Do you donate blood? Do you know your blood type?

Originally Posted by jugen

.....I have a bad tendancy to hit people coming at me with needles. I am very freaked out when I see one, and they have my hubby hold one hand down and a nurse hold the other so I don't swing at anyone anymore. I am not a good canididate for that.

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You sound a bit like me! I got my finger sliced once at work and when they were numbing my hand my co-worker held one hand while a nurse held down my other arm and the dr held my hand while numbing it.

DH and I are both A+. I've been told not to donate blood either. My veins are small. I only have one good spot for bloodwork and then I'm allergic to the tape they use so I need the special stuff that doesn't stick to skin. I'd probably pass out...the thought of it makes me want to faint. But then if it were for someone I loved, I'd be brave. At least I think I could be!

I have anemia and I don't think someone would want anemic blood. As for my blood type, I know it's a common one but I don't know exactly which one.

Yes I do donate blood and I am A+. I am also on the bone marrow donors list and got called back once and was a match for someone initially, but the next test I was not

I am absolutely terrified of needles. So I've never given blood.. even refused a blood test a few years ago.

This all started with a tetnus shot when I was 13.. I had a bad reaction to it and now even taking cats for shots gets me nervous.

No idea on my blood type either.

Originally Posted by maddensmom

I donate blood when I remember too, I'm O+ so my blood is almost universal as a donor.

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DH is O+ also

So many people are A- on here.

About 8 gallons worth......I'm A+

Winter Hawk

Originally Posted by Tari

I'm very proud of myself because I just recently donated for the first time. I have needle issues, so I hadn't done it before. But...I decided to be really brave and just do it!

It wasn't so bad, and I'll definitely do it again. (We have blood drives at work about twice a year.)

I don't know what type I am. I think I saw somewhere that my parents are both O, so if that's true I think it would mean I have to be O. This is probably a stupid question, but how do I find out?

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That's not a stupid question at all. You should get a packet of information in the mail after you donate. It should have a blood donor card to make your check-in process easier if/when you donate in the future. You may have some information from when you donated. You should be able to call and ask for your blood type.

I went last year and was told that my veins were too deep and small for them to take the required amount. (That sure explains why blood tests are such a problem!) The lady told me that it is something that will never change so I can't ever donate, but I kind of want to go back again someday to try anyway. Maybe they'll catch me on a good day?

I am a donor and A+ but i haven't done it in a few years as i've had a couple of tattoos (have to wait a year for each one) and blood pressure was a big high.

I'm O+ and i do not donate. (please refer to the "i hate blood nurses thread" ) Aside from my rolling veins and Vertigo- i have other medical issues that keep me from donating. Colin donates regurally though.

O+
and i do donate. I carry my card on me to incase of an emergency...many doctors/nurses/intakes are surprised i know my own blood type. maybe i look like a space cadet to them

Originally Posted by EricaNicole

O+

and i do donate. I carry my card on me to incase of an emergency...many doctors/nurses/intakes are surprised i know my own blood type. maybe i look like a space cadet to them

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I would think most people who donate would know their blood type. I have my card and keyring

I just really like to dontate, I have done it for years.

The only problem is if you get a horrible nurse or you're stressed out. I remember the first time i went they said i had to use the arm i dont write with, they poked the crap out of the inside of my arm and i was in excruciating pain, ready to faint. They couldn't find a good vein so now they take it out of my writing arm

Originally Posted by Dragoriana

The only problem is if you get a horrible nurse or you're stressed out. I remember the first time i went they said i had to use the arm i dont write with, they poked the crap out of the inside of my arm and i was in excruciating pain, ready to faint. They couldn't find a good vein so now they take it out of my writing arm

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I always use the other arm, and I have given enough to know who not to let stick me. I will request someone else. I have only had one person bruise me when they stuck me.

I have very good veins too.

For those of you who want to know what your blood type is, I saw this in an email I get from ThinkGeek - its a Do-It-Yourself blood typing kit!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/science/8f3d/

Originally Posted by Phenomsmom

I think you should still go back and donate again. I can't donate blood and neither can Lee. They won't let me because I lived in Europe for 6 years and could possibly be a carrier for mad cow (I think we would know if I had it by now right??) and Lee has had a blood transfusion.

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I can't donate blood either for the same reason... I lived in England for 4 years, left in 1988... and I can't donate. That irks me...

Oh and so I don't know my blood type either.

I think it's A+ and no I have never donated.

Im O- and donate platelets twice a week. I usually donate a triple or quad (3 or 4 bags of platelets) each time. I have good clotting factor. They love me.

I also will donate RBCs when needed but do not donate whole blood. It drains me too much. Plus i love the nice cozy recliners, internet/dvd chairs and all the nice attention

I donate every once in awhile. It's very annoying how they always call and try to guilt trip you into donating. But it's for a good cause, they just try to hard.