I've donated for about 20 years now, it's a wonderful feeling to know you've helped someone.

Hey, sorry to resurect an oldish thread, but I just wanted to say something.
I gave blood for the fourth time today, which isnt bad considering I am only 17, and really wanted to stress the fact that so much blood is needed, here in Australia, and Im sure it is also needed in all the other countries, anyway, it does not hurt like some people think, and I really want to encourage people to do it, and anyway, whats a tiny prick, when you could save someones life, or prevent loads of pain?
Anyway, please do it.
I can undersatnd that some people cant do it, or dont want to, but for those who can its worth it.

I dont mean to sound wimpy... but even just reading this thread has made me go weak and lightheaded. As in, I can barely function my arms properly.

Its not that I think my blood is my own and noone else should get it (my god its hard to type when your about to faint off ur chair), its more of a case that I cant possibly stand the thought of something solid impaling my body. *shudders*

This being said, I can do it when it has to be done. I went and got a HIV test because of my sexuality, and the fact that I thought I was drugged and raped while clubbing in sydney one night. I was so much more scared of the results than the actual needle itself, heh.

In case your all worried about my health (oh i know you all are [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) the test came back fine. Although, I do have some sort of iron deficiency... so im not sure if my blood is even good to give lol.

End of rant [img]smile.gif[/img] *falls off chair*

Hehehe, maybe you should get something to eat [img]smile.gif[/img]
Hey I know its not for everyone, but if you have ever considered it then you should go ahead.

Oh and sorry if I offended anyone with my "hating people who hate needles" post, I was only trying to understand who actually liked needles.

The last time I gave blood I was at college, and I made my best friend come watch. I'm not sure why, in retrospect lol - she's extremely squeamish. We were trying to have a conversation so I wouldn't have to think about it or be compelled to look at it, but she kept glancing over and turned really pale. She had to sit down, and they offered HER a cookie LOL.

I realize the importance of it and that your body replenishes it in due time, but it made me tired and sore for like 3 days. Then the blood bank called me about 16 times after the waiting period to say "You know, you can give blood again." It was informative the first time, but the others were like guilt trips. I plan on doing it again (not like I do anything important that soreness will prevent), but probably won't do so at that particular bank.

A positive all the way!

Side note: My room-mate couldn't give blood because he was in Britain when they had their mad-cow scare. We teased him about that of course.

When I did the blood work for my Part I retirement physical, I had them draw some for a donation test. They calmly told me to return to clinic in 3 years for another test. That really makes me wonder????

For what it's worth -- and don't look at me funny -- I'm one of those people who do actually like needles. I've always liked them, and I think the entire process horribly exciting.

And no, I'm not masochistic in any other way; I just like needles!

Now, that said, I give my A- blood once every two months, and do it because I know it helps people, often people I know. That I enjoy giving it is a lovely side effect [img]tongue.gif[/img]

3 cheers for Arvon - that's a lot of blood. Felix - curious, maybe that's their way of getting people to come back? I'd rather just get a card in the mail a week before...

For what it's worth -- and don't look at me funny -- I'm one of those people who do actually like needles. I've always liked them, and I think the entire process horribly exciting.

And no, I'm not masochistic in any other way; I just like needles!

Now, that said, I give my A- blood once every two months, and do it because I know it helps people, often people I know. That I enjoy giving it is a lovely side effect [img]tongue.gif[/img] </font>[/QUOTE]Well, we all gotta love something. [img]smile.gif[/img]

you are in the service right? they will do that. if I am correct, being in the service means you can not give blood for x amount of years, for my husband it was 10 years before he could donate anything like that....