I have never donated blood before and choosing to do this first was quite a doozy. I was already nervous before I went in, but as I was filling out the paperwork a young woman fainted. It freaked me out and just after they stuck the needle in me, I started to panic and sweat. They iced me down a bit and the movies kept me distracted. I felt fine after I left, but about forty minutes later I felt light headed and got sick. I am in no rush to do it again, but I am happy I did. Plus I got 3 movie tickets. 11 months ago
So I will be doing it this week at the UCLA Blood Donation Center. Mostly for free movie tickets, but still a great thing to do. 11 months ago
I’ve been donating since June, 2007, and as of early July 2011 I’ve donated 83 times. Yes, it takes time – as long as 2.5 hours from the arrival and interview until post-donation juice and cookies, but it is very worthwhile. Yes, it hurts a bit, but really only for the first few minutes, then it’s smooth sailing – watching a movie, relaxing under blankets. In the Baltimore, MD area where I donate, most donated platelets go to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, where they are used to treat cancer and surgery patients and for cancer research. It’s easy to schedule an appointment – I know that every other Tuesday evening I’ll be donating. I know the small amount of time I can volunteer to do this can mean so much to others in need. So…what are YOU waiting for? 23 months ago
I signed up for platelets donation. I’m a little concerned that it takes about two hours to complete. That’s a long time to have a needle in your arm. 2 years ago
RH Positive is mine and Auntie Pat’s blood group so this is enough for me to get my arse in gear and get down to the Donor Centre! 2 years ago
Just get it done asap! 2 years ago
I have an appointment this evening… 3 years ago
Because you can donate so often, will your veins get scarred? I really want to do this :) 3 years ago
This is an easy way to help others. I donate 3 units every 2 weeks. It takes me about 2 hours on the apheresis machine. It can be a bit uncomfortable so I treat myself with a movie and enjoy an apple juice while donating. The free t-shirts come in handy later for work-out attire. Make sure you avoid aspirin 48 hours before you donate. Also, I take extra calcium during those 48 hours. To prevent scarring from frequent donating rub Vitamin E oil on the site. Another thing I tend to get pretty cold so they provide a blanket or heating pad to help offset this side effect. I do require a long nap after the donation process. 3 years ago
Sort it out!!!! 3 years ago
