I donated a pint of blood today. [Archive] - Comic Book Resources Forums

IssunBoshi

02-27-2009, 03:27 PM

Well done, mate. More power to you.

I think the most painful part is when you're in suspense about the needle piercing your skin and you just keep wishing it already did.

I had to kept pretending I was in Tokyo in order to brace through the needle.

Though it still beats having your finger tacked. Sensitive parts of your body tend to hurt more when getting pierced.

Sir Tim Drake

02-27-2009, 03:49 PM

Congratulations. That is one more pint than I've donated.

StoneGold

02-27-2009, 03:53 PM

I've tried to donate a few times, but they always have trouble locating the vein.

And yes, it is all about me.

IssunBoshi

02-27-2009, 03:55 PM

I've tried to donate a few times, but they always have trouble locating the vein.

And yes, it is all about me.

trouble finding the vein? Then you must not be human in a sense. XD

The Black Guardian

02-27-2009, 04:02 PM

As a kid, I was in and out of hospitals so much that I grew to love needles. I love giving blood. One arm seems to give them trouble: the veins are deeper. I've had some bad experiences tied to giving blood. One time, it left me delirious to the point that I was having arguments with birds. Another time, it gave me such a high that my slower reaction time caused me to have an car accident. A few times, I was a bleeder.

Still, I love it.

Augusto

02-27-2009, 05:44 PM

I've tried to donate a few times, but they always have trouble locating the vein.

And yes, it is all about me.

I can't imagine the witty comments you have said :rolleyes:

rick

02-27-2009, 06:56 PM

Asmith

02-27-2009, 07:28 PM

I give blood every 90 days like clockwork.

The nice thing about most hospital blood banks is that you can easily set things up to where they get in touch with you to remind you that it's time to go back in.

One of my families few good deeds over the years is that all of us have been big blood doners going back to my grand father who was given an award by the Red Cross for donating more the 10 gallons of blood between WWII and the late 1970's.

I recommend that everyone, and I'm looking at you Sir Tim, should go in and donate at least once in their lives.

You'll be helping someone out and frankly the experience itself is worth going through just to see how it all works.
Nice to see you're a regular donor Rick. But tell me, is it your blood you're giving away, or do you just shoot it out of other people...? :smile:

Donating blood is something everyone can do. It's painless and easy, plus you get a cup of orange juice at the end of it. And even if you don't qualify for the whole-blood donation, like myself - thanks to a childhood illness - they can still use it to make plasma etc.

And if you're a rare or rare-ish blood type, donating blood makes even more sense. As the life you save could be your own!

Go do it now.

Nice going, Issun!

crazyredlady

02-27-2009, 07:42 PM

**sigh**:frown: I'd like to but they don't let you donate if you're under a certain weight....I'm always hovering around 100 lbs and never really qualify....however I know the sensation of giving up that much blood....had so many blood tests as a kid I thought they had a vampire in the basement of the hospital

Mermaid

02-27-2009, 07:45 PM

Nice to see you're a regular donor Rick. But tell me, is it your blood you're giving away, or do you just shoot it out of other people...?

:biggrin: heh!

chaosakita

02-27-2009, 07:59 PM

That's great. I'm not old enough to donate yet, but I'll try as soon as I can.

The Black Guardian

02-27-2009, 09:34 PM

And if you're a rare or rare-ish blood type, donating blood makes even more sense. As the life you save could be your own!

Go do it now.
While true to a certain extent, O+ and A+ tend to be the most needed blood types because of their frequency of use (at least in most countries). So, it makes just as much sense if you have one of these blood types. And then those with O- blood are potential universal donors, so their blood is much needed, as well.

Asmith

02-27-2009, 09:48 PM

While true to a certain extent, O+ and A+ tend to be the most needed blood types because of their frequency of use (at least in most countries). So, it makes just as much sense if you have one of these blood types. And then those with O- blood are potential universal donors, so their blood is much needed, as well.

