Giving blood

[gaugeguy]

Just donated a pint about 15 minutes ago (blood drive at work today), and this pint put me over the 5 gallon mark. The nurse that took the blood was a hack, I am gonna have a nasty bruise <br /><br />How many of you give the gift of life?

 

[knobby]

Re: Giving blood

I give regularly also, but last time I got phlebitis from the puncture. That was about 3 months ago, still hasn't cleared up completely. I'll give again soon as I can, but maybe talk to them this time before the punch. Beware of bald-headed nurses.....

 

[JB]

Re: Giving blood

I used to give regularly. Don't think I ever got close to 5 gallons, though.<br /><br />They wont take it any more because of cardiac and ulcer history.<br /><br />Congratulations and thanks, GG. Available whole blood kept me alive more than once.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Giving blood

5 gallons isn't really that much. 4 pints a year for 10 years.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Giving blood

I haven't given in awhile. I am O+ and should do it more often.

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Giving blood

5 gallons is more than what I've given! That's great, GG!<br />Unfortunately, when I was about 4 yrs old, I was traumatized when a nurse used a needle to actually dig in my veins trying to draw blood when I needed an apendectomy. When she was done, I stuttered for 6 months. I still have the mark on the inside of my elbow. Haven't given blood since, and nearly passed out 30 years ago when they drew blood when we got our marriage license.<br /><br />

 

[Bassy]

Re: Giving blood

I haven't for a couple of years, but I was pretty good about it for a lot of years; since college. I gave plasma every month for a long time. I almost gave morrow, but I heard its painful, so I chickened out. I have a good reserve in case something happens and I need blood. Kinda nice to know. It's a good thing to do.<br />Bassy

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Giving blood

Originally posted by LadyFish:<br /> I am O+ and should do it more often.

That's exactly why I started giving, anyone can use our blood.

 

[RichP1269]

Re: Giving blood

Started giving in high school. Been going 16 years every 8 weeks on the dot.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Giving blood

i donate blood plasma twice a week. <br /><br />it is used for burn victims, trauma, and any kinda thing such as gun shots or heavy punctures. <br /><br />been doing it almost a year now

 

[rolmops]

Re: Giving blood

I've given 6 pints a year for the last 32 years.I consider myself very lucky that I never needed any ,and for being healthy enough to give.I think it is because I am one of those damn leftwingers who always has to share everything.

 

[Link]

Re: Giving blood

From 18 years old to mid 30's I gave once a month.<br />Then one day the the bag came off its hook and fell the needle went through the other side of my vein, through the skin and the weight of the blood bag caused the needle to twist my skin 180 degrees! All happened in a split second OUCH!<br /><br />I did give once again about 10 years ago or so but to be honest I was the only one in there that didn't need the 10 bucks or what ever they were paying. So I never went back.<br />Guess I should find another place to donate.<br /><br />Good reminder post

 

[jimchere]

Re: Giving blood

Just do it.<br />If you can't take a little sting in the arm to save another person's life, then what are you made of?

 

[CoachHolland]

Re: Giving blood

Used to do it consistently. I was also a member of the Red Cross CPR/First Aid instructor team.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I haven't done it for quite some time. Last time I did it, I had a person who had no clue what they were doing. They stuck my right arm multiple times, was moving the needle around looking for the vein and never could get it before a supervisor noticed the look on my face and told her to quit and do the other arm.<br /><br />She finally got my left arm after another five minutes of prodding around. Two noticable scars, one on each arm since that day, though the one on the right is more noticable than the one on the left. Looks like I used to shoot up heroin or something.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Giving blood

I have fairly big arms and the veins are clearly visible and usually the nurse has no problem. But two days ago that nurse was having a bad day or something. I have a pretty big bruise today. It only took 5 minutes to fill the bag, my blood pressure and pulse must have been quite high after her little accupuncture lesson <br /><br />I'll do it again in 3 months though, gives you that good feeling inside.

 

[Link]

Re: Giving blood

Originally posted by jimchere:<br /> Just do it.<br />If you can't take a little sting in the arm to save another person's life, then what are you made of?

A little sting.. OMGwhat are you talking about..that was real pain... yes I agree with ya.. and it was a one time thing. but talk about hurt!