I am now 47, and after nearly 30 years of blood donation, today I've been told that they don't think I'll be able to continue.
For the last 3 years of donations, they've been having increasingly had more difficulty in finding a suitable vein, it's always been " deep" and " jumping" and today they couldn't get anything , for the 2nd time in the last 3 months, so they looked at my right arm, ditto.
I had just agreed to take part in a trial, whereby I was going to donate every 10 weeks, to see how increased donations affected donors
I'm rather sad, as I so wanted to get to 100+, and it seems ill stay on 57.
I am overweight, would any one know whether losing weight could improve the chances of donating again ?
If not i need some members here to take my place !
|
I'm on 32 or 33..but have come to a bit of a halt...because my now local donation centre is so damned indifferent bordering on rude that I've thought 'sod that, if i'm giving it for free, they could at least make an effort'. Surprising really, you'd think the one in London would be more like that than a semi-rural one, but it's totally the opposite. Only been there twice.
I know I ought to see beyond that.
Maybe it's a grumpy old man thing, but if any outfit can't give me decent service, they are consigned to the bin...inc the blood donation service.
Possibly i'm wrong on this one, can't make my mind up.
|
"my now local donation centre is so damned indifferent bordering on rude"
You are wrong on this (you know that really). I have always found the blood donation team friendly and helpful but what do you expect, bunting and a red* carpet?
A cup for tea and a free Club biscuit is surely all the the incentive any man needs
* bad choice of colour perhaps
|
No he's not wrong CGN, those who host the centre are.
It cost nothing to be civil friendly and courteous or use meaningfully those three magical words please thankyou and sorry, anywhere that treats me indifferently doesn't need to worry about me darkening their doorstep again.
If the staff there were paid on results there'd be a wholesale shift in attitudes.
|
>> No he's not wrong CGN, those who host the centre are.
I think you have to see past it. They aren't the customers for your donations.
I actually noticed in my donating days (before it was decided that a withdrawal from the blood bank meant no more deposits) that the transfusion service staff were quite commonly not the best at the bedside manner - more so the doctors than the nurses/ancilliaries who were more likely to be friendly but weren't always.
I put it down then to the possibility that the doctors in particular probably didn't have the job they wanted - to somebody with seven years training it might not be very fulfilling. I cold have got that completely wrong but I certainly did notice a rather brusque manner from quite a few of them.
Maybe they are also under more pressure these days in terms of time and resources, like everybody else.
I'm very disappointed that I can't donate any more too. It lifted my spirits - call it enlightened self interest if you like, rather than altruism, because I definitely got something out of it (apart from 3 pints I got back).
|
"anywhere that treats me indifferently doesn't need to worry about me darkening their doorstep again."
It's not a perfect world GB. Sometime people are not as we would like them to be but it would be silly to let the rudeness or indifference of a member of staff stand in the way of generous and possibly life saving gift.
|
>> It's not a perfect world GB. Sometime people are not as we would like them
>> to be but it would be silly to let the rudeness or indifference of a
>> member of staff stand in the way of generous and possibly life saving gift.
+1.
I'd agree with GB if it was a shop, but you can't take your business elsewhere, and why should your purpose be thwarted? Most donors don't want to be fussed over anyway.
|
I get Westpig's drift.
Miss B is keen to donate but travel to certain parts of the world disqualifies you for a period of time. In July 2010 she went to Ecuador on a World Challenge expedition.
They Donor Service kept her waiting for an hour at the village Community Centre before telling her in November same year she was still disqualified. It would only have taken a glance at a table to work that out.
Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Thu 24 Jan 13 at 23:18
|
"They Donor Service kept her waiting for an hour at the village Community Centre before telling her in November same year she was still disqualified. It would only have taken a glance at a table to work that out."
On the form they send you before your donation there is a number you can ring if you have and questions regarding eligibility to donate, for example travel or medication. I have rung them several times and saved myself a wasted journey.
|
>> A cup for tea and a free Club biscuit is surely all the the incentive
>> any man needs
You have to take a cup in?
|
>> * bad choice of colour perhaps
>>
;-)
|
>> You are wrong on this (you know that really). I have always found the blood
>> donation team friendly and helpful but what do you expect, bunting and a red* carpet?
No, all I want is to be treated as a human being. Think of it as the difference between being treated on private health or the NHS.
One treats you as a sort of equal or at the very least a welcome addition to the show, the other as an encumberance or at worst something on the bottom of their shoe.
The centre I used in London, (Colindale, NW London), was great, it wasn't luxury or fawning staff, just good old fashioned hospitality.
The one local to me now is a completely different set up, in a local sports premises used just for the day. The actual premises matters not a jot...but staff attitudes do. Why be brusque with someone who's driven there in their own time, using their own fuel to give something for nothing? I don't understand why it needs to be like it..and it irritates.
