I wasn't able to give blood - AGAIN!!!
By reinydawn
@reinydawn (11643)
United States
November 7, 2008 8:01pm CST
Man, this is the 4th time in 2 years that they did not allow me to give blood. I'm starting to think they have it out for me (hahahahah). The first time was because we had been on a cruise and visited a Mecixan country that is on their list of places you can't visit and give blood. The second time is because we were 2 weeks short of a year from that same instance. It has to have been over a year since the time you were out of the country to give blood. Then, last summer when I was having all my breathing problems they didn't want to take my blood because I didn't know what was wrong with me and they didn't want to have any problems. Well, tonight I showed up, ready to donate - again - and they have me flagged because of this health thing over the summer. I have to have my doctor send them a notice that it's ok for me to give blood before I can donate. UGH! What a mess! I know they're just looking out for my welfare, but it's really been a hassle going down there just to find out that I can't donate. Well, I'm calling my doc Monday and having her fax a note that it's ok for me to donate. That way, the next time they're in my area it won't be a problem.
2 people like this
4 responses
@mmiller26 (1930)
• Canada
8 Nov 08
Try not to take it personally. Their utmost concern is for the recipient of the blood and your well being. They do test each and every donation for diseases but it's a better use of their time if they don't accept possibly tainted blood to begin with. And if you're feeling poorly, you need your blood to do it's job to make you well again. Donating blood can be a very draining experience (pardon the pun). But don't lose heart. Get the note from your doctor indicating it's okay and you should be able to donate again without issue.
And I'm very proud of you for taking the time to do it anyway. Current statistics show that one out of every two people are eligible to make donations and only one out of every 60 actually do. One donation can save up to three lives. So it's important to give and it's important to keep trying. Good for you for being so persevering. I would encourage anyone who can't make a donation for any reason to encourage their family and friends to donate in your place. It doesn't hurt (just a pinch) and it only takes about an hour. Most of us can find one hour every 56 days to save lives, don't you think?
2 people like this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
8 Nov 08
We try to do a blood drive a few times a year in our community. It's very easy because we walk down the street to the blood-mobile, then walk back home. Although I haven't actually GIVEN blood in a long time, it's something that I can do very easily and it doesn't cost anything. When money's tight and you can't give cash, at least you can give blood to help people out.
@icedcoffeemallows (649)
• Philippines
12 Nov 08
Wah! I was three times rejected to donate a blood. The first time was because I was having a menstruation, and that was bad because of blood loss. The second time was that I had my chickenpox vaccine a month ago, and they told me that it should be at least three months before I could donate a blood. And the third was that I have a low BP "100/60", they said that it should be within the normal range "120/80" it is maybe because I haven't got enough sleep that time. I was sooo frustrated because I really want to donate blood.. u know "Save lives, Donate Blood" type of thing.. But luckily, just this year, a blood drive event happened in our school and I passed all the qualifications and amazingly, I had a normal BP that time. Haha! I was so happy and fulfilled after, though it hurt a bit after they insert the "big" needle. Nevertheless, it is such a wonderful experience and I would definitely donate again. 
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
12 Nov 08
WTG! I'm sure that I'll be ok next time, I hope so at least!
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Speaking of your health problems this summer, what did they decide after all those tests. I missed it somehow.I know it is disappointing to make an effort to do something good and then get turned away. I guess it is that way for people who have low iron as well.I hope you get it all straightened out.
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Well, because of what they "decided was wrong with me (nothing!) is the reason I can't donate. They weren't able to figure it out. ALL the tests they did said I was one of the healthiest people on the planet. The pulmonologist decided it was mental and I might be put on antidepressants. I decided it's not happening NEARLY as often - probably once a week or so - and I was fine. It didn't affect my charity walk - 60 miles in 3 days - and now that I'm not nearly as busy as I was it's kinda gone away. I just had my physical Tuesday and mentioned that I was going to give blood - the doctor said "good for you!" I'm going to have her send the note first thing Monday morning.
1 person likes this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
16 Nov 08
I had radio active iodine and have other health issues they will not take my blood either. I use to give all the time also.
I wish I could give blood because I am O+ and that is the most needed blood.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
16 Nov 08
I'm usually pretty healthy so this is really driving me nuts! I still haven't had a chance to call my doctor yet... I'll have to set myself a reminder for Monday morning!
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
26 Nov 08
Yup, that's always when it comes to me - or in the shower... I still haven't called yet...
1 person likes this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
25 Nov 08
I hate it when I forget to make phone calls I have to. I usually remember in the early am before the place is opened or late when the place is closed.
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Hi reiny! They just don't want your blood! They do have to
be careful because they don't want you to end up having to
be a patient! That would kind of defeat the purpose now
wouldn't it! I gave blood one time and one time only and
I swore I would never give any again! I have very small veins
and they had so much trouble filling up the pint that they
had to keep sticking me because my veins kept collapsing.
By the time they finally finished I was so sick! It took
over an hour to fill up the pint and they weren't going to
stop until they got it filled. Never mind the fact that they
had to keep sticking me and were making me sick. So I have
never gone again!
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11643)
• United States
8 Nov 08
Ugh, I don't blame you! That would be horrible. Well, I'm a very good bleeder - when they let me - so I go when I can. A co-worker once gave blood and passed out, she never did it again.
