Blood donors?

[ildu]

This chick on Real Time with Bill Maher said that she isn't allowed to give any of these donations (not even blood), because she lived in England at the time of the mad cow epidemic. The context was about donating blood and such to victims of Katrina. She was talking about the states, though - they might be a bit more sensitive about it there. Then again, mad cow's symptoms are said to be dormant for years, so we won't see the effects of it on some level until the near future.

I don't think I've ever given blood. There have been a couple of blood drives in my time, but I never thought a cookie was worth the stinging of needles. I'd be happy to participate now, but it hardly overrides other priorities. Plus, I wouldn't really know where to go to get one. They should do more PSA's about it. Also, in every occasion where I've gotten a needle stuck into a vein, the nurses have always had a hard time catching my veins. Apparently they're thin. They always stick me like 12 times before they catch it. I know, there go my chances of becoming a junkie :|

EDIT:

Funny thing - apparently in Finland a male, who's had sex with another male, is not allowed to give blood.

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

In another thread here I learned that some high medal scientists discovered the universal colour of the universe, which is turquoise. Can't see how that'll help some kid that's run over by a cart and needs an infusion.

Those high medal scientists are working for a field of science, the kid needs help from high medal people in the field of medicine. I understand where you're coming from, but that point is very moot. Similarly, the kid wouldn't be helped by most any other developments in science, art, sociology, psychology, whatever. It's a whole different issue.

As for the blood issue, you seem better informed than I am, but until I am proven wrong I will maintain that, if it were that easy to do, it would be done, I'm sure. But apart from this stuborness, I am not qualified to discuss it any further.

Ildu and people who mention similar things - sometimes it may seem like they're putting on flimsy excuses or going overboard with protection, but this is a very serious matter. Healthy blood can save lives. Blood that's unhealthy in any way can contribute to serious harm or death. When AIDS first reared its ugly head, blood transfusions became a nightmare. Is it any wonder that nowadays people try to be extra- extra-safe?

The ridicule only happens when, as has been said in this thread, bad things happen DESPITE those extra precautions. That means something is definitely wrong.

EDIT - When I wrote the above, I hadn't seen Ildu's edit. I agree that it is ridiculous to stop people giving blood from that sole reason.

[shbaz]

I think it's ridiculous that homosexuals are still screened from giving blood in the US.

I've done it, I should do it regularly but it just doesn't happen. It's hard for me to decide whether it's safe or not, 'cause last time I passed out and was woozy all day. It's kind of a bad idea with all the driving that I do.

You can give blood at any hospital or Red Cross center, they're glad to take it. There are always blood shortages it seems and hospitals have to pay outside sources for their supplies. Your free blood is much appreciated, after they test it for HIV and such.

[Ghost]

Those high medal scientists are working for a field of science, the kid needs help from high medal people in the field of medicine. I understand where you're coming from, but that point is very moot. Similarly, the kid wouldn't be helped by most any other developments in science, art, sociology, psychology, whatever. It's a whole different issue.

Agreed, that was a bit superficial from me.

[ildu]

The last time I heard anything about it, I think they said Finland has a surplus of blood. Maybe they even export it, I don't know. We haven't had any contractions of HIV since 1985, when they started screening for it. The last Hep C contraction was in 2000. They say it's very safe in Finland, because you get nothing in return, which means it doesn't attract bunches of junkies and hobos and such. I'm sure it's the same way in most countries. Also, there's enough support from the government to do thorough adequacy and disease testing with the proper staff.

[Tuomas]

Well, it is a common procedure, that if you've had sex with a new partner during, what's it, 6 months, you're not supposed to donate blood, unless you've had yourself tested. And one must agree, HIV was pretty common among gay people during the 60's or so, I 'think that's why it's so.

I personally donate blood regularly, though I'm A positive, but that doesn't make me any less than other people.

