Sorry your browser is not supported!

You are using an outdated browser that does not support modern web technologies, in order to use this site please update to a new browser.

Browsers supported include Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 10+ or Microsoft Edge.

Geek Culture / Donating Blood

Author
Message
Bran flakes91093
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 13th Sep 2008
Location: Crazy Land
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 03:05
Link
Has anyone ever donated blood? I'm a two-time donor as of yesterday, even though I hate the thought of needles being inside of me.

The reason I do it (besides the cookies and other free snacks ) is because it feels awesome to know that I've helped out at least one person in need.

If you have: What was your experience like? Has the person administering the needle missed your vein before? Or have you passed out or came close to passing out?

If you have not: Why not?

“C++ : Where friends have access to your private members.”
-Gavin Russell Baker
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Aaagreen
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Sep 2007
Location: City 17
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 03:08
Link
I've had a blood transfusion once since chemo began, but I'd just be waay too uncomfortable with the thought of a needle going in and taking a load of blood.


I'd love to see things from your point of view but I can't get my head that far up my bum.
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Jeku
Moderator
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jul 2003
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 03:15 Edited at: 12th Aug 2010 03:16
Link
I have donated 17 times so far, and my next appointment is next week. I like doing it.. it's kind of enjoyable in a love/hate way. I still look away when the needle is going in, and I would have to say that it hurts more when they pull the needle out. Altogether the pain is MUCH less than what you would think.. it feels like nothing more than a pinch.

I have slightly high average blood pressure, yet it takes a while for my blood to come out. You would think that this would come out faster with more pressure! I look forward to the free coffee and cookies afterward!

What is your blood type? Mine is O negative.. universal blood donor.


Senior Web Developer - Nokia
Back to top
Profile PM Website
Aaagreen
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Sep 2007
Location: City 17
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 03:29
Link
It's not the pain I mind, it's the squeamishness.


I'd love to see things from your point of view but I can't get my head that far up my bum.
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Bran flakes91093
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 13th Sep 2008
Location: Crazy Land
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 03:33
Link
Quote: "I still look away when the needle is going in, and I would have to say that it hurts more when they pull the needle out."

I look away also, it's better to not know when it's coming. And yes, it does feel worse when the needle is taken out than when it is put in. Maybe your arm gets a little irritated when a needle has been in it for a while.

Quote: "
What is your blood type? Mine is O negative.. universal blood donor.
"

Ah, then I guess we're universal brothers! (I'm O- also )

“C++ : Where friends have access to your private members.”
-Gavin Russell Baker
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Jeku
Moderator
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jul 2003
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 03:39 Edited at: 12th Aug 2010 03:40
Link
Unless there's a religious or health reason for not doing so, I would say there's not many valid reasons to NOT donate blood. You *are* saving lives when you donate blood, because they're always short with the need. If you're scared of needles... man up.

I'm also signing up to be a bone marrow donor.


Senior Web Developer - Nokia
Back to top
Profile PM Website
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 13:44
Link
I'm in the process of getting my fitness up, but once I reach my goals and am going on a 'get healthy' spree, I think I ought to start donating blood. Is there anywhere where I can find more info?

As for needles, I don't mind them - they never seem to hurt all that much. People always tell me how awful they are, I don't know what the hell they're complaining about.

Quote: "Mine is O negative."


Type O Negative eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMBkCHiUbrM

Back to top
Profile PM Website
Blobby 101
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 17th Jun 2006
Location: England, UK
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 14:30
Link
I've never donated blood actually, but I'm on the organ donor register (I'm hardly gonna need them when I'm dead lol).

I might do though, how long does it take?

Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Toasty Fresh
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 10th Jun 2007
Location: In my office, making poly-eating models.
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 15:35
Link
Euuurch... needles.

Ought to consider it however.
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Quik
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 3rd Jul 2008
Location: Equestria!
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 15:54
Link
i have not, since 1: i cant be asked to
2: this is probably it, i have sort of a phobia for blood, needles etc, i can barely go to the doctor and take a needle without feeling extremly awkward aso..


[Q]uik, Quiker than most
Back to top
Profile PM
Shadowtroid
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Dec 2009
Location: nope
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 17:09 Edited at: 12th Aug 2010 17:10
Link
I have not, I do not meet the age requirement.

I have always wanted to do it however. As soon as I become old enough I want to do it.

And I have some choice words for people who don't do it because they are scared of needles.

Back to top
Profile PM Email
Bran flakes91093
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 13th Sep 2008
Location: Crazy Land
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 17:54 Edited at: 12th Aug 2010 18:02
Link
Quote: "I'm also signing up to be a bone marrow donor."

That's really heroic. That could really mean the difference between life or death for a person who needs a transplant. If you get called, would you do the surgical procedure or the PBSC non-surgical procedure?

Quote: "I think I ought to start donating blood. Is there anywhere where I can find more info? "

You can go to http://www.redcrossblood.org to find info about it and find blood drives in your area (If you live in the US).
And here's a link to a virtual tour http://www.blood.co.uk/giving-blood/what-happens/

Quote: "I might do though, how long does it take?"

It depends. From your arrival to your departure, it could last 30-60 minutes, depending on how busy they are and if you have an appointment.
(And how many snacks you decide to eat)
The actual donation part could last around 5-20 minutes.

“C++ : Where friends have access to your private members.”
-Gavin Russell Baker
Back to top
Profile PM Email
Jeku
Moderator
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jul 2003
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 21:12 Edited at: 12th Aug 2010 21:13
Link
And they ask you some funny questions... like "Have you been in contact with monkey fluids since 1980?"



Quote: "If you get called, would you do the surgical procedure or the PBSC non-surgical procedure?"


I'm not sure.. whatever is best for the patient I guess. My old teacher was a marrow donor and he had to walk on crutches for a while--- they really did a toll on him!


Senior Web Developer - Nokia
Back to top
Profile PM Website
Quik
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 3rd Jul 2008
Location: Equestria!
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 21:42
Link
Quote: "choice words for people who don't do it because they are scared of needles."


there is however a difference between being scared of needles, and having a phobia against needles...


[Q]uik, Quiker than most
Back to top
Profile PM
Interplanetary Funk
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 19th Apr 2010
Location: Ipswich, United Kingdom
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 21:51
Link
I'd like to donate blood, but last time I checked I wasn't allowed to due to being on prescribed medicines.
Back to top
Profile PM
Shadowtroid
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 23rd Dec 2009
Location: nope
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 22:43
Link
Quote: "there is however a difference between being scared of needles, and having a phobia against needles..."


There is something called willpower.

I have a debilitating fear of heights...And I have climbed up a pole the height of a telephone wire-post-thing. And then continued to jump off.

I just think that any fear can be overcome with rational thought and lots of closing your eyes.

Back to top
Profile PM Email
Sonic 91 Software
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 19th Mar 2005
Location: In a Cryptic Crossworld!
Posted: 12th Aug 2010 23:35
Link
My fiancée is a blood donor and I am immensely proud of her for doing so, I'm just a bit squeamish, though strangely enough I want to sign up to be a bone marrow donor! Both she and I are both on the organ donor register, and you'd think (if you knew that I have tattoos) that I wouldn't be afraid of needles!

Fight the good fight of faith,
Lay hold on Eternal Life.
-1 Timothy 6:12-
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Seppuku Arts
Moderator
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Aug 2004
Location: Cambridgeshire, England
Posted: 13th Aug 2010 02:01
Link
Quote: "and you'd think (if you knew that I have tattoos) that I wouldn't be afraid of needles!"



To be fair, although both are needles, they are kind of different - tattoo needles really just pierce a few layers of skin whilst medical needles get right under your skin and I think it's that what grosses people out.

Back to top
Profile PM Website
Back to top

Login to post a reply

Server time is: 2025-06-05 08:40:03
Your offset time is: 2025-06-05 08:40:03