Good point!
The short of it is, there's no reason not to donate. There's always going to be something vital they can be doing with it.

Go google up your country's Red Cross now and find out where your nearest donor centre is. Why not make a day of it? Take friends, work mates and family along. If nothing else it makes for a unique and rewarding outing!

Augusto

02-27-2009, 10:58 PM

I have AB+ and is not that common.

I had a bad experience while donating. This moron pierced all across my vein and along with my donated bleed, I had this huge bleeding under my skin.
I had a purple arm for a month and all the later colors when the blood started to decompose.

But that just happened the first time, and no matter what, you feel better about yourself because most of the times you are doing something for a total stranger, maybe saving his life.

section 8

02-28-2009, 06:07 AM

I am O Pos, But I cannot donate blood due to a Staph infection.

Mermaid

02-28-2009, 06:52 AM

I am O Pos, But I cannot donate blood due to a Staph infection.

whats a staph?

DrewTheXenocide

02-28-2009, 07:04 AM

I wish I could, but I've spent time in "malarious areas" in Indonesia. I can't give blood for about nine months, I think, by which time, I'll probably go to Indonesia again. Quite the vicious ciricle.

The Confessor

02-28-2009, 08:49 AM

Donating blood is something everyone can do. It's painless and easy, plus you get a cup of orange juice at the end of it.

Boy, you lucked out. Here in the UK we get a nice steamy, hot, brown cup of tea and some tasty biscuits to chomp on afterwards.

The short of it is, there's no reason not to donate.

I thought that there were certain people who can't donate? Like if you're on certain medications? I've never given blood myself (although I do have a donor card incase I bite the big one and someone needs bits of me) but I'd sure like to. However, I'm on a particular medication and I'm sure that I've been told that the hospitals wouldn't accept my blood because of that medication. Can't remember where I heard that now but I'm sure someone (possibly my doctor?) told me.

As an aside, when you give blood, do they tell you which blood group you are? I've always wanted to know that. I don't know why really, it would just be interesting to know.

Paradox

02-28-2009, 08:54 AM

The Confessor maybe can't:

I thought that there were certain people who can't donate? Like if you're on certain medications? I've never given blood myself (although I do have a donor card incase I bite the big one and someone needs bits of me) but I'd sure like to. However, I'm on a particular medication and I'm sure that I've been told that the hospitals wouldn't accept my blood because of that medication. Can't remember where I heard that now but I'm sure someone (possibly my doctor?) told me.

Of course. I'm hoping Asmith was just leaving off the "unless there's some medical reason why they won't take you" in a casual fashion.

As an aside, when you give blood, do they tell you which blood group you are? I've always wanted to know that. I don't know why really, it would just be interesting to know.

Yes, they will. But seeing's how you seem to be under a doctor's care, I'm sure he could tell you as well.

O+ here.

DonC

02-28-2009, 09:01 AM

Next time I go it'll be number 40. The civic center in my little corner of suburbia has blood drives once a month so it's easy for me. In fact, their next one is on Monday, but it ends at 6 so I don't think I'll have time to get there before they close.

Asmith

02-28-2009, 09:54 AM

Of course. I'm hoping Asmith was just leaving off the "unless there's some medical reason why they won't take you" in a casual fashion.

Absolutely! Mostly because people quite often try and invent reasons not to donate. Most donor websites will give you the list of things that may make you inelligble to give viable blood. But since they can make plasma outta it, don't go thinking you know - check the site or give 'em a call!

Go to a site now and find out... yes, NOW!

The Black Guardian

02-28-2009, 10:15 AM

whats a staph?
Staphylococcus: a genus of bacteria. Most species are harmless, but some, like Staphylococcus aureus, are the cause of boils, stye, carbuncles, and much more serious things that can potentially lead to death.

Perry Holley

02-28-2009, 10:22 AM

I've tried to donate a few times, but they always have trouble locating the vein.

