Blood Donation page 2

[June68]

I would love to give blood, but the first time I did I passed out afterwards when I was walking out of the room. The second time it was during and they pulled the plug. It's not because of needles or the sight of blood, I find the process fascinating and the little see-saw thing mesmerizing...I don't know what it is, but I just can't stay conscious.

[CarlaC]

I have a friend who was dx'd with Acute Myelocytic Leukemia last week. I gave platelets a few days ago. Can't say it was the most fun I've ever had, but...

I was surprised at the amount of questions they asked. I have been to a bunch of Caribbean islands in the last few years- we had to go over each and every one. But I can see why they screen so thoroughly!

[liza]

Another reason - I can't donate blood because I weigh under 110 pounds.

[Austrian_Carnivore]

@june68
That happens sometimes. Specialy when people don't eat or drink enough before donating and also most times for vegetarians or vegans. Which i consider fun

[June68]

That's interesting, Australian_Carnivore. Maybe after a few months of this WOE, I'll give it another go. I felt fine about giving and I'm a good candidate so I'd like to try again.

[halfbunny]

Interesting to read how it works in the US! For example the "every 8 weeks": I am female and in Belgium & the Netherlands, you can donate max every 5.5 months, 16 US ounces of blood + sometimes a little more for plasma. I can't imagine doing that every 8 weeks!!

+ Living in the EU for over 5 years is not a reason for not-donating LOL, its a requirement here!
(Though i remember a question along the lines of ' living in the UK for over 2 years and eating beef at least once a week ')
They are VERY strict about iron levels in the blood though, like, they need to be top notch or you are send off for at least 2 or 3 months. How is that in the US (and UK)?

[Austrian_Carnivore]

@june68
Wish you the best for your next try, but you hat a few letters to much in my nick
But you are right I should visit australia.

[Paleobird]

Maybe after a few months of this WOE, I'll give it another go. I felt fine about giving and I'm a good candidate so I'd like to try again.

I got rejected a few times for low iron levels but that hasn't been a problem since I got over being grossed out by liver.

[Paleobird]

I have never tried to donate blood, although I would. I assumed the rules are the same as they are for plasma, which I was turned away from. Are they different, by any chance?

I would think the rules would be the same. With me they never want the plasma. They prefer the whole blood since I have O- the universal donor, good for ERs. They also use the O- for neonates who it's impossible to blood type.

[Crabbcakes]

The Europe concern is about mad cow disease and they only refuse you if you have spent time that adds up to five or more years there, not just a vacation in Paris.

Lifeshare still won't take me. Last time I was in Germany it was 8 straight years, and evidently I should just give it up. Even tho I have otherwise zero other disqualifications, and have been back for double-digit years now. Frustrating.