I know the score with the bigger picture..and I suspect i'll start going back. Maybe a snotty letter to someone in management might make me feel better...and remind them what side their bread is buttered.
>> A cup for tea and a free Club biscuit is surely all the the incentive
>> any man needs
You're cheap....;-)
|
>> today I've been told that they don't think I'll be able to continue.
I'm sorry and I hope there's a way forward. And I'm sorry it makes you sad.
But can I just say thank you for firstly giving blood and secondly for caring so much about it.
You should feel pleased & proud that you've done more than so many.
It quite restores my faith. Well done you.
Last edited by: No FM2R on Thu 24 Jan 13 at 23:13
|
I'm AB +ve.
Amusingly (to me) this means I can have anybody's blood without risk of reaction, whereas only another AB+ve can have mine (unlike O -ve who can only receive O -ve, but whose blood can be given to anyone in an emergency).
Hopefully this also "universal recipient" effect extends to kidneys, lungs, and chunks of liver when my kids grow up as they with be either A or B since their mum is O.
Of course if they turn out to be O or AB she'll be getting a slap ;-)
|
>she'll be getting a slap ;-)
You're brave when she's not listening !!
|
|
Hey, I'm wearing a pair of those giant sized cords you mentioned earlier ;-)
|
|
Yeah but how full are they?
|
|
I'll be needing bicycle clips if she reads this because then they'll really fill up :-)
|
|
Yeah I know what you mean. It makes wearing shorts difficult.
|
...if they turn out to be O or AB...
How would they be AB? Would you need a maternity test?
}8---@
|
|
I had to give up donating in my 40s because of blood pressure/medication issues. Unfortunately, most things associated with the NHS these days seems to come attached to rudeness and/or indifference - and arrogance often comes into it as well.
|
>>>Unfortunately, most things associated with the NHS these days seems to come attached to rudeness and/or indifference - and arrogance often comes into it as well. <<<
and that is just the patients!
|
"and that is just the patients!"
Unfortunately, when you are providing a service or a product, you have to rise above the level of your customers and, at least, give the appearance of appreciating and respecting them. That's the rule that we stuck to in in the industry I was involved with and that's how we survived.
However I will admit that, on seeing all the pathetic smokers gathered outside a hospital entrance and the high proportion of low-life and doomies contained therein, my tolerance might be severely tested if I had to work there.
|
I too was forced to give up blood donations because of my blood pressure and I felt sad that I only managed to get up to 37 donations.....I wanted to continue but computer say no....
My favourite phlebotomist was the lady in the chilly church hall one evening who told me how she liked to keep her hands warm by holding a bag of freshly donated blood .....
The doctor who worked with them was fantastic at inserting the needle first time every time without causing a bruise or you feeling anything... I am not squeamish but I do get alarmed when I watch the newly qualified doctors on that programme on BBC 3 making their first struggling attempts to do the same... I know they have to start somewhere but when SWMBO was very seriously ill in hospital in 2011 a junior doctor made three painful attempts to insert a canula before giving up ...... the ward staff nurse did it at the first attempt...
|
I recall lying in a hospital bed, not at my best, and a chap coming to take blood. It took a number of jabs, and was sufficiently painful for me to use the F word, which is very unusual for me, especially in public (I did apologise later, how feeble is that.).
Anyway, a few minutes later another doctor came around and the first thing he said in a very accusing manner was "is that your blood on the floor?", which didn't make me very much happier I admit.
Last edited by: Crankcase on Fri 25 Jan 13 at 11:52
|
Every so often, I have to visit the blood-letting department of our local hospital. The original phlebotomists were a pair of friendly, middle-aged ladies who did their job with a smile. “Blimey”, I’d say, “that was good – didn’t feel a thing”. And the reply would be something like “Thank you very much – we aim to please!”
Last time I went, those two ladies had moved on to be replaced by a pair of 20-something phlebs (I chose the word carefully) who were mostly interested in discussing with one another the fun they’d had the previous night. I sat down in the chair while one of them prodded and poked with the needle causing pain and bruising to my arm. Usually, I was told that my veins were so easy to dig into that they were going to give me a ‘do-it-yourself’ kit.
I tried to ignore the pain by looking away from my arm and attempting to work out what the tattoo on her foot said. It wasn’t very clear, but it could have said ‘up yours, mate!’
|
What is it with the British people?
Why not mention it at the time Westpig and Haywain?
Something along the lines of 'I used to donate at a busy place in London and I always felt so welcome, but for some reason I never get that feeling here...can you explain to me why that might be?' ...said with a smile.
It wil at the very least allow them to look at themselves and even though they will find excuses for you both, they WILL think about it and maybe act upon it.
Haywain, interrupt their chatter and tell them you really miss the banter with the two old ladies who have now gone....the ankle tattoo can't be that interesting, but neither does it mean they havn't got the ability to talk to you.
Come on, man up the pair of you!
Pat
|
"Come on, man up the pair of you!"