And yes, it is all about me."You're so vein, you probably think this song is about you."

I used to donate pretty regularly, back in college. These days, I still try to, but I have to schedule it around some of the medicine I occasionally have to take.

For me, having the needle go in isn't nearly as bad as anticipating the needle going in (I hate needles, by the way).

I've only had one really bad experience giving blood - the time the cross-eyed nurse managed to stab the needle into two veins at the same time.

Oh, and there was the one time that occurred after I had given blood... I was sitting at the table, sipping on the OJ they gave us, reading through the adventure module I was going to be running for my RPG group later that evening, when all of a sudden I hear this one woman screaming next to me. I look up, and everyone is looking at me... turns out the bandage on my arm wasn't on as tight as it should have been, and I had blood running all down my arm. I was so busy reading that just didn't notice it.

Asmith

02-28-2009, 10:31 AM

"You're so vein, you probably think this song is about you."

I used to donate pretty regularly, back in college. These days, I still try to, but I have to schedule it around some of the medicine I occasionally have to take.

For me, having the needle go in isn't nearly as bad as anticipating the needle going in (I hate needles, by the way).

I've only had one really bad experience giving blood - the time the cross-eyed nurse managed to stab the needle into two veins at the same time.

Oh, and there was the one time that occurred after I had given blood... I was sitting at the table, sipping on the OJ they gave us, reading through the adventure module I was going to be running for my RPG group later that evening, when all of a sudden I hear this one woman screaming next to me. I look up, and everyone is looking at me... turns out the bandage on my arm wasn't on as tight as it should have been, and I had blood running all down my arm. I was so busy reading that just didn't notice it.

Yes... because nothing gets a newbie interested in donating like the very rare little donor horror story...

Perry Holley

02-28-2009, 10:35 AM

Yes... because nothing gets a newbie interested in donating like the very rare little donor horror story...Hey, even at the time I thought it was funny. Of course, I do have a sick sense of humor at times...

And two bad experiences out some 80+ donations isn't too bad a record.

DonC

02-28-2009, 12:33 PM

Yes... because nothing gets a newbie interested in donating like the very rare little donor horror story...

One time, my blood clotted in the needle. But they thought it had just popped out of the vein, so I was sitting there watching them move the needle back and forth just under my skin looking for the vein again. It was kind of surreal to see the needle moving under my skin.

IssunBoshi

02-28-2009, 03:30 PM

I did the blood donation at school, in case you didn't notice.

Gilda Dent

02-28-2009, 04:51 PM

I thought that there were certain people who can't donate? Like if you're on certain medications? I've never given blood myself (although I do have a donor card incase I bite the big one and someone needs bits of me) but I'd sure like to. However, I'm on a particular medication and I'm sure that I've been told that the hospitals wouldn't accept my blood because of that medication. Can't remember where I heard that now but I'm sure someone (possibly my doctor?) told me.

There are groups that are prohibited. The last time I went, you were prohibited if you didn't weigh at least 110lbs., were on certain medications like blood thinners, were a male who had ever had sex with another male, if you'd had a transfusion or other surgical procedure in a certain amount of time prior, or if you'd recently traveled in certain countries that had had mad cow disease in a certain time period.

I'm disqualified on the basis of medications and sometimes weight.

I read Asmith's comment as a recommendation to donate if you are able to, with the "if you are able" implied.

Matt Algren

02-28-2009, 06:34 PM

I thought that there were certain people who can't donate?
They don't want fag blood (http://blog.mattalgren.com/2009/02/gay-man-donates-kidney-most-donations-illegal/), for one.

(Requisite acknowledgment that it's not the Red Cross's outmoded policy and that they're trying to get the governments to change it.)

As an aside, when you give blood, do they tell you which blood group you are? I've always wanted to know that. I don't know why really, it would just be interesting to know.
I think so, but your doctor should have that on file too.

