Originally Posted By Inspector 57 From my first year in college, I was a "give blood!" cheerleader. I used to coral my friends into one big group and march us all down to the donation site. I think I earned a couple of "gallon" pins by the time I graduated. I almost always got a little bit queasy while donating, but I figured that discomfort was inconsequential compared to the good I was doing. (Besides, the Red Cross always served great cookies!) Then they decided that gay people wouldn't be allowed to donate. From an epidimiological perspective, I can respect that. From a personal point of view, it was very disappointing. I'd love to be able to give. Blood is SUCH a needed commodity, and only available from human donors.
Originally Posted By Labuda Yeah, that's one thing I'd not thought about that hit me when I say gaydsnywitch's post. I think it absolutely sucks that they won't allow homosexual men to donate. I mean, I understand AIDS and all and how it can hide for a while, but still - it just sucks. One thing just dawned on me, though - do homosexual women face the same denial that homosexual men face when attempting to give blood? I honestly have no idea.
Originally Posted By Elderp I am kind of one of those "I will donate if they remind me to" type people. I do donate at least once a year. My wife on the other hand donates platelets and goes every 3 weeks.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I used to donate a pint every two months. I haven't done so in quite awhile though... it's gotta be at least a couple of years since the last time. Good reminder, this thread.
Originally Posted By -em Nope- They dont want my blood... Its WAY to messed up (I guess being a Cancer kid for basically 20 years and developing a rare blood disorder keeps ya off the donor list) Im a wonderful recepient so donate! -em
Originally Posted By smedley I do, although not as regularly as I should, although they do occasionally ring and harass me to go, as they always seem to be low on my blood type (no I don't remember what I am lol!) My Dad is in the AB- group, and used to get called all the time to go donate if they needed to operate on someone etc, in a bizarre twist his best friend was the same type and they used to go together. He had to stop donating when he had his gall bladder removed though.
Originally Posted By Liberty Belle >>One thing just dawned on me, though - do homosexual women face the same denial that homosexual men face when attempting to give blood? I honestly have no idea<< I wouldn't think so, because there's no the AIDS risk with gay women, but I'm not sure. I think I've only donated once, maybe twice. That's bad ... I feel lightheaded and sick when I get needles, which isn't a good enough excuse, but I find it hard to bring myself to do it.
Originally Posted By melekalikimaka Women can still get HIV through sexual contact with other women but I'm not sure what the policy is about blood donation.
Originally Posted By DlandJB I used to give blood regularly, from high school into my late 30s. But now I am on blood thinners and they don't want my blood anymore. It actually was because of blood donation that I was diagnosed with Atrial Fib. I organized a blood drive at my office, but they wouldn't take me because when they did the finger stick I was anemic. I went to the doctor for a physical and to find out why I was anemic and they found the irregular heart rhythm. I wish I could still give. It is such and important thing to do. It is easy to do, and one of the most loving things you can do for others in need.
Originally Posted By DlandJB Women can still get HIV through sexual contact with other women but I'm not sure what the policy is about blood donation.>>> The restriction is for men only.
Originally Posted By DlandJB Here are the Red Cross guidelines: <a href="http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0" target="_blank">http://www.redcross.org/servic es/biomed/0</a>,1082,0_557_,00.html
Originally Posted By bloona wow, I didnt know that about them not letting you donate if youve been to the UK, flipping heck, we're all doomed then here arent we? lol When they altered restrictions here a few years ago, saying if you had had a blood transfusion yourself, you couldnt donate, I rang to ask if that meant me too, as I had the anti D injection after my children were born with me being ORh-, plus after my miscarriage. At the time I had the last one , I was given a leaflet warning me about the possible risk of contracting CJD (mad cow disease) through the injection. So I was surprised when they said that initially the decision had been made that people having had Anti D could no longer donate, but the restiction had now been lifted. (why?) I used to donate regularly, Id get sent videos even about how important my blood group was, being the "universal donor" but havent for a few years now, I must start again. I used to go with my friend, I expect it is the same at most sessions, where youre given a leaflet stating reasons you could not give blood that day, and we used to laugh at anyone then leaving after reading the leaflet, guessing which reason prevented them from doing so, was it because they had recently had their ears pierced, or were they a prostitute.........ah well, it passed the time whilst we waited.......lol
Originally Posted By chickapin My blood is somewhat in demand so I do donate as often as they will let me. (Sometimes the iron is too low--it's always borderline.)
Originally Posted By frdeb1999 Can't here either due to medical problems and medications. But I truly appreciate those who can as I have been on the recieving end a few times!!
Originally Posted By peeaanuut I go every time they call. I am O+ CMV negative so they are in desperate need for my blood. I have 36 units lifetime so far.
Originally Posted By melekalikimaka <<was it because they had recently had their ears pierced, or were they a prostitute>> LOL
Originally Posted By chickendumpling I love to give blood. Does that sound crazy? lol. I do though. It is something that costs so little and can give so much. Everything really. At my old church there were about three little old ladies who would always come and give me the biggest most heartfelt hugs of thanks after getting a blood treatment. Kinda chokes me up just to remember that. Sadly, like chickapin (and others?), my iron levels fluctuate lots and so I get turned away sometimes which bums me out. And then there was that whole liver disease scare (which happily ended up being a misdiagnosis). I was glad to see Ursula's post about some of the bans being lifted. And thanks for this topic. It is a good reminder!
Originally Posted By 4Disnee I have never given blood but my husband does all the time they just called here 5 min ago and want him to come in again.
Originally Posted By dltraveler I've tried about six times. I've successfully donated twice, but the other four I was rejected for low iron. I've about given up.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I used to religiously, but then I had a very severe platelet/clotting problem the last time I was pregnant, and I remember the nurses saying I could never give blood again....
