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I too am a mad cow candidate so have not donated for many years.
Good on you for giving it a go. Get back in there and see if some prep will make a difference.
I did not have issues at the time of the visit but on a few occasions had some pain around the site from where they stuck the needle in. I put it down to the nurse's technique and a small issue given the community benefit.
I always found you need to be properly hydrated.
I like to ensure that Im over hydrated within the 48 hour window prior to giving, steered clear of diuretics for the 48 hours and urniated clear within 90 minutes prior to donating.
I dont drink tea so I go for apple juice and water.
My blood group (B-) is only about 3% of the population, but they used to send me the reminders as well. It was a regular occurrence to donate every 3 months, frequently at work, till I had about 40 donations. But then my cumulative time in the UK added up to over the six months limit. They don't like losing donors.
Earn - don't worry, the fact that you collapsed this time, is frequently only the stress of the first donation. It usually improves so it's nothing.
Diana
Good on you. I donated for years until I came down with my latest problem which requires prednizone. That wiped me out. Jim
Good on you for donating Ean, there are not enough donors these days. I have just stopped being a donor after 42 years of regular visits to the BB. Only reason I stopped was because they have been having trouble getting the needle into my artery, maybe something to do with age and the blood vessels shrinking. Used to joke about not being able to donate after a night out on the town but the nurses reckoned that it was better as the turps would make the blood flow quicker:D
Well done, proper hydration is the key. Afterwards I recommend infusion of medicinal Guiness , preferably in a relaxed atmosphere . Bob
I have just done my 105th donation and there were as few that were not recorded, they were on a passenger ship years ago. I have only had an issue once but I did overdo it a bit after the donation. Yes you do have to drink plenty of water and yes you do have to go for a pee nearly every 5 minutes, especially when you get older!! Ha ha. :angel:
I also donate. It's a very worthy cause,so I do it. But I am petrified of needles and always insist on asking for the most gentle nurse there. Even the initial pinprick test scares the hell out of me. Admittedly though it is generally already done before I notice and then I wonder what I was so scared of.
On three occasions despite me insisting I was fine they have noticed something and made me lie down again. Glad they did too, cos I'm sure I was close to having a little lie down on my own.
Kenley
I suppose you can tell that she is the most gentle one there because she is the best looking one. :D:D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by kenleyfred
I used to give blood regularly, starting when I was at university, but no longer live where it is easy to do.
At uni a friend of mine passed out on the bed while giving blood. His story was that he was fine as the needle went in; he was fine watching the blood flow out; but when he nurse left the room, he panicked at the thought of what would happen if she didn't come back. :D
Good on you. And yes drink lots then drink some more and only water, no tea & coffee :(
I am up to donation 23 for plasma and think it is probably the purest donation you can make, really giving of your self.
I know kids that require plasma products to survive and it makes me cry. I have my next 4 appointments booked in.
Never fainted yet but they refused to let me get up one day as machine had died and taken well over the maximum amount more than a litre. Made me sit there for 20 min and then asked I be picked up. I was fine.
James
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