
( monkeyboyalpha jumping on the bandwagon since, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 10:34, closed)

Arrgghhh
How can you take a photo of it?!! I have to look away the whole time or else go woozy. Think I'm nearly on my tenth donation though :)
(Petite chien is going to do science to it, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 12:01, closed)

Haha
Practise I guess, just booked another session for monday, gets me out of work an hour early :)
(Speshal, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 12:55, closed)

I think I'm quite scared of needles
but I still do it anyway! I'm due to give again but can't cos I'm waiting for a 24 hour blood pressure monitor :(
(Petite chien is going to do science to it, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 13:21, closed)

I'm up to 12
the needle going in is never nice!
(Halfy By light alone, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 13:13, closed)

The finger stab
is a million times worse though.
(Petite chien is going to do science to it, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 13:16, closed)

I know what you mean
my veins are quite deep down apparently (or I'm a fat fucker - one of the two) and sometime they have trouble finding one that can be marginally uncomfortable but worth it all the same.

Sometimes I feel for the poor recipient as my blood is probably 27% cheap cider most of the time but there's a slim chance I'll get some of my own back at some stage :)
(Speshal, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 13:48, closed)

I have lovely veins
but my finger will not bleed and usually takes some quite extensive squeezing to get enough for the drop test. I once joked that the nurse was gonna have a pint through my finger! I wouldn't feel too sorry for them, they're getting drunk for free! :p
(Petite chien is going to do science to it, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 15:02, closed)

Weirdly, because I lived in the UK
for more than 1 year between 1980 & 1996, I can't give blood in Ireland.

Why? Because 'of the risk of variant CJD'. It's disappointing 'cos I was a regular donor before I moved & I was gutted to be turned away, I always felt like I was doing something really worthwhile. (Whilst lying down not doing anything, which always appeals.)

The risk, even according to the Irish Blood Transfusion's own website, is statistically minute. 200 cases worldwide. Ever. But if you have spent a total of at least one year in the UK between '80 & '96 (cumulatively) they don't want to know you.

Edit: a bit of research indicates that the Americans, Germans, Danish, Aussies, Singaporeans & Swiss feel the same way about my erm, potentially toxic blood. However, the Canadian, Kiwi & Polish blood transfusion services don't want to know you if even if you've never left the Emerald Isle...
(minlan no longer barks at bancleys, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 14:20, closed)

"not gay"
I think you mean not a gay bloke who has had bum sex? I think this rule is a bit dated now anyway
(biscuitsocks random gene expression, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 18:52, closed)

Try cycling to a session
if you want to speed up the flow, depending how far away it is obviously. The cycle back can be a bit knackering tho'
(RTFM May your god go with you, Sat 13 Mar 2010, 21:59, closed)

Very much for this
I think it's only like 4% of people who give blood - and it is needed. Been donating on and off since I was able to. The only bad experiance I've had was last time - they couldn't get a decent bloodflow, and my arm got kind of bruised trying to get the stuff out - but that was totaly my fault for not following their advice and not drinking enough fluids.
(Fredz A graveyard of hopes, a dump of ambition, Sun 14 Mar 2010, 9:33, closed)

blood
Your photo made me feel a little queasy even though I'm a regular donator. Still can't look down though. This month was the first time I'd looked at the full bag and it was donation number 43 for me. Still, well done for asking people to donate. It doesn't take long and has the dual bonuses of making you feel a little bit proud AND whizzy at the same time.
(Mr McKenzie Mr McKenzie, Sun 14 Mar 2010, 20:13, closed)

Cheers
It's when they tape the tube to your arm and you can feel it pumping out that I love.
(Speshal, Mon 15 Mar 2010, 10:14, closed)

...
bleaauughhh
(Mr McKenzie Mr McKenzie, Tue 16 Mar 2010, 13:16, closed)

I'm almost up to 30 units donated now...
And must remember to get down there again - missed the last appointment
( snee held his breath since, Mon 15 Mar 2010, 14:34, closed)

Me too!
Hey, I'm B- too, how cool is that? Mind you, it now makes me feel guilty that I haven't been for a couple of years... Checking the website now!
(Sir Itchalot has a very self-referential signature, Tue 16 Mar 2010, 11:51, closed)