donating blood

[Kilt Boy 29353]

I don't know if anyone else here donates blood, or would even qualify to. I donate so often that I know all the questions by heart and notice when they change even slightly.

 

I'm coming up on 100 donations, and think that's a good time to stop. Then, I'll have done what I set out to do, and will feel satisfied with my donation to society. This is how I contribute: with a portion of my life. I'm pretty sure it's getting to the people who need it.

 

My donations are completely safe as I haven't had sex of any kind in almost 12 years. That's a very long and boring story, and for another time.

 

I may be starting to look further into the hobby, but this schedule puts me back another year and a half. Something to look forward to, I guess.

[Boomer 33202]

Many years ago I was rather taken aback when I received a rather curt letter from the Canadian Red Cross. They ordered me to have a blood test, I happened to be one of a number of donors that had been used by a recipient who had contacted Hep C. I complied and heard no more and continued to donate, but it did make you wonder about the efficacy of their screening methods at that time. We all know what happened with the subsequent scandal.

 

Of course we know that there have been great changes to the program.

[OceanMassage 5357]

I'm O so I would like to give but, being borderline anemic, they don't want to risk having to give me some back lol.

[Luckyme 41401]

I have been donating blood for many many years. I have to stop though for the last few years due to this hobby. The questionnaire seems to imply that hobbyists will not qualify although I have undergone tests regularly and proven to be healthy and safe. I'd love to resume giving in the near future.

[NotchJohnson 214134]

I used to donate 3-4 times a year until I started seeing escorts because of the questionnaire. Many years ago when this question came out it was asked in person(in private) and I told the lady(nurse) that I had been paying for sex because I was married and I had to pay my wife for it....she did not find it funny.

[Kilt Boy 29353]

"Have you ever paid money or drugs for sex?"

"Have you ever had sex with someone who's sexual history you are unsure of?"

 

Despite the legal wrangling that is used over the meaning of sex or payment, I believe that the intent of the questions is quite clear.

[jafo105 39057]

I am O+ and have always wanted to donate. A few years ago I called to make an appointment. They turned me down because of the medication I am on. But they keep sending me emails to see if my situation has changed.

[mary jane 1011]

I have donated blood a couple of times a couple years ago, I am AB positive which is pretty freaking rare .

 

Just thought I'd put that out there lol

[NotchJohnson 214134]

If we would all answer honestly to the questionnaire none of us would ever be able to donate blood except for Kilt Boy. I get tested at least 3 times a year and never had any issues at the sexual health unit.

[Metalsmith 2983]

I've spent too much time in the UK (more than 3 months since the whole Mad Cow thing) and as far as I know, I'm not allowed to give anymore.

 

Last time I tried, I'd forgotten that I'd had a vaccination update about 3 weeks prior...they checked and turned me away.

 

MS

[status4 790]

My father did this often while he was living, he had all the certificates from the old Red Cross blood service and stuff.

 

I on the other hand, have genetic hemochromatosis, for those that don't know it's the inability to process iron, found somewhat rarely in folks mostly of Celtic/Welsh, Western European ancestry. We are the Olympic champs of blood letting. In the 5 years since my diagnosis I've had more blood removed as therapeutic treatment for my disease then I care to think about. While before hand I was ambiguous about donating blood, now the thought of having it done when not required :frown:, even though our blood can be highly useful due to it's overly rich iron content, nah, thanks, but no.

[Kilt Boy 29353]

Okay, that makes donation number 95.

 

"Almost there ..."

[Rebecca Winter 336]

As a nurse, what I would counsel people to do is to know the guidelines and, if they really want to donate, they can make the decision to tell the truth or not.

The fact of the matter is that all the blood is tested for HIV and HCV. I would strongly suggest that anyone who is actively an injection drug user or having unprotected high-risk (i.e. vaginal or anal) sex with multiple partners to not donate as they could be within the window period for testing. But otherwise, for most of us, if we donate blood and are HIV positive then they would find it. The restrictions, imho are unfairly prejudicial and not adequately evidence-based.

[Luckyme 41401]

As a nurse, what I would counsel people to do is to know the guidelines and, if they really want to donate, they can make the decision to tell the truth or not.

The fact of the matter is that all the blood is tested for HIV and HCV. I would strongly suggest that anyone who is actively an injection drug user or having unprotected high-risk (i.e. vaginal or anal) sex with multiple partners to not donate as they could be within the window period for testing. But otherwise, for most of us, if we donate blood and are HIV positive then they would find it. The restrictions, imho are unfairly prejudicial and not adequately evidence-based.

 

I have resumed the give of life by donating blood recently. I based on my decision that " all the blood is tested for HIV and HCV". It is comforting to read your endorsement especially coming from a nurse.

[SexxxyRebecca 57990]

I have donate blood in the past before being in the industry. I may be wrong but if I remember "sex providers" cant donate blood because they are considered at "high risk" even if they protect themselve.

[Kilt Boy 29353]

The number questions regarding transfer of "sex for drugs or money" is quite extensive.

[Katherine of Halifax 113932]

A friend of mine recently needed a lot of blood to get through an operation. I don't know how scarce blood is now but it was years ago.

 

I also donated blood every time I was eligible . When you answer the questions truthfully you are treated as less of a person and denied.

 

I was told recently the resources are not there to test all blood donated. If this is true I can totally understand . If its not, our blood ( providers and clients ) is necessary for the saving of lives .

 

How dare they judge us ? Am I wrong to ask this ?

 

Additional Comments:

I have been donating blood for many many years. I have to stop though for the last few years due to this hobby. The questionnaire seems to imply that hobbyists will not qualify although I have undergone tests regularly and proven to be healthy and safe. I'd love to resume giving in the near future.

 

This is a pretty sad situation . We take huge precautions to stay safe and they don't want our blood. We tell the truth and are judged. I hope general population is as honest as we are..

[Kilt Boy 29353]

Thanks for WANTING to donate, but there are certain risks that a corporation and/or government are not willing to accept. It makes perfect sense. I'm GLAD that there are testing and a series of safeguards in place.

[GoinDown 3669]

I'll take a lot of grief for this, but IMO, choosing to give blood while actively 'hobbying' is the pinnacle of vanity.

[Kilt Boy 29353]

Blood donation #99. Check. My Gretzky donation.

 

Blue blood super moon. Check. Tonight.

 

Bloody Caesar. Very soon.