Kilt Boy 29353 Report post Posted September 5, 2016 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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boomer 33202 Report post Posted September 5, 2016 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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OceanMassage 5357 Report post Posted September 6, 2016 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luckyme 41401 Report post Posted September 6, 2016 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NotchJohnson 214123 Report post Posted September 6, 2016 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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilt Boy 29353 Report post Posted September 6, 2016 "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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jafo105 39057 Report post Posted September 6, 2016 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mary jane 1011 Report post Posted December 27, 2016 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 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NotchJohnson 214123 Report post Posted December 28, 2016 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. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Metalsmith 2983 Report post Posted January 2, 2017 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
status4 790 Report post Posted January 7, 2017 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilt Boy 29353 Report post Posted January 12, 2017 Okay, that makes donation number 95. "Almost there ..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rebecca Winter 336 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 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. 5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luckyme 41401 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SexxxyRebecca 57989 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilt Boy 29353 Report post Posted June 15, 2017 The number questions regarding transfer of "sex for drugs or money" is quite extensive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Katherine of Halifax 113932 Report post Posted January 9, 2018 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.. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilt Boy 29353 Report post Posted January 9, 2018 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoinDown 3669 Report post Posted January 9, 2018 I'll take a lot of grief for this, but IMO, choosing to give blood while actively 'hobbying' is the pinnacle of vanity. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kilt Boy 29353 Report post Posted January 30, 2018 Blood donation #99. Check. My Gretzky donation. Blue blood super moon. Check. Tonight. Bloody Caesar. Very soon. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites