quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
I used to donate several times a year, but in the 1980s I started having to take enough medications that the blood banks didn't really want my blood any more, so I stopped. I'd donated about 3 gallons by that time, so when I needed some in 1989 (motorcycle accident) I was in good status

flashguy

You and me both, with all my meds I get a polite "thanks but no thanks"

Being the total asshole I am now...I take GREAT PLEASURE in giving blood as often as I can to help/save/extend the life of people I do not know because of the grief/pressure/guilt I personally witnessed from the Jehovah's Witnesses that was heaped upon my family and friends in the past when they didn't need or deserve it...I wish I could give weekly...

If you can...give the gift of life as often as you can!

May God bless you Southflorida-law (and everyone that might be "needle shy") for your strength, determination and donation for that first time (or 100th)...you make a difference in someone's life!

The OP mentions something that is actually common - within the first few times of donating, some people have a reaction. You're seeing something coming out of you, and we're conditioned by all the movies and things to faint when we see it. Once you realize you are doing good, you get past it.

I used to give platelets a lot - back when they had the machine that was a continuous flow - both arms in use. They transitioned to the one arm system at some point. I had good counts, but due to lower blood pressure, had trouble maintaining the flow into the machine. I moved to plasma, and later started having that same problem again. I'm now back to donating whole blood. I was at over 300 units in the system at one time (they counted multiple items when you did it).

Wish I could still do the platelets and plasma, but I'm thankful my limitation is due to low pressure - not high pressure.