Asmith

02-28-2009, 07:01 PM

They don't want fag blood (http://blog.mattalgren.com/2009/02/gay-man-donates-kidney-most-donations-illegal/), for one.

(Requisite acknowledgment that it's not the Red Cross's outmoded policy and that they're trying to get the governments to change it.)

I think so, but your doctor should have that on file too.

In Australia we've no problem with gay blood...

Here's a link to the Australian Red Cross Can You Donate Blood Quiz:
http://www.donateblood.com.au/page.aspx?IDDataTreeMenu=39

There are, of course, some extenuating medical exceptions outside of this, but it's the general gist of it.

Ontir

02-28-2009, 07:04 PM

Yeah it's the first time I have ever done it in 17 and a half years and I feel better that I could save up to 3 lives with it. So be nice to me, today.

Just the one?!? WIMP! :tongue:

As Matt said, they don't want the type 'Mo blood, otherwise I would!

Matt Algren

02-28-2009, 07:21 PM

In Australia we've no problem with gay blood...
Yes you do. (http://www.donateblood.com.au/page.aspx?IDDataTreeMenu=88&parent=30#answer47)

Within the past twelve months have you:

* Had male to male sex?
* Had sexual activity with a male who you think might be bisexual?
* Been a male or female sex worker (e.g. received payment for sex in money, gifts or drugs?)
* Engaged in sex with a male or female sex worker?
Note that there's no restriction on women who like to get pounded in the sniz by a bunch of strangers.

Paradox

02-28-2009, 07:29 PM

Matt Algren notes carefully:

Yes you do. (http://www.donateblood.com.au/page.aspx?IDDataTreeMenu=88&parent=30#answer47)

Note that there's no restriction on women who like to get pounded in the sniz by a bunch of strangers.

Unless, of course, they're getting paid.

Heh, "sex worker". My weird brain wants to put construction hard hats into that picture. :tongue:

Hiromi

03-01-2009, 03:09 AM

Air Traffic Controller, I can and have given blood, but I can only do it in limited amounts and a limited number of times within the year.

The Confessor

03-01-2009, 06:54 AM

Yes, they will. But seeing's how you seem to be under a doctor's care, I'm sure he could tell you as well.

Hmmmm...I'm not sure a GP would actually know if you've never been tested, would they? I don't think it's on your medical file as a mattrer of course. It's only my GP that I'm talking about here, by the way...I'm not really "under a doctor's care". I mean, I can go out alone and stuff. :biggrin:

so I was sitting there watching them move the needle back and forth just under my skin looking for the vein again. It was kind of surreal to see the needle moving under my skin.

Boy, you're a braver man than I am...I can't look when they put the needle in. I'm fine with having needles put in me for blood tests and stuff but no way can I watch as the stick it in.

They don't want fag blood (http://blog.mattalgren.com/2009/02/gay-man-donates-kidney-most-donations-illegal/), for one.

Well, I smoke about 20 fags* a day. Will that prevent me from donating?

* = I'm sure most know but for those who don't, "fags" is British slang for cigarettes.

Asmith

03-01-2009, 06:56 AM

Yes you do. (http://www.donateblood.com.au/page.aspx?IDDataTreeMenu=88&parent=30#answer47)

But note that it's only in the last 12 months.

Paradox

03-01-2009, 07:10 AM

So it's OK as long as you get cured of TEH GAI? :tongue:

Paradox

03-01-2009, 07:12 AM

The Confessor needs to look at his chart:

Hmmmm...I'm not sure a GP would actually know if you've never been tested, would they? I don't think it's on your medical file as a mattrer of course.

Dunno about over there. Here your regular GP will probably find out doing a physical for you (assuming you get one, and if you're a "regular", they'll probably suggest it at some time or another).