Pat, you may not realise this, but there are certain groups of people who you just don't risk upsetting e.g. a phleb, a dentist, the Taliban and the chap who's performing a vasectomy on you. You just have to grin and bear it!
|
I gave 100 pts in the UK + a few abroad @ £10 /pt in the Aramco Clinic in Saudi Arabia.
Got the reception @ Glasgow City Chambers+ pewter quaich.......a nice touch.
Aged 60 I was refused as the GP had put me on tablets.
Roll on 4 years and I was receiving blood when I took ill.............still I have 96 credits in the blood bank!
Post chemo, the veins are shot and the tests are now taken from the back of my hand with a butterfly needle.
I have to thank the 4 x donors in 2010 for my life, almost 3 years later I am well and coping........25 years ago my father only lasted 6 months with a similar issue.
|
|
I gave blood up to two years ago now.I asked the surgeon who operated on me if I could carry on.He advised me not to.I think I got up to about 60 donations.A nice pen after 50 and a badge I think.Always felt good about it.I knew lot of the same faces over the years and a cup of tea and biscuit never amiss.Keep it going Westpig and don't send snotty letters.
|
>> What is it with the British people?
>>
>> Why not mention it at the time Westpig and Haywain?
Because...I cannot stand attention seekers and/or the eternal moaners in life. You see/hear them regularly, in fact there's one at the edge of my family...(and I cannot possibly socialise publicly with her, she kicks off every time).... and I wouldn't want to be associated with that sort of person.
If something is bad enough, I will let rip (politely, although if necessary i'n not adverse to a bit of healthy sarcasm) and have done...but I use it sparingly and normally just think 'right, that's the last time I go there'.... and vote with my feet.
|
The BloodService do have a complaints procedure - if you feel there is really something wrong it might be best to tell them so they can do something about and not lose donors.
Here is the form.
secure.blood.co.uk/complaint.asp
|
>> The BloodService do have a complaints procedure - if you feel there is really something
>> wrong it might be best to tell them so they can do something about and
>> not lose donors.
>>
>> Here is the form.
>>
>> secure.blood.co.uk/complaint.asp
Didnt work for this bloke
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktm05NVQQFo
|
>> Didnt work for this bloke
>>
>> www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktm05NVQQFo
>>
Don't be coy, we all know that's you!
|
|
In a similar vein (arf), I just taxed our Golf online (cambelt, MoT, tax - all on the same day, yeeouchie), and after completing the process I was automatically directed to a page inviting me to join the Organ Donor Register. So I did. Hope no-one ever needs my liver.
|
Off to donate again next week - we have the blood mobile come to work for a couple of days so I can just pop down.
I did start donating when I was younger, but then a holiday in Africa prohibited me from donating for a year, by which time I was out of the habit, then a few years back we became friends with a lady who has a child with an illness that results in him having a transfusion every 6 or so weeks. Shes always so upbeat about their situation that it really made me feel that I should be doing more, and that got me back in the routine.
Roll on to 2012 and I spent more time than I would have liked in the Childrens hospital, resulting in heart surgery and a blood transfusion for my youngest daughter (now fighting fit). Made me glad that I had made the effort
Cant say I've ever had reason to complain about the staff or service
|
I used to give blood back in London when I worked for a large publishing house who use to encouraged it and gave us an hour off. Always nice, lying close to a nurse while she fiddles around, smiling at me.
I suppose I should donate sperm too. First though, I ought to clean the ceiling, wash the sheets and chuck all the tissues in a couple of bin bags.
|
|
That reminds me there was an interesting programme about Lymeswold on Radio 4 last week.
|
From the other side - A recipient !
Thank you to every single person who donates
In 2001 I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma (cancer) , worse than that I had a complication which meant that antibodies were attacking my red blood cells resulting in a need for urgent blood transfusions - every day . 2 or 3 units almost every day for nearly 6 weeks so over 100 transfusions - each bag of blood had to be cross matched so that the levels of antibodies in the doners blood matched my own(to prevent rejection) & this level varied day to day.
Some days supplies with the matching level wern't available - I had to wait until a doner somewhere in the counrty gave blood with the matching levels and this was then rushed by car or bike from the National centre to the hospital.
I got better eventually after 6 months chemo but in 2003 relapsed and underwent a bone marrow/stem cell transplant with yet more chemo & more blood transfusions.
I've probably received 150 units of blood at least.
I'm fine now - but just this one case shows the need for people to keep donating
Last edited by: Jacks on Fri 25 Jan 13 at 21:44
|
>> I'm fine now - but just this one case shows the need for people to
>> keep donating
>>
Yeah...fair enough....i'll get off my backside and get back down there then. Nicely put into perspective.
Last edited by: VxFan on Tue 29 Jan 13 at 00:44
|
>> Quick as you can :)
>>
I've changed my details on the website as the address was out of date, so I await my letter.
|
I'm sad , end of an era - Westpig
