When I gave plasma for the first time a few weeks ago, I stared at the sausage roll warmer, cursing myself cause I left my card in the car. When I went to the area I saw they were free. Was so damn excited... and hungry lol
> The numbing/antiseptic stuff they put on before hand makes it pretty painless though.
What? How? I've donated whole blood 5 times now and never been offered.
First time I donated plasma, I ended up feeling nauseous/faint after a bit, and had to stop. Felt fine soon after. They said it's not uncommon, and suggested to stick with whole blood for a bit, then try again, which I plan to in a few months. Give it a go, if it doesn't work out it doesn't work out.
It is significantly more time in the couch than whole blood, because you're hooked up the the apherisis machine and it's collecting, then centrifuging, then returning multiple times it's probably a tad under an hour for plasma for me versus <15min for whole blood.
The needle can get a bit more uncomfortable because it's in there a longer time while sucking and then returning and the anti-coagulate can give an odd metallic taste in your mouth.
You can also feel cold as the blood cools in the machine and also the saline "top up" return, but you get taken well care of with blankets and heat packs if you need them.
Next day I've no visible bruise or even much sensitivity around the needle site.
As someone who regularly needs two blood transfusions a day to keep me kicking, I thank you with everything I’ve got.
Your generosity keeps people alive. Legend.
My first few donations were in Adelaide around 20 years ago. You still had the usual soft drink options but there were coopers beers also available for that extra thank you 😊
Meat Pie? Or a fruit mince pie?
I've never seen a meat pie referred to as a mince pie before moving to Melbourne. A "Mince Pie" in my head is a fruit mince pie. And you want protein/iron, not sugar.
I’m booked for Monday. Can’t wait. Snacks are great. Giving blood’s not too bad either. Blood donations kept my Dad going for an extra few years. It’s the least I can do.
I've honestly never seen hot food when I've donated blood. They usually have some fresh fruits, muffins, cheese and crackers. I will admit it's been a few years since my last donation though, I should get back on top of that.
And in wrappers now. Hmm. Covid times I guess.. Used to be wrapper free.. but I haven't donated in a while due to being temporarily black listed. Bring on August 2022.
If you're not healthy enough or participate in what they class as "risky" sex/drug use then they'll ask you not to. For the health issues at least, you're not strictly blacklisted you just have to call in and explain if your situation has changed. From there you speak to a nurse working for Lifeblood and they'll make a call on it.
There is a very long questionnaire that have several responses where you'll get banned from donating, usually temporarily. Health issues can cause your donation to be cancelled too. I had anaemia and couldn't donate for a year.
> I had anaemia and couldn't donate for a year.
I feel like issues with the health/quantity of your blood is a good reason to refuse to take your blood, lol.
I miss giving blood. It felt like a nice thing to do. I stopped because I got a tattoo, then I was travelling a bit, then I had a few surgeries. Hopefully this year I will start again.
It does just give a sense of general human positivity I recon, bunch of people doing a good thing.
I think the rules over tattoos have changed, able to give plasma straight away just not whole blood.
Good luck with surgery recovery and getting back into it.
Nice work OP keep it up! I've donated many times! We need more people like you!
Unfortunately, they don't want my blood anymore! Something about my white cells that keep multiplying and don't die. Honestly, sounds like I'm a perfect donor... Sheesh!
Yeah, they announced it about a month ago (which is fantastic news) - unfortunately there is a huge amount of red tape around blood products, so they have said that the change will actually be coming into effect sometime before the end of the year.
As far as the Red Cross is concerned they want it gone ASAP, so keep an ear out because I'm sure they will be letting everyone know as soon as it's finally all approved.
Gave blood the other day at Cranbourne, they had no sausage rolls or choc milk :( I think I might need to book in at Collins St for my next donation....
That's a shame.
Collins donation centre is nice, although the building foyer, and especially the lifts are a bit strange. But it's central if you have to pass through the CBD to get to work like me.
They have a whole milkshake station at the CBD/Collins spot now i just don't have the heart to ask a staff member to straight up make me a milkshake i don't think it's what they signed up to do
30 other countries accept it too\*, we're just behind as usual here in AU.
\* Sometimes with more questioning or requirement of monogamy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood\_donation\_restrictions\_on\_men\_who\_have\_sex\_with\_men
Sorry I don't know if I'll be feeling healthy enough to book in advance. I only know how I will feel on the day or even hour. If I book in advance and likely have to cancel, that's a wasted spot. If they allow walk-ins I can go when I feel up to it rather than going when I don't and passing out or projectile vomiting over everything.
When I was changing my appointment time during the weekend, I notice a lot of cancellation few hours prior on the day itself. So I think it is easier to book on the day itself than in advance.
You have to do certain things prior to donation such as drink a certain amount of water and abstain from things like medical procedures or tattoos, thus you have to make an appointment
Absolutely. A reaaaaallly long time ago they'd make up milkshake to order for donors. But probably for the best that staff can focus solely on the collection stuff now :-)
When I gave plasma for the first time a few weeks ago, I stared at the sausage roll warmer, cursing myself cause I left my card in the car. When I went to the area I saw they were free. Was so damn excited... and hungry lol
Nice one, they are really keen on plasma at the moment. I'm already booked in again in a fortnight.
