How many times have you donated blood?

I want to, but unfortunately I don't weigh enough and never have.

 

Well just the fact that I have sex with men disqualifies me so zerrroooo times for me!

 

Fear of needles

 

I've donated at least 10-12 times, whether it be a whole blood draw or platelets. Apparently they love my platelets because Im ab+.

 

I'm not sure if I can even. I take anti-seizure meds and I've heard like the loss of blood volume can cause the levels to drop and low levels means seizures. And that's not good. Plus I think my hemoglobin's pretty high last time I had it checked. I guess those are things to ask the people there if I ever see a bloodmobile again around here

 

I cannot - but I am a recipient. Someone out there saved my life so I completely appreciate those that do donate.

 

I donated my blood about a year ago for the first time but almost fainted when it finished so they told me I have to wait 5 years till I can donate again!!

 

I have naturally low blood pressure so I would assume that I would be sent away.

However, I never tried because significant phobia of IVs, venipuncture, etc. It is not even simply a fear of needles because I am about as fine with receiving shots as the average person. I have a very high pain tolerance. It is not about the pain. It is simply a psychological fear that has always stuck with me.

I would much rather be covered with snakes and tarantulas than donate blood. Partly, because I love snakes and tarantulas...

 

I've never donated blood, I want too, I guess I've never really had the opportunity.

 

I'd like to, to help out. However, I haven't and I don't plan on doing so. I don't because I want to abide by their rules and also because I have a tough time with routine blood draws. It's not the sight of the blood. It's the needles. The fact that I don't want to visit the doctor often is a major reason why I do as much as I can to stay healthy and keep it that way, and not be poked and jabbed.

 

Yes. But you have to be over 16 and weigh over 100 pounds. I never did it.

 

I didn't have it as a kid. I got it later. I can't even identify when that transition occurred. I have no trouble with injections of short duration. I have trouble with blood draws.

As for injections, there is one type that can be administered in the rear and with a very long needle, and it is a piece of work. It's an antibiotic called rocephin, which they usually augment with regular pills. I once got very sick with some type of chest infection on an interstate trip, but kept driving for a few more days until I just couldn't. Let's just say that this type of shot, with the long needle and a duration of about 30 seconds, almost made me pass out. The nurse told me that I'm not alone and that others struggle with this injection as well.

 

No. I get faint even when I have a blood test done. Can't anyways being I have had sex with a man in the last year. If they don't want my blood anyways, what's the point even if I had no problems?

 

One thing I forgot to mention that I find amusing, is that they always try to get the same spot, so over time you get a permanent scar on your arm that raises a lot of questions. Their reasoning is to avoid having like 50 track marks on your arm which would raise even more questions

 

I've had my blood drawn a lot but I've never actually given blood. I probably should someday to help people. It's a stupid little worry but I always am concerned about the equipment and the people who work at blood donation places (their equipment, sanitation, skill)... I'd be concerned to give blood in a truck or something. When I've had blood drawn for tests, the skill of the nurse is fairly important in whether or not its painful and causes a bruise. Either way, I don't think I meet the FDA's requirements so that's an excuse.

 

What is really weird is when all those around you are donating or there's a drive with a sign-up sheet and you are one of the few who is hesitant and you don't exactly want to offer up "Well, I did 'this' 2 months ago with someone I didn't know that well." Even if it was safe or safer. TMI.

 

In two months I'll be able to donate blood with the consent of my parents, I'm really looking forward to it!

 

In the United States you cannot give blood if you have had gay sex even once since 1977.

I was also stationed in Germany in the early 1990s during the mad cow disease thing. They wont take my blood because of that either.

 

I'm allowed to donate again tomorrow. I've donated 4 times now, and the next will be my 5th.

I have a huge aversion to blood other than my own