Blood Drive and Organ donor

[imthebaker]

Wanted to know if you guys have ever given blood or if you're an organ donor or not. I think you have to have your license to be an organ donor though. I got my license a while back (christmas break). Failed it twice before i got it but that's over now.

Also did you know they changed the age limit for giving blood to 16 now. At lest here in California they did. But i'm 17 so it didn't really affect me.

Anyways I'm giving blood for the first time ever at my school next week and am kind of excited. I'm just wondering if being vegan will effect the way i feel afterward, if i should eat certain stuff before and after and if i should tell the nurses i'm vegan.

[animallover7249]

I've never given blood because I weigh under 110lb, which is the min.
My ID currently says I'm an organ donor but I might change that when I get my license.

[gillibean]

I'm an organ donor. Never given blood but I'm going to make an appt to do so next week. Animallover, why would you change it to not be a donor?

[Bells]

I've never given blood because I weigh under 110lb, which is the min.
My ID currently says I'm an organ donor but I might change that when I get my license.

I did not know there was a minimum weight limit. I was going to give blood when I turned sixteen next month, but I guess I can't now.

I'm undecided about being an organ donor. Right now I'm not, but I might be later.

[animallover7249]

I'm an organ donor. Never given blood but I'm going to make an appt to do so next week. Animallover, why would you change it to not be a donor?

A bunch of different reasons. I feel I need to think it over more, and I can always change it back later.

[Scythe]

I despise hospitals and having blood removed, so no. I wouldn't even have a clue about the organ thing, nobody's ever mentioned it to me and I haven't seen it on any documents.

[Zaff]

I'm too young to donate blood, but I would love to when I'm older. Also, I want to be an organ donor since everyday many die due to the fact that there are not enough people donating.:( I want to help and try to fix that problem.

[gillibean]

This is from the website of my local blood bank. Some of the requirements may differ but it will give you a good idea of what happens and what you need to do beforehand.
Facts About Donating Blood

Why should I donate blood?
Ninety-five percent of the population will need blood by age 72, yet only 5% of the eligible population donates blood.
Who can give blood?
You can give if you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and are at least are 18 (ages 16-17 may donate when they present a signed Permission for a minor to donate blood form. If you are age 76+, you will need a doctor’s note. A first time donor must have photo identification.
Does it hurt to give blood?
The sensation you feel is similar to a slight pinch in the arm.
Should I eat before donating?
Yes, eat a substantial meal, drink extra fluids and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Do you test donors’ blood for drug use?
No. Approximately fifteen tests are run on every unit of blood. Tests are for infectious diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis and HIV/Aids. All information is strictly confidential (please see the CRBS HIPAA Statement).
What can I expect at the time of donation?
A mini-physical by a donor specialist which includes: pulse, blood pressure, temperature and testing your hemoglobin, the iron level in you blood. If these tests and the review of your medical history are satisfactory, you may donate.
How long does it take to give blood?
It takes approximately five minutes to actually draw blood. The entire procedure from registration to refreshments takes approximately 40-50 minutes.
Can my blood be given to anyone?
Only if a patient’s blood type is compatible with yours.
How much blood do I have?
Approximately 10-12 pints, depending on how much you weigh. Blood volume equals 8% of your body weight.
How much blood will I be donating?
450ml or slightly less than one pint.
Can I be on different medication(s) and still donate?
Yes. If you have a medical question, please call (253) 383-2553. A Donor Specialist can answer your medical questions and review your medical history with you.
How quickly will my body replace the blood?
Fluids are replaced after 24 hours. After four to six weeks, your body has reproduced the cells and replaced lost minerals.
What happens to blood after it is donated?
After the blood is tested, it is separated into two to three components to meet specific patient needs. It is then distributed within several days to local hospitals and trauma centers for patient transfusions.
What are components?
Some of the most common components are: red blood cells that are used to increase oxygen carrying capacity in patients during surgery or trauma, platelets that are used to control or prevent bleeding in leukemia, cancer, surgery and trauma patients and plasma that is used to increase the level of clotting factors in patients who are deficient and patients with severe burns.
When can I donate again?
You can donate every eight weeks (56 days).
What if I don’t know my blood type?
Every time you donate, your blood is typed. After you first donation, a permanent blood donor card with your blood type is mailed to you.
How will I feel after giving blood?
You will feel like a winner!
What You Should Know Before Donating