It's only my GP that I'm talking about here, by the way...I'm not really "under a doctor's care". I mean, I can go out alone and stuff. :biggrin:

I'll be sure to alert the authorities. :wink:

Asmith

03-01-2009, 07:14 AM

So it's OK as long as you get cured of TEH GAI? :tongue:

Is it really that unlikely that there exists homosexual men who haven't got any action in the last year? What about the fat, balding, ugly ones?

Paradox

03-01-2009, 07:16 AM

Asmith asks:

Is it really that unlikely that there exists homosexual men who haven't got any action in the last year?

Actually, there's at least a couple of board regulars here!

Not that I'm gonna name names, mind you. :wink:

Puma

03-01-2009, 07:55 AM

Actually, there's at least a couple of board regulars here!

Not that I'm gonna name names, mind you. :wink:

especially as you are not one to talk!

Paradox

03-01-2009, 07:56 AM

Oh, hey, my long bout with celibacy is a matter of public record. :biggrin:

Damn celibacy keeps winning, too...

Asmith

03-01-2009, 08:05 AM

Oh, hey, my long bout with celibacy is a matter of public record. :biggrin:

Damn celibacy keeps winning, too...

That's only because you keep tossing in the towel... or a scrunched up Kleenex, or old sock or whatever you use...

Paradox

03-01-2009, 08:11 AM

Your mom?

:biggrin:

Asmith

03-01-2009, 08:15 AM

Your mom?

:biggrin:
While admittedly she could probably use the action, she prefers guys with all their own teeth...

Paradox

03-01-2009, 08:49 AM

When I first had all my teeth yanked and got dentures, my old pal Tim asked me "So, do you eat [portable wishwasher] better with your teeth in or out?" and my roommate Mike didn't miss a beat with "How the hell would he know?" :tongue:

Ontir

03-01-2009, 09:29 AM

Oh, hey, my long bout with celibacy is a matter of public record. :biggrin:

Damn celibacy keeps winning, too...

I don't understand that. I've got two straight friends who haven't gotten any forever. Sex is everywhere, all the time. It's generally about turning down, not seeking out.

spoon_jenkins

03-01-2009, 09:30 AM

I haven't given blood in quite a while, so I should do that.

I've tried to donate a few times, but they always have trouble locating the vein.
Sometimes it takes a while for me, but they find one eventually. On the other hand, I tend to have a problem with platelet donation through those apheresis machines. Sometimes I've had a low flow, so they decided to have me stop.

Asmith

03-01-2009, 09:35 AM

I don't understand that. I've got two straight friends who haven't gotten any forever. Sex is everywhere, all the time. It's generally about turning down, not seeking out.
Just what exactly are you insinuating about Paradox with that remark? Whatever it is, I'm guessing it's not very polite... good for you!

IssunBoshi

03-01-2009, 12:43 PM

Just the one?!? WIMP! :tongue:

As Matt said, they don't want the type 'Mo blood, otherwise I would!

Hey what part of "being nice" to me dont' you understand? XD

Michael P

03-01-2009, 12:47 PM

Hey what part of "being nice" to me dont' you understand? XD

Hey, you only said "today." And that was two days ago.

thehod

03-01-2009, 01:01 PM

That is one more pint than I've donated.

A pint? Have you gone raving mad? I came in here in all good faith to help my country. I don't mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint - why, that's very nearly an armful.

Mermaid

03-01-2009, 01:54 PM

A pint? Have you gone raving mad? I came in here in all good faith to help my country. I don't mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint - why, that's very nearly an armful.

hehehe!! I love that sketch! The Sunday Afternoon one always makes me laugh too.

Matt Algren

03-01-2009, 03:42 PM

But note that it's only in the last 12 months.
So as long as the gay hasn't had sex in the last year, his blood's okay? Why so? What about the men who've been, in essence, married for 35 years and have only had sex with each other? What about the men who are tested regularly and are more careful than the female slutty slut next door? Why is their blood no good but hers is fine?

