Dare to Donate blood
382 members Daring to Donate blood have tracked a total of 1,142 times
Donate Blood so you can help others get through surgery or treatment for a disease or other health condition. Donate blood by visiting your local blood bank or American Red Cross.
Member Comments
I've got a rather awkward question, and would like some thoughtful feedback from the group. I'm a 43 year old male who has given blood probably every other year or so since high school. I have had a full STD test done in the last year, and have never had a "call back" from Red Cross saying there was any problem with my blood. The last time I gave blood, I read the question asking if you're a male who has had sex with a male even once since 1977. I have NEVER noticed that question before (but the lady assured me it had been there for years)! But I was molested when I was young, so I answered YES to that question. I had to explain the situation, answer a bunch of additional questions (some of which I could not remember the answer to), get an override via phone from the regional director, and basically re-live a bunch of stuff I had put out of my memory. A nurse friend of mine said to just lie about it from now on and forget about it, because obviously there is no problem with my blood since I've never gotten a "call back". I want to give blood, but don't want to go through this every time. Do y'all think its OK to just answer NO to the sex question from now on?
BTW, I'm straight, married with 2 kids. The molestation happened more than once, but stopped by the time I was 10 years old, and there was only one perpetrator. I turned 10 in 1979, so there has been zero sexual contact with any males since then. And this may be a little TMI, but I don't even think he ever even "finished" the deed. I did not even know that anything could come out besides urine at that age, so I'm sure I would have remembered that happening.
this was donation #1 this year.
WOW 10 gallons old stud way to go! that is inspiration. I have only 10 units (pints) to my name.
Need to put it on my schedule to do it again in 60 days.
Thanks to everyone who does give.
Donated today! Donation number one this year =) I'm daring myself to donate more than 3 times this year (breaking last year's record.) A huge thank you to United Blood Services for everything they do here!
I actually work for a blood bank, so I donate regularly...or at least as often as my Hgb will allow. =-)
Going to wait until after the bar exam to get over there, but looked up the donation site in my new location!
I donated a pint of blood last night! Yay! My experience was uneventful and I felt perfectly fine afterwards. I'll be going back again in 60 days.
I'm so particular about my Blood!! lol I've only donated once at a drive with my job, but I've dared myself to donate regularly. The first time went smoothly although they freaked me out about my veins being so small. I've scheduled an appointment to go NEXT Tuesday! That leaves NO time for me to overthink and chicken out. =)
By Anonymous on May 24, 2012 at 02:00 AM
I'm afraid of needles!!! I want to donate on the 29th, it will be my first time ever. I always went with my dad when he donated. Hopefully the needles arn't as big as I remember, then again, I was smaller so they might just have seemed big. Fingers crossed!