I fact, now that I remember, last time I donated blood was some time ago, it was the independence day of Finland, don't know the date (so, shoot me). Anyway, later that day my friends appeared at my door with shitloads of beer, and sure I had to drink, I had just moved in, so it was  a party celebrating that. So I drank quite a lot. (How the hell do all my posts lead to drinking too much?). Anyway, didn't feel that different after all. I've never had any problems doanting, no dizzy feelings, now puking or such.

[ildu]

And one must agree, HIV was pretty common among gay people during the 60's or so, I 'think that's why it's so.

That's pretty odd, since HIV was discovered in 1981 .

I personally donate blood regularly, though I'm A positive, but that doesn't make me any less than other people.

I think I'm A+ as well. Having A+ blood means that we can only donate to people who are either also A+ or AB+. O- is where the money's at .

[Mr Flibble]

I have O Negative.

Great, my blood is a whore. ¬¬

[Alynn]

I used to give blood,then I couldn't for a number of years (including now)

1 Year because of a new tattoo
3 years because of a deployment to Kosovo
1 Year because of another tattoo
3 Years because of a deployment to Iraq
1 Year because of ANOTHER tattoo

So I've pretty much given up on the thought of ever giving blood again, even with my next giving blood window is open (2009) I'll probably end up getting another tattoo by then

[voh]

I'm like Montgomery Burns. I've got so many things wrong with me that I should be dead. Thankfully, like Mr. Burns, the things wrong with me are keeping one another in balance, so I live!

These things do keep me from being allowed to give blood, though.

[Ali]

I don't give blood as often as I should, I'm glad this thread has reminded me to make more of an effort.

[MashPotato]

This has been a reminder to me as well... I haven't given blood since highschool, and I really should since I have O+ blood (not quite the universal donor, but close ) and I'm not squeamish about needles.

[Tuomas]

That's pretty odd, since HIV was discovered in 1981 .

Oh, how silly of me, of course there was no HIV before that.

[Mr Flibble]

That's pretty odd, since HIV was discovered in 1981 .

Damn that Reagan, does his treachery know no bounds?

[Quintaros]

The first time I donated blood I met an older lady who had donated over 100 times and some competitive streak in me said:  "If you start donating regularly now at 20, you'll totally beat her record."  And so I donated regularly every 8 weeks which was the minimum recovery period between donations.  It was very convenient while I was in University as the clinic was on campus.  I even amped it up at one point and started donating plasma which only required a 1 week recovery period betweeen donations.  Since graduating from university my donations are sporadic.

For me the worst part about donating was the screening questionairre.  Twenty questions about my sexual history when I just needed a box that said "None of the above".

[Becky]

I have donated blood twice, and plan on continuing (though its difficult as my alternating between home and university doesn't seem to match up to when the sessions are).  My mum really encouraged me to do it, she's a very regular donor and both of us are also on the organ donor register.  Despite the fact I am petite and it makes me feel very drained and tired (nothing that a drink, a biscuit and a nap can't cure!), it only takes half an hour of your time and is one of the more selfless things you can do.  I have the B+ blood group, and I really think more people should donate blood because there's absolutely no reason not to unless you are medically unfit to do so.

[m0ds]

I used to own a donor card (when I was about 5 ) but don't have that anymore. Also, a couple of years ago I was pushed towards a door by my parents and a load of people and ended up enrolling for marrow-bone transplants or something. I can't beleive I did that.

The main reason I don't give blood is my fear of needles. As far as I know it's the only way of extracting blood. When I was about 8 I had major operations on my arm. 6 of them, to fix my bone that had started growing in the wrong direction The part I feared most was when they put that gel type stuff on your hand and then stick the anaestethic in there. I couldn't handle it. I begged and begged for the gas option but they only ever did it once. One time when they used a needle, the surgeon got it stuck in my hand, and couldn't remove it. It had bent slightly or something, and he was trying to pull it out whilst I was still concious. From that moment on I was certain never to do anything involving needles again. I guess it's my phobia, so that is unfortunately why people won't be having my blood. They can have my organs though...I just have to be dead first