You're entering with the assumption that gay=lots and lots of sex with lots and lots of scary people with lots and lots of AIDS. And that's just not true.

Besides which, blood is rigorously tested after donation, making this kind of rule unnecessary.

mgs

03-01-2009, 06:03 PM

Damn! I keep reading this thread as, 'I donated a pint of bloody mary'! :confused:

Anyways...
I've tried to donate a few times, but they always have trouble locating the vein.
yeah, I have that too. Deep Vein. And as I've mentioned before, my horror story is that I stopped giving when in college, I had a bad nurse who literally had to needle me about 6-7 times (when 2 was the norm) and it made me dizzy and nauseous, AND messed up my left forearm enough (I'm a leftie) that I couldn't write (had to miss some tests) and I couldn't use it for lacrosse or tennis or anything!

Since then, I trust my forearm to no one! You can't tell who has experience with deep veins and who does not.

Asmith

03-01-2009, 06:03 PM

Ontir

03-01-2009, 06:41 PM

Just what exactly are you insinuating about Paradox with that remark? Whatever it is, I'm guessing it's not very polite... good for you!

I just think if you're not getting any, and you want some, you need to look at the signals you're sending the world. I'm not saying that all the wold's begging for a piece of me, that's certainly not the case, but "every dog," as they say. You just have to be open to the signals others are putting out, because chances are, they're there, and you're not seeing them. Maybe it's time to adjust your knobs and straighten your antenna!

Asmith

03-01-2009, 06:55 PM

I just think if you're not getting any, and you want some, you need to look at the signals you're sending the world. I'm not saying that all the wold's begging for a piece of me, that's certainly not the case, but "every dog," as they say. You just have to be open to the signals others are putting out, because chances are, they're there, and you're not seeing them. Maybe it's time to adjust your knobs and straighten your antenna!

So to paraphrase for you... What you're saying is that Paradox is sending out 'ugly signals', yes?

Mermaid

03-01-2009, 07:06 PM

So to paraphrase for you... What you're saying is that Paradox is sending out 'ugly signals', yes?

or that he's not seeing other people's signals.

MacQuarrie

03-01-2009, 08:01 PM

yeah, I have that too. Deep Vein. And as I've mentioned before, my horror story is that I stopped giving when in college, I had a bad nurse who literally had to needle me about 6-7 times (when 2 was the norm) and it made me dizzy and nauseous, AND messed up my left forearm enough (I'm a leftie) that I couldn't write (had to miss some tests) and I couldn't use it for lacrosse or tennis or anything!

Since then, I trust my forearm to no one! You can't tell who has experience with deep veins and who does not.
Oh please. When I had my spleen out, the nurse missed the vein 11 times with the IV. Finally somebody from the ER came up and stuck it into the back of my hand. I still donate blood despite that lovely event.

P.S. "Nauseous" means you make other people sick. The word you seek is "nauseated."

P.P.S. There's a blood drive at the San Diego Comic-Con, complete with a bag o' swag. How about a CBR Meet and Bleed event?

MacQuarrie

03-01-2009, 08:02 PM

wow. Did you grab the wrong end of the stick there with a vengence.
None of what you just wrote bares any resemblence to my opinion.
I think he's using "you" to refer to whoever sets the policy, not you in particular.

mgs

03-01-2009, 08:10 PM

Oh please. When I had my spleen out, the nurse missed the vein 11 times with the IV. Finally somebody from the ER came up and stuck it into the back of my hand. I still donate blood despite that lovely event.

P.S. "Nauseous" means you make other people sick. The word you seek is "nauseated."

P.P.S. There's a blood drive at the San Diego Comic-Con, complete with a bag o' swag. How about a CBR Meet and Bleed event?
no thanks! i prefer use of my arm!

and...you were already under, I was perfectly healthy, until that time.

and, I think the term is proper in the sentence I used it in. I don't think you are describing it properly. :confused:

Paradox

03-01-2009, 10:21 PM

Mermaid has one "or":

or that he's not seeing other people's signals.

