I went to give blood this evening, I've been donating blood since I was 19 and am up to 45 units now, which considering time out for 3 pregnancies is not bad.
I do it because its the right thing to do, it doesnt hurt or cost me anything other than time, and I used to come away with a nice glow of righteousness at having done a good thing for society as a whole. I have O rh negative blood which is the universal doner, means that in a crisis they can put it into anyone and it wont cause a problem, so I have always thought it even more important to give blood.
My spouse works in a fairly high risk industry as regards accidents, and I wont let him give blood as at 6'4" and only 11stone he has nothing to spare.
As time passes I find the whole rigmarole of giving blood more and more irritating, I hate the questions that they ask each time, I feel I am being asked to justify being there, now they tell you to drink a large glass of water before you donate, and if you say you have already had a drink at home they seem to think you are lying to them.
Occasionally I have cancelled an appointment because I was ill or was pregnant, OMG you'd think I was trying to get out of paying income tax, Its none of their business why I cant make it, they behave as if they are doing me a favour.
I come back all cross and angry with them and feeling that I wont go again, so far it has worn off by the time 4 months is up.
One of these days it wont wear off and I wont go back.
I reasise that I have a problem with people telling me what to do and hopefully I am the only one who feels like this, otherwise our brilliant system of freely donated blood will fall apart.
I should have called this "rant for the day"
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Perhaps you should advertising your blood to the highest bidders since you're in such demand. And now since I have given you that idea, remember my cut.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you donate though. It's a great thing to do. Gay men are forbidden to do so in the U.S.
Oh, and thanks for sparing your little lamb's dignity.
Your Friend, m.
Same here about Gay men.
ReplyDeleteBlood is donated free in the UK and with the national health sevice we dont pay directly for medical treatment.
I used to be a regular donor - got to 2 litres before I was told not to show any more. I rather miss donating - I used to have a 'date' for it; she and I would donate/then go have supper.
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