Antibiotics
You must be off antibiotics for 72 hours (three days) before donating blood. Antibiotics taken in low dosages for preventative treatment for acne may be okay. A Donor Specialist can answer any questions you have about medicines.
Other Medicines
Hormones, antidepressants, cholesterol and some blood pressure medications are acceptable as long as you are feeling well.
Cancer
Some types of cancer are acceptable. Chemotherapy or radiation therapies are no longer reasons for deferral.
Dental Work
Please wait one week after major procedures. Wait three days after the following procedures: root canal, tooth extractions and periodontal procedures. Normal cleaning and fillings are acceptable.
Diabetes
If diabetes is controlled by diet or oral medication you may donate blood. If you take insulin for the condition, we will need a note from your physician. These must be evaluated by a case-by-case basis.
Diseases
If you have ever had a positive test for HIV, the AIDS virus, you may not donate blood. If you have had syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia or any sexually transmitted disease, you must wait one-year after treatment to donate blood. Donors with genital herpes are acceptable two weeks after the symptoms have subsided.
Eating & Drinking
It is important to eat a good meal and drink extra water and/or juice prior to donating. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol before donating.
Frequency of Donation
You may donate whole blood every 56 days. You may make a whole blood donation 28 days after a Platelet Apheresis donation.
Health
You must be feeling well and healthy to donate.
Heart Disease, Cardio Vascular Accidents (CVA)
Some people who have heart disease, heart surgery, heart attacks or CVAs are acceptable as blood donors – with a note from their physician. These must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Hepatitis
If you have had hepatitis after age 10, you may not donate blood.
Immunizations
There is a two to four week deferral for some immunizations. You may donate 24- hours or less after receiving a flu shot.
Parental Permission
Parent permission slips are available on our website.
Pregnancy
Donations may take place six weeks after the end of the pregnancy, but not anytime during the pregnancy.
Tattoos & Body Piercing
You must wait one-year after getting a tattoo before donating blood. Body and ear piercing are acceptable if done using a sterile technique at a commercial establishment. Self-piercing or “friend” piercing is a one-year deferral. Tongue piercing is a one-year deferral.
Travel
Travel to tourist areas in most parts of the world is acceptable. You may be deferred if you have traveled to a malarial area. Call a Donor Specialist to get the most recent information on a specific country you have traveled to, the date and the length of the travel.

[Rincewind]

I don't weigh enough to give blood, so no to that. I do plan on becoming an organ donar when I get my licence. I figure, heck, I won't need them, right?

[Scythe]

Does it hurt to give blood?
The sensation you feel is similar to a slight pinch in the arm.

Lies!

The last time I had blood removed my arm felt like they'd scraped the inside of the vein terribly and it had a sort of burning sensation for hours.

[isowish]

I'm on the organ donor registry & carry my card, and I give blood regularly :)
imthebaker, being vegan shouldn't affect you giving blood as long as you're healthy. But they will want you to eat something after you give blood so I suggest taking a vegan snack along in case the goodies they offer you all have animal products in.

[Nickster25]

We just had a guy from the Red Cross come to school about our blood drive. The only thing I would think you would need to worry about are your iron levels, particulary for girls. He said Flinestone vitamins really work, but I don't know if they're vegan.

[Margaux]

I have always wanted to give blood, but they won't let me.
It's because I have lived in Europe for more than 3 years and they have some kind of rule about that. They don't want to spread diseases, which I can understand.
I am not an organ donor, the DMV asked and I said no.

[nataliex1122]

I don't give blood because I have a fear of syringes and also apparently you have to wait 1 year after getting a tattoo to give blood.
I am not listed as an organ donor on my license as I didn't want to make any impulsive decisions without knowing enough about it. I still haven't decided.

[imthebaker]

I wasn't to sure about the whole organ donor thing either but i decided to be one anyway cause i couldn't see any reason why i shouldn't be. I'm giving blood on wedensday so i'll see what happens then.

[MyrtleXeiba]

I have tried to give blood three times. Once at school, once at the mall in a mobile, and once at the Red Cross. I can't give enough in the time requirement, so they told me to come back in 10 years when I'm bigger. lol I really wish I could.

