Blood Donors

Calendargirl I believe a pint of blood can be taken weekly if you have genetic haemochromatosis and your ferritin levels (and thus your iron stores) are really high. It's only for a limited time till the levels are sufficiently reduced. Too much iron absorption stores in the body organs and can lead to various conditions.

That's very interesting, Growstuff, I wonder when they stopped using female plasma donations?
I got the impression that it was my antibodies that were useful to them?

Thanks EkwaNimitee

BridgetPark - It is interesting isn't it! I rang the blood donor helpline a while ago and they explained everything to me. Although I'm not sure why I managed to donate so much in the 80s and 90s and very little over the last 20 years. Research probably showed it wasn't suitable any more!
growstuff - I think your link is the page I copied and pasted my info from!
Grannmarie – Plasma is still taken from women but those who don't have AB+ blood. (I think!)

Thank you, Ladystardust.

Grannmarie

That's very interesting, Growstuff, I wonder when they stopped using female plasma donations?
I got the impression that it was my antibodies that were useful to them?

It could be. Usually antibodies in plasma aren't a good thing, but I guess they are if specific ones are needed.

i just checked the requirements and i can't as i have had cancer, i have had 2 different types in 3 years, in recovery at the moment from operation last month.

Wishing you well, nexus63.

VioletSky

I can't give blood as I hemmoraged 3 times after birth (they left in a piece of placenta that eventually came out at home much to my horror) so I have received blood.

Thank you to those who save lives

You should still be able to donate. I had a number of transfusions after a birth and it's not a barrier. It's why I really do want to give back. I feel like I owe them a few.

I really do agree that donating blood is one of the best things any adult can do. No blood pressure reading is taken, it is quick, simple and painfree.

Donated mine for several years, then when I was on long-term steroid treatments was told I could no longer donate. Followed by a big operation and receiving lots of other peoples donated blood.

Do wish more about this was spoken about to teenagers at school and college. Sure more donors could be found if this waa done.q

Cafeaulait I can't, I've checked again. It's sad. I also have a rare type of antibody as a result of the transfusion so I think that is another reason I can't from what I remember.

I am O negative and gave blood regularly for years until I had breast cancer.

My blood group is B Rh + , and pretty rare, and I was welcomed with open arms when I first donated, but I can no longer be a donor now due to health problems.

I agree that, if we can, giving blood is one of the most worthwhile things we can do. That is true even if we don't have a rare blood group. I have donated my very common A+ blood for many years and have always been welcomed.

On the back of this thread I tried to give blood today sadly not enough iron. .going to try hard to get it back up.

GrannyMac

Another reason to give blood as you have just said, it can pick up various issues, anaemia and similar, and flag it up before it gets serious.

I donated for many years more than 25 pints then they brought a rule that if you have had a blood transfusion you could no longer donate, I had one after my C section in the '80s and again after an operation in recent years. I have enquired a few times if any thing has changed but been told no. So unfortunately am no longer able to donate.

I give blood regularly (and no, I've never had my blood pressure taken).
The last few times, afterwards I've been offered a biscuit, as usual, but only cold drinks (water or squash) have been available "because of Covid"!
I'd be interested to know if this is the same in other doning centres and if anyone knows why? Everywhere else seems able to serve hot drinks with no problems!

I was offered a cup of tea last time, GrandmaKT. And a packet of Seabrook crisps as well as a Club biscuit. I had one of each.

As i was doing the walk of shame after not being able to donate, past other people donating, i did notice they weren"t serving hot drinks. Hope they still do Tuc biscuits!