Thread to bump when you give blood

[JFG]

No. I had a newbie who struggled.

[John.S.Mill]

I have the best veins

[PatientZombie]

Double red

[soyleche]

Me too! Got done about a half hour ago!

[NerdAlert]

Today for me!

My bloodletter today told me there is a bag shortage, so they have to use a different kind of bag. I was verrrrrry nervous when she was asking basic questions about how the bags work, thought I might have a first-timer.

[PatientZombie]

@NerdAlert

she was asking basic questions about how the bags work

she was asking you questions about the bag?

@NerdAlert

My bloodletter today

and I just realized that you didn’t receive a letter asking for blood and telling you about the bags

[NerdAlert]

Hah, fortunately no, she was asking the supervisor.

[PatientZombie]

It looks like they are at least looking to change the guidelines for gay men who are not living a free and easy life style

[yoyo]

Is there still a prohibition for former IV drug users, even if it’s been 40 years or so since last use? Asking for a friend…

[NerdAlert]

I think it’s within the last year now, at least in the US. It might even be less than a year, but it’s not a question I’ve given much thought.

[Triweasel]

Donated blood before lunch today. Red Cross was set up downstairs from my office so it was convenient. In and out in about 30 minutes. I still have some fast-pumping veins!

[Breadmaker]

[UltimateAnyone]

Just got back from a double red donation!

[JFG]

Down a bag of O+

[NerdAlert]

Bump.

Had planned to do it two weeks ago, but started my period, and I can never meet the iron requirements when I’m on my period, so pushed it off two weeks. I think it’s been 11 or 12 weeks since I donated, as I did it before my surgery.

[JFG]

I agreed to let a trainee take my blood. Left with a parting gift of ice packs and wrap for bruising.

[Lucy]

I don’t even let trainees take blood samples for medical tests. (Yes, I ask.) They can practice on someone like my husband who doesn’t flinch and has big easy veins.

[Lucy]

@John.S.Mill

@NerdAlert

Because you are gay? Outdated rule, although I heard the FDA may reevaluate that to allow gay or bi men without new partners in the last three months to donate.

You can donate, but mostly you have to be celibate for a few months (and also not on prep), which is an impossibility for gay men.

For the most part, gay men who donate just lie. Some doctors even recommend lying because the rule is BS.

They’ve published the updated rules. You still shouldn’t donate if you are on PreP or PEP, of if you’ve had a new partner for anal sex in the past 3 months. (without regards to sexuality.) But many gay men (including ones who aren’t celibate) will be eligible to donate.

gift link:

Who can donate blood? What to know about FDA’s new guidelines

The current rule on IV drug use is “wait 3 months”

Wait 3 months after using IV drugs that were not prescribed by a physician. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis and HIV.

Blood Donor Eligibility Criteria | Red Cross Blood Services

[JFG]

I don’t think my veins are particularly difficult but I do have scar tissue from regularly donating.

[BigBlackBen]

I have never given blood before. I remember in high school a couple kids on the cross country gave blood their senior year during homecoming week and ran like sh!t the rest of their senior season. I’ve been suspect of the 1-2 week recovery window ever since

Maybe when I’m done for hood with working out/competing I will give giving blood a whirl