General Chat

I used to donate but they won't take it here because of CJD fears.

I also give blood. Think I have give about 48 pints now. My hubby and daughter also go, but my 6' 4' son is too much of a wimp!! Always finds an excuse not to go. My daughter was in Madrid at the time of the bombings and went to give blood there. They were very wary of taking British blood because of the CJD. They did take hers eventually though.

Yes, done it since I was 18 on & off. Having children, colds etc. 54 pints but now, I live in France not sure what happens over here. Must find out. My neice had to have platelets transfusions & that takes an awful lot of donors. Would never give though if I got paid for it. Hilary.

I can't give blood, but my husband gave from the age of 18 until he had blood transfusions after his accident 11 years ago. He was only 2 donations short of his gold badge too! Younger son has given since he was 18 (he's now 22). None of my other 3 children donate, but middle grandaughter (8) went with my son last time and was given a sticker saying 'My uncle gave blood today'. She says she definitely will donate in 10 years time! All the family carry donor cards, even the children. After my daughter's mother-in-law died suddenly, 12 people were helped by her organs etc, and that made us all decide to join the organ donors register. Sue xx

I did when i was younger. Worked for Unilever in their London Headquarters and they were ,and still are, very active in support. They gave a room for the blood tranfussion team very six months and made a big advertising campaign encouraging support. & made all appointments in advance for your visit. Altho we worked flexitime & medical appts were normally made in your own time ,in this case you made your appt gave your blood without any time penalty. I did give blood till I caught a forergn flu type virus of the maleria family that stayed in the blood .and this put paid to any more contributions. Am pleased to say that my 23 yr grandaughter has just started to be a donor now

Not these days- Past it!! but could give to thermometer manufacturer lol Len

Gave 22 pints, am now declared defective...they don't want mine anymore :o(((( Tina x

Hi Linda, that's impressive. I filled in the form and had my blood tested to be a stem cell donor, but I can't do that, all good fun. Gloria :-)))

I have given blood 54 times. Am on the organ donor register.

Husband always gave blood, but he is too old now. We both would donate any bits which may be useful to someone... but, we are now quite sick and no one wants them!! LOL DeannaX

I would if I could but I had a spenectomy and for that reason my blood is no good! The speen filters the blood blah blah so therefore I can't do it, but am very very grateful for those who do as without them I would not have lived through the operation! :o) xx

i gave blood for years-but was recently cut adrift as i had transfusion durin childbirth (8 yrs ago) ,and all the concerns over variant cjd!! .so one less reliable donor.

Sorry to say I'm a taker not a giver........

I have given 12 pints. Until a few years ago when they decided that people who had a blood transfusion from 1984 onwards could not give any more because of contracting CJD

Yes have always given blood since I was old enough. Have had a few funny turns now and then but mostly find if I drink plenty before hand then I'm OK. Anna x

I used to, but when I was diagnosed(sp) with Arthritis, it shows up in blood, and with the medication it's now no good, and hubby had to stop when he had his heart attack, due to medication again. Bev

I used to and still would expect that am not allow to as the rules here say because of the fact I lived in England for two years during the eighties the CJD thingy comes into efffect. I used to always have to have my blood labelled separately when I did give it as I have been to a couple of countries that are in the malaria risk zone - Michelle

Some interesting replies. Helen, I don't think anyone should feel they have to give blood, or donate organs, it is a very personal thing. The reason I give blood, was when our son was born he had septacemia (probably spelt wrong) and had to have a complete transfusion when he was one week old. Up until then it had never entered my head, now I try to go when I can. Gloria :-)))

Both OH and I give blood, and have done for years. Unfortunately for him, I'm really slow giving mine up, and he could bleed for England, so he always ends up waiting ages for me.

You would have thought so Gloria but who knows, perhaps they think it too much trouble for the amount they would be getting. I shall start giving blood again when I come home (if I'm not too old by then!). Christina