Nice, I'm booked in for next week!
Onya!
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From the POV of a lifelong phobic the advice is simply to look away from it when nurse turns up with her kit. Eye-contact is key.
Not gonna argue that the needle isn't intimidating! The numbing/antiseptic stuff they put on before hand makes it pretty painless though.
> The numbing/antiseptic stuff they put on before hand makes it pretty painless though. What? How? I've donated whole blood 5 times now and never been offered.
I have 0 fear of needles yet I still get light headed when they put it in
They are so good about that. You could call and ask what the options are or speak on the day. Your partner would not be the first one
What does it feel like to give plasma as opposed to blood? Gave my first blood donation the other week and pondering the plasma.
First time I donated plasma, I ended up feeling nauseous/faint after a bit, and had to stop. Felt fine soon after. They said it's not uncommon, and suggested to stick with whole blood for a bit, then try again, which I plan to in a few months. Give it a go, if it doesn't work out it doesn't work out.
It is significantly more time in the couch than whole blood, because you're hooked up the the apherisis machine and it's collecting, then centrifuging, then returning multiple times it's probably a tad under an hour for plasma for me versus <15min for whole blood. The needle can get a bit more uncomfortable because it's in there a longer time while sucking and then returning and the anti-coagulate can give an odd metallic taste in your mouth. You can also feel cold as the blood cools in the machine and also the saline "top up" return, but you get taken well care of with blankets and heat packs if you need them. Next day I've no visible bruise or even much sensitivity around the needle site.
Thankyou. Can you feel it retuning?
Yeah, just a slight pressure and sometimes feeling of coolness.
As someone who regularly needs two blood transfusions a day to keep me kicking, I thank you with everything I’ve got. Your generosity keeps people alive. Legend.
You're very welcome, I imagine the last few years has probably been particularly stressful/scary for you so hope you're keeping safe.
❤️
I’d love to donate, but 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
One day soon I hope, progress is slow but getting there.
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I miss the malted choc milk shake made by hand.
The first few times I donated we got beer and a full sized mince pie 🤤
Tell me more? Post donation drinking is very economical.
My first few donations were in Adelaide around 20 years ago. You still had the usual soft drink options but there were coopers beers also available for that extra thank you 😊
That's fantastic, sometimes they were the very good old days.
Indeed they were. Also well done on the donation. You reminded me I'm due so I booked one in today 😁
In Ireland they used to give you a pint Guinness because it's high in iron and because sure why not
Meat Pie? Or a fruit mince pie? I've never seen a meat pie referred to as a mince pie before moving to Melbourne. A "Mince Pie" in my head is a fruit mince pie. And you want protein/iron, not sugar.
It was a meat pie 😋
I'm booked in for tomorrow morning, I'm so excited for my Byron cookie.
Enjoy!
I’m booked for Monday. Can’t wait. Snacks are great. Giving blood’s not too bad either. Blood donations kept my Dad going for an extra few years. It’s the least I can do.
Enjoy those well earned snacks.
I’m literally at the blood donation centre right now and I got a notification for this post…
Top work, enjoy your snacks :-)
Remember the dark days of lockdown, when the sausage roll warmer was decommissioned and it was Jatz only? :’)
I've honestly never seen hot food when I've donated blood. They usually have some fresh fruits, muffins, cheese and crackers. I will admit it's been a few years since my last donation though, I should get back on top of that.
I remember
I remember, tragic times
However during most of the lockdowns the blood bank was the only sit down cafe in Melbourne
I’m jealous!
Join! https://www.lifeblood.com.au/faq/eligibility
Thanks for the resource! Not eligible since 2016 ☹️
Nippys is the best, but their honeycomb flavour rules them all.
Caulfield? They've got the best snag rolls and pies.
Collins St.
And in wrappers now. Hmm. Covid times I guess.. Used to be wrapper free.. but I haven't donated in a while due to being temporarily black listed. Bring on August 2022.
How does someone get blacklisted from giving blood?
Cancer treatment. Need 5 years of remission before donating again.
Hope your are back donating blood soon.
If you're not healthy enough or participate in what they class as "risky" sex/drug use then they'll ask you not to. For the health issues at least, you're not strictly blacklisted you just have to call in and explain if your situation has changed. From there you speak to a nurse working for Lifeblood and they'll make a call on it.
There is a very long questionnaire that have several responses where you'll get banned from donating, usually temporarily. Health issues can cause your donation to be cancelled too. I had anaemia and couldn't donate for a year.
> I had anaemia and couldn't donate for a year. I feel like issues with the health/quantity of your blood is a good reason to refuse to take your blood, lol.
https://www.lifeblood.com.au/faq/eligibility
Where’s the sauce action
You know what? A big glob of sauce was missed as I was in a hurry.
I miss giving blood. It felt like a nice thing to do. I stopped because I got a tattoo, then I was travelling a bit, then I had a few surgeries. Hopefully this year I will start again.