Or maybe, just maybe, he's deliberately not looking.

Really, playing on the celibacy thing is just my running gag. I'm perfectly fine being "sexless" as long as I don't have to deal with a "partner" (which I also do not want). :wink:

After the first couple of years, it quickly becomes no big deal.

Asmith

03-01-2009, 11:49 PM

Or maybe, just maybe, he's deliberately not looking.

Really, playing on the celibacy thing is just my running gag. I'm perfectly fine being "sexless" as long as I don't have to deal with a "partner" (which I also do not want). :wink:

After the first couple of years, it quickly becomes no big deal.

That's the way. You're plucky spirit is an inspiration to us all!

Paradox

03-02-2009, 12:44 AM

http://www.hollywoodstandups.com/images/Eeyore.jpeg

:tongue:

MacQuarrie

03-02-2009, 12:59 AM

no thanks! i prefer use of my arm!

and...you were already under, I was perfectly healthy, until that time.

and, I think the term is proper in the sentence I used it in. I don't think you are describing it properly. :confused:

Oh no I was not.

It was before the surgery, I hadn't had any meds yet, and they couldn't get an IV started. It hurt like hell.

The Confessor

03-02-2009, 01:02 PM

Sex is everywhere, all the time.

*sigh* That's generally true...just like money is everywhere.

I can't seem to get much of that either. :frown:

A pint? Have you gone raving mad? I came in here in all good faith to help my country. I don't mind giving a reasonable amount, but a pint - why, that's very nearly an armful.

hehehe!! I love that sketch! The Sunday Afternoon one always makes me laugh too.

The funniest bit about that Hancock sketch (IMO) is the bit when he first turns up, has the pin-prick smear and then he turns to go and the doctor says "oh, hang on...that was just a smear". Hancock replies in a suitably outraged voice "Listen mate, it may only be a smear to you but that's life or death to some poor wretch!". :biggrin:

P.S. "Nauseous" means you make other people sick. The word you seek is "nauseated."

Ummm...no, nauseous was used correctly in that original post.

From the Chambers English dictionary...

nauseous
Adjective

1. as if about to be sick: "he felt nauseous"
2. sickening

Alex L

03-02-2009, 01:42 PM

mgs

03-02-2009, 02:03 PM

Oh no I was not.

It was before the surgery, I hadn't had any meds yet, and they couldn't get an IV started. It hurt like hell.
what gauge were they using on ya? or do you remember? those suckers can get quite big! :eek:

Merey

03-02-2009, 02:42 PM

So as long as the gay hasn't had sex in the last year, his blood's okay? Why so? What about the men who've been, in essence, married for 35 years and have only had sex with each other? What about the men who are tested regularly and are more careful than the female slutty slut next door? Why is their blood no good but hers is fine?

You're entering with the assumption that gay=lots and lots of sex with lots and lots of scary people with lots and lots of AIDS. And that's just not true.

Besides which, blood is rigorously tested after donation, making this kind of rule unnecessary.

Or, that slutty hetro. male neighbor next door. ;)

But yes, the whole gay sex question is ridiculous. And hell, they even still ask women if they've slept with gay men in the past 12 months. I wonder how many women have to pause for a fraction of a second and question the true sexual orientation of their sex partners.

[...snip]
P.P.S. There's a blood drive at the San Diego Comic-Con, complete with a bag o' swag. How about a CBR Meet and Bleed event?

I started donating while living in SD county during my college years. I've found the SD blood bank to be far superior to the NYC one. They were always incredibly nice and accommodating. My experiences here make it me far less enthusiastic to go give them my O negative every two months. Seriously, if it is your job to deal with people who are donating their time and a literal part of themselves, you should really be required to have better people skills. In my experience, it seems that only surly nurses/technicians work in the blood bank here.