I have seen my friend pass out, another almost threw up, and a student teacher of mine passed out and was shakking uncontollably. The last one was scary because I was just about to give blood for the first time and I was stationed right next to him! It was a huge gossip topic around the school and I got to speak from experience. lol It was because he gave too much blood in too little time.

Overall I think giving blood is fantastic, and I am sad that I can't do it.

[jenna]

i've given blood quite a few times.

[animallover7249]

Psst, Jenna, you're on the teen forum!

What happened to it looking different?

[jenna]

oh, damn. sorry! yeah, it looks like the rest of the board.

[Shantih]

I used to give blood, recently my weight's gone below the min and my iron's too low. They don't want me back for a year now. I feel so unloved.

[Kentanner11]

Our school has regular blood drives, and I currently am not old enough and do not weigh enough. My goal is to weigh enough when I am old enough.

[veggieweggie123]

I was going to donate blood but then i checked the candian blood services website and it says that you have to weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood and i don't weigh that much. :(

[beetle.babe]

I'm not a teen - but close enough. I was one for 7 years of my life, I think I have a little experience there. ;-)

Both donating blood and donating organs are GREAT things. I tell this from personal experience.

***WARNING*** Personal & Emotional Experience tale.

I donate blood every chance I get. And I'll tell you, not every time is a walk in the park. Sometimes, a minute or so before I should be finished, I get bleary-eyed and start to feel dizzy. That's not fun. But it's never HURT. It shouldn't, besides the initial prick into the vein. I'm a universal blood type, and every time I hear of a little girl or boy sick in the hospital, needing blood, I know what I'm doing could have saved their lives, or someone else's. And that makes me so very happy.

Long story short: (minus all the sad, soppy details that will make everyone cry).

When I was 9, my Mother became ill. The couldn't diagnose her for almost a year, she weighed only 95 lbs and had lost all the color to her skin. She couldn't breathe on her own anymore. Finally, she found a new specialist, and was diagnosed with a genetic disorder. But the damage was so severe, that she wouldn't survive without a lung transplant.

For 4 years, we (my siblings, father & I) lived precious lives - being careful not to get sick, not to get her sick, pushing her in her wheelchair, making all of her meals, bathing her, and living through a virtual nightmare. The phone would ring at 3am, we'd all pack our bags and drive the three hours to Edmonton while my mother was taken by Helicopter, only to get there and find out that she hadn't had surgery - the lung hadn't been good enough. Once, she was even prepped and put under -imagine waking up to find out you're just as sick as when you went to sleep? Not fun. For any of us.

Finally, when I was 14, the right call came. She was near death it happened.

Now, the ending of this story is not happy. But my Mother got 7 extra years to watch all of us turn 18, and watch most of us graduate from high school. And I got to know my Mom. It never happened like it was supposed to, but if it wasn't for organ transplantation, I know I wouldn't be where I am today.

So there...that's my take on the whole thing. I'm a registered organ donor, too. Because out of the tragedy of my death, if I can save one, or two people from dying or living near death, then it won't have been in vain. And if I can let a little girl get to know her mother, I can rest in the afterlife knowing I did something good. (Wherever that may be)

[Nickle00]

I tried donating blood at the Renaissance Fair but my iron was too low :( :down: Boo!! Of course I'm an organ donor!! I don't believe I will be needing my organs when my body dies and I'm all about recycling!! If I can contribute to someone getting to experience one more kiss with their spouse, allowing them to watch their child perform in the school play, watch the sunset on a clear warm night again, swim in the ocean for the first time or the fifty-thousandth time, give them the opportunity to live a few more years and perhaps find true love, find their soul mate what good reason do I have for NOT doing that? I am absolutely, 150% an organ donor and proud to be one!!! I believe in doing what I can not only to save the lives of animals but humans as well!! Imagining what someone could gain from ONE MORE EXPERIENCE made possible by my organ(s) is soul shaking!! Peace & Love!!!

E.T.A.-- Hey guys, sorry about this. I just realized I posted in the teen thread....Oops!! My bad...sorry again!! Peace & Love!!

[animall0versist]

Holy crap a pint? I thought it would just be like a blood test