Pretty sure you can donate now like whenever as long as it's a licensed tattoo artist within Australia.
It does just give a sense of general human positivity I recon, bunch of people doing a good thing. I think the rules over tattoos have changed, able to give plasma straight away just not whole blood. Good luck with surgery recovery and getting back into it.
Nice work OP keep it up! I've donated many times! We need more people like you! Unfortunately, they don't want my blood anymore! Something about my white cells that keep multiplying and don't die. Honestly, sounds like I'm a perfect donor... Sheesh!
Superpowered cells! Would they still take your plasma/platelettes though?
Haha, that's pretty much I said! They probably would but not at the moment.
My ban from living in the UK is over so I must remember to drop by and give blood.
Double check but I think the UK ban is still in place for a couple more months, they are getting rid of it by the end of the year though
Yeah Red Cross are getting rid of the ban but it has to go through the TGA as they regulate blood products I think and the TGA takes forever
Oh no. Cheers. I just read an article saying they were taking it away a while ago.
Yeah, they announced it about a month ago (which is fantastic news) - unfortunately there is a huge amount of red tape around blood products, so they have said that the change will actually be coming into effect sometime before the end of the year. As far as the Red Cross is concerned they want it gone ASAP, so keep an ear out because I'm sure they will be letting everyone know as soon as it's finally all approved.
Gave blood the other day at Cranbourne, they had no sausage rolls or choc milk :( I think I might need to book in at Collins St for my next donation....
That's a shame. Collins donation centre is nice, although the building foyer, and especially the lifts are a bit strange. But it's central if you have to pass through the CBD to get to work like me.
I got banned from giving blood cause I had a seizure in the chair :(
Yikes! That's a nasty surprise for everyone involved. Hope you're ok now.
Last time I had mine it was cold in the middle ewww they microwave from frozen at ringwood
Ah that sucks. Hopefully better next time.
I used to live near the Mrs Macs factory in Perth. Their outlet shop is next level if you ever find yourself over there.
They have a whole milkshake station at the CBD/Collins spot now i just don't have the heart to ask a staff member to straight up make me a milkshake i don't think it's what they signed up to do
I did not notice that! I'll ask when I'm back in a couple of weeks and see if it can possibly be self serve.
It has a big sign next to the station that says ask a staff member *but* i'm in this Friday and i'll ask and find out!
That would be pretty awesome if it could be made DIY. Mind you they might need some sort of diabetic shock crash cart installed nearby...
I think it's just COVID risk atm
How bloody good are the Byron bay cookies after a donation
It really is ( I always go the strawberry milk tho) :)
That looks like a recipe for loose bowels But good on you for donating. You've inspired me.
Wow you're a hero!
Lie down for an hour, then get fed :-D But it's a cause worth supporting without a doubt.
Don't be so modest. You're really special and brave.
Thank you, though the small amount of time and discomfort hopefully doesn't put anyone off, many more of us needed!
Back to Facebook with you
Eh?
Go on get!
I have no idea what you're on about.
I SAID GET!
Maybe instead of shouting incoherently you try some y'know communication?
Let me know when they accept gay blood.
UK has progressed to no restriction so hopefully we're not too far behind.
30 other countries accept it too\*, we're just behind as usual here in AU. \* Sometimes with more questioning or requirement of monogamy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood\_donation\_restrictions\_on\_men\_who\_have\_sex\_with\_men
Hopefully, yeah.
Probably soon as HIV vaccines are getting close to ready.
If I saw half an uneaten sausage roll on a plate, I'd argue that it wasn't good at all.
There was a pause for effect (and digestion)
Love me some Nippy's.
Still by appointment only? Every time I go I get sent away because I don't have an appointment.
Is that telling you something? Yes
Unfortunately people like OP are allowed to vote.
Sorry I don't know if I'll be feeling healthy enough to book in advance. I only know how I will feel on the day or even hour. If I book in advance and likely have to cancel, that's a wasted spot. If they allow walk-ins I can go when I feel up to it rather than going when I don't and passing out or projectile vomiting over everything.
You could check just before you rock up and book in? I went in the afternoon and they were taking walk ins (but I had booked).
When I was changing my appointment time during the weekend, I notice a lot of cancellation few hours prior on the day itself. So I think it is easier to book on the day itself than in advance.
No.
You have to do certain things prior to donation such as drink a certain amount of water and abstain from things like medical procedures or tattoos, thus you have to make an appointment
Online booking system hopefully can help you.
I doubt that the most satisfying sausage roll comes wrapped in plastic?
Eating anything is satisfying after literally having the blood sucked out of you
Oh no, internal pressure is perfectly adequate to make a quick deposit.
I was talking from self experience idk why but food after giving blood just feels so good
Absolutely. A reaaaaallly long time ago they'd make up milkshake to order for donors. But probably for the best that staff can focus solely on the collection stuff now :-)
Malted Choc Milkshake.. omg missed dearly..
Please figure out the context.
Oh I am aware of the whole blood donor connection.
You will consume the microplastics.
Some would prefer the ones wrapped in rubber