Who gives blood?

[lofty Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lofty]

I found out yesterday from a nurse at the Red Cross Blood Bank that Australia imports nearly a third of its Blood Plasma needs from America. This doesn't seem right to me, that we haven’t got nearly enough people who are willing to donate blood/plasma/and platelets for our own requirements.

I'm no medico, but i understand that these products are used for more than just surgery, they are used in leukaemia and cancer treatment, burns recovery etc etc, and we need more people to donate!

Apparently in America they pay donors, and this leads to all sorts of un-wanted side effects i.e. identity theft (so people can donate more than they should) and lots of fudging of answers on the questionnaire.

So come on PPer's let’s get behind the Red Cross and donate. It takes about an hour and a half, and you get a free drink and bikkies (or even a Coopers Pale Ale in SA )

[FlyingBushPig Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close FlyingBushPig]

Re: Who Gives?

A blood transfusion saved the wife when we had our first daughter - of course we were very grateful.

Unfortunately, me being a type 1 diabetic since I was 10 rules me out from giving

Thanks to everyone who does!

[ABD Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ABD]

Re: Who Gives?

Apparently in America they pay donors, and this leads to all sorts of un-wanted side effects i.e. identity theft (so people can donate more than they should) and lots of fudging of answers on the questionnaire.

So I thought as well but the nurse I spoke to when in hospital very recently said it is no longer so.

I am a bit cheesed off at the moment. Having donated for 40 years I have had to take a break.

Very worthwhile and easy to do.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Who Gives?

donating blood is easy! i have been doing it for a few years now, 45 minutes once every three months when the blood bank comes out our way. 14 weeks ago our best friends 9 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and she has needed several blood transfusions, so you can be assured that your donation really is going to good use. hopefully this thread inspires some PPers to start donating.

Cheers Andrew

[karrathaprado2 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close karrathaprado2]

Re: Who Gives?

I used to be able to but working oversea and on anti-malaria medication has ruled me out forever. The wife can and does.

[Fozzy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fozzy]

Re: Who Gives?

I donated regularly for about 20 years till one donation I just keeled over. Since then every time I have gone to donate I have had to warn the staff that I would most likely faint during the procedure!
I don't want to put anyone off who has never given blood, it is such a worthwhile activty - an hour out of your life but the pontential to save many, many more.
Go Nike!! Just do it!!

[sweetpea Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close sweetpea]

Re: Who Gives?

I've been giving on and off for forty years and now my son and I go regularly.

We then go out to dinner and usually a show or something afterwards.

Good family time.

[lofty Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lofty]

Re: Who gives blood?

Its great to hear some stories from those who have benefited from blood donation.

Is there someone here who knows more about the uses of blood products?

I was called in recently and asked if i would donate platelets, apparently they needed my blood type for an ongoing Leukaemia treatment.

[ValleyGXL120 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ValleyGXL120]

Re: Who gives blood?

Been a donor for approx 20 years, good feeling to know your saving someones life as it may be your own one day

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Re: Who gives blood?

Yes. I Donate and have also been the recipient of blood after an motorcycle accident many moons ago.
A very noble gesture, a cold drink and a snack should be payment enough for anyone with any morale core.
Regards Troy

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Who Gives?

I donated regularly for about 20 years till one donation I just keeled over. Since then every time I have gone to donate I have had to warn the staff that I would most likely faint during the procedure!
I don't want to put anyone off who has never given blood, it is such a worthwhile activty - an hour out of your life but the pontential to save many, many more.
Go Nike!! Just do it!!

Maybe you should change your nickname to FUZZY!

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Who gives blood?

I go all the time and as often as possible - mainly for the tea and biscuits afterwards!

Actually, they chucked me out last time because my BP was a little too high.

[lofty Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lofty]

Re: Who gives blood?

I go all the time and as often as possible - mainly for the tea and biscuits afterwards!

Actually, they chucked me out last time because my BP was a little too high.

And thats another benefit, you get an unofficial health check every time you go.

Good to see lots of Sth Aussies giving, we are way out infront at the moment :wink:

[Signature035 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Signature035]

Re: Who gives blood?

I go all the time and as often as possible - mainly for the tea and biscuits afterwards!

Actually, they chucked me out last time because my BP was a little too high.

Ah, Bushbasher...... not enough Red wine...... :wink:

Actually thats the same reason I have donated for the opast 20 or so years....... cheap BP checkup.

Has anyone else noticed the extra time taken recently (maybe its just a local thing?) They introduced 'appointments' last year and it now takes me about an hour and a half..... previously used to be in and out in 45 minutes...... go figure :?:

[esie Member Find all posts View Profile Close esie]

Re: Who gives blood?

I donate platelets and plasma alternating every fortnight. I am a registered nurse in intensive care, we give so many blood products, albumin for filler for hypotensive patients, platelets and packed red cells to haematology and surgical patients, fresh frozen plasma to patients with liver disease or requiring massive trasnfusion, cryoprecipitate for patients with clotting problems, and Immunoglobulin for patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. I figure that I have plenty of platelets and plasma to spare, I am healthy, and god forbid I would ever need them myself or for a loved family member or friend.