MacRumors 2011 Blood Drive

Denied!

I'd give blood as often as possible (and did so a few times before I left the UK) but the rules in New Zealand catch me out. Having lived in the UK during the mad cow disease outbreak (aka nvCJD) in the 1980s means they won't take my blood for a long time yet (I've gone to the donation centres and asked them about it twice). Particularly unfortunate since I'm O negative. But if the blood tests get better and they can verify that the disease is nonexistent and not just dormant, then perhaps more of us here will be able to contribute.
 
Good cause! At first glance I thought this was a story about iPad related injuries.
 
I like to give blood but how could I find where to go to do this? Where can I search for a place close to where I live?
 
Kudos

Really nice that a big community like this aid to the cause... My grandpa died a few years ago but he had internal bleedings (stomach) for 9 years, blood was always ready for him... as our blood (mine and 3 brothers, plus little less that a hundred of cousins) ready for the ones in need. I donate 3 times a year... 1 month before the donation I stop smoking and drinking in memory of my beloved old man. Thanks to all of the people willing to donate in name of the ones in need, thanks.
 
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The eligibility rules in the U.S., which are observed by the Red Cross and other blood donation centers, are very broad in eliminating groups with risk factors, the same way your zip code or your sex might affect your insurance rates. So I can understand why safe or unsafe individuals are frequently misclassified under the rules.

What's frustrating to many, however, is that the FDA is so slow to update out-of-date rules based on what the science shows. I've read the research reports that show that the lifetime ban on most gay men is too strong a restriction. Whether it's intentional discrimination or bureaucratic sluggishness, they are ruling out many safe and willing donors in the name of safety. Some people blame the Red Cross, but those who want to effect change should lobby the FDA instead.

The questionnaire I have to fill out each time doesn't ask about sexual orientation, only about sex, but other donor centers might phrase the same questions inappropriately, implying that the rules are about being gay at all. I'd complain if I saw that. But it wouldn't change the rules, only the interview.

As far as the MacRumors Blood Drive goes, we don't want controversies like this to prevent eligible donors from donating now. That's why we ask those who can't donate, for any reason, to help with publicity and encourage others to donate.
 
mattwolfmatt said:
It's all perspective. The biceps are closer to the camera than the hands. This is why, when taking pictures of fish, you always extend your arms toward the camera.
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Is that where the expression "scaling up the size" is derived from?

I hope to find a blood session this month [last bled in December] but haven't tried taking a picture of myself before.

I have a video of my wife getting a cannula inserted recently (and another one of my daughter having one removed) if any one wants to see some BIG needles. :D :eek:
 
tbobmccoy said:
Except that the question "male to male sex" is discriminatory. It doesn't ask you "received anal sex", it asks you about your sexual orientation. Plain and simple, discriminatory and non-scientific because male-to-female sex has the exact same risks.
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Has the exact same risks on an individual basis. But statistically, gay males have a higher-than-average ratio of HIV. Not sure about other STDs, but I would guess it's the same as HIV. Not passing judgment here, just pointing out that as a whole, gay males have a higher rate of HIV.

Disclaimer (or flame suit): I don't care about gay marriage one way or the other. In fact, I wish the government would stay out of ALL marriage, gay or straight. Apart from identifying domestic partnerships for tax purposes (something any two adults should be able to enter into), the government has no business establishing marriage definitions. Your church may vary, and you may choose to believe whatever you wish, but our tax dollars should be used more effectively, than to ban two gay dudes from getting married. Stay out of my business, and I will stay out of yours. Promise.

Rant over! :)
 
I don't think that I'm physically able to give blood.
I had to get 2 of those small vials they use for blood tests, and I couldn't even walk and passed out. That is not a lot of blood.
I don't weigh very much (107 lbs 5'8"). Is this normal or something about which I should be concerned?
 
appleguy123 said:
I don't think that I'm physically able to give blood.
I had to get 2 of those small vials they use for blood tests, and I couldn't even walk and passed out. That is not a lot of blood.
I don't weigh very much (107 lbs 5'8"). Is this normal or something about which I should be concerned?
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I'd say that is rather light indeed. If this is the only problem you experience with it, though, I'd say you needn't be too concerned. Just try to put on a few pounds in the long run, no biggy. And until then, your own physical health comes first.

BIG thumbs up to MacRumors for doing this, and to all who donate. I've donated a few times, always got me feel sick for about an hour or so afterwards, sometimes more than others. Since it didn't seem to be decreasing after a few donations, I decided to not donate for a while. Actions like these get me to reconsider. Which is a good thing IMO.

Edit: And as to the gay men being unable to: that sucks. I'm not wanting to get into the discussion, but I think I see where it comes from and I think it's kinda ********.
 
Blood vs. platelets

Platelet donations take longer than blood donations (at least an hour longer in most cases). You can donate platelets much more often because your body regenerates them so quickly, in a matter of days instead of months. Some people feel temporarily light-headed after donating blood, which is why they insist that you rest and have a snack afterwards. That happens less often with platelet donations.

One thing I didn't know until recently: A lot of donation centers encourage platelet donation because platelets have a shorter shelf life than whole blood and supplies can easily run low. But if your blood type is O negative (you're a "universal donor") and you volunteer to donate platelets, they'll likely ask you to donate blood instead!
 
Agreed

fixmymac said:
This is also the case in the UK. A patently ridiculous stance, given that there is a constant message given on TV and radio that there is a shortage.
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I've never been able to donate blood bc of this restriction. I do understand why this provision has not been changed. Though blood is screened, people still receive blood that makes them sick. It amazes me the screening process has not advanced enough to provide more blood.
 
I went to a Red Cross blood donation event that we had in my last workplace, but after they asked all of my medical history they weren't sure if it would be a good idea to take my blood. They took my contact information and said they would contact me later if I'm eligible for donating, but I never head from them since. Guess I'm no good.
 
Miharu said:
I went to a Red Cross blood donation event that we had in my last workplace, but after they asked all of my medical history they weren't sure if it would be a good idea to take my blood. They took my contact information and said they would contact me later if I'm eligible for donating, but I never head from them since. Guess I'm no good.
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If you have time, look into making another appointment. Your contact details may have just been misplaced.
 
GeekLawyer said:
I suppose I should point out, as is inevitable, that gay men are barred from giving blood, at least in the United States.

So, while I can't participate, my best wishes to those who can. Thank you for your sacrifice!
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I second this. I was a 2 gallon donor before I made the infamous "No donor" list. And though I'm healthy, my blood isn't "good enough". So I thank you that donate today, and will make a financial contribution, though the two gallons that I donated before saved many more lives than a financial contribution ever could.
 
GeekLawyer said:
I suppose I should point out, as is inevitable, that gay men are barred from giving blood, at least in the United States.

So, while I can't participate, my best wishes to those who can. Thank you for your sacrifice!
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Wow I never knew that, I can't donate I had anthrax vaccination .
 
Thanks for the donations by all who are eligible. I normally give every 8 weeks but am currently ineligible due to recent travels.

The rules on eligibility are pretty clear, dealing with different factors that can seriously raise the risk of infection or illness by the donor, the recipient or both. Everywhere I've donated, the questionnaire has been written as "have you done such-and-so" rather than passing judgment about one's life.

This probably isn't the right forum to debate the various factors and risks. Probably better suited for a medical research forum.
 
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