Donating Blood / Organs [Archive]

Richie

20-02-2012, 09:57 PM

Hey,
Thought I'd make a thread about this. I got a donar card a few years back, so as far as I'm concerned the doctors can take whatever they want when i die (if anything's still healthy lol). As for giving blood it seems pretty scarey. My sister asked me to go to her 9th or 10th blood donation to show me how it works, she said it'd be fine. The one day I decide to go they hook this drip thing up to her arm and give her this dog type toy to squeeze on so they can take the blood (how insulting, TAKE THIS BONE IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BLOOD). Anyway we then go the canteen and shecollapses. One of the doctors runs over with a pillow and another runs over to be of an assistance. So now I'm sat in the canteen with packed canteen still munching away on their food while my sisters laying on the ground having some fit whilst another doctor is screaming at her "EAT THE KITKAT". I tell you, that put me off.

Do you donate? have you had any strange problems like above happen before? Can you feel the blood pouring out of your body?

Thread moved by Shar (Forum Moderator) from "Discuss Anything" as its better suited here!

Catchy

20-02-2012, 10:01 PM

i don't think i'm allowed to donate blood because i've had sex with guys before... i'm not sure if i'm on the organ donor list but im sure i am you know i remember agreeing to it whilst applying for my provisional driving licence lmao.

regarding blood donation anyway i'm sure it's fine it'll probably hurt a bit and you might go a little light headed after but that's probably why your sis was on the floor and the doc was offering her the kitkat because it helps with your sugar levels.

Richie

20-02-2012, 10:03 PM

Catchy

20-02-2012, 10:05 PM

WELL HERE IS ME THINKING OF A GOOD TOPIC BUT FORGET GAYS CANT GIVE BLOOD AND 95% OF THE PEOPLE USING THE FORUM ARE GAY.

/THREAD

LMFAO to make it sound nicer they say of course gays are welcome to give blood :) just can't of had sex with another guy ahahah love it

Meloneeze.

20-02-2012, 10:09 PM

I am soo confused...anyway

I think I know why they don't let minors donate...but I would have taken that KitKat if I was her...mmm kitkats...um..erm..anywayy..

Jordan

20-02-2012, 10:26 PM

I haven't had my blood taken before and I wouldn't mind doing it either. I think I am on the list for donating organs too:)

dbgtz

20-02-2012, 10:31 PM

Well I assume giving blood is basically the same as a blood test (but probably taking slightly more). If so, it would probably be nothing. Also you won't notice you had a fit if you had one, so don't let it put you off :P

Chris

20-02-2012, 10:42 PM

Hmm I'm a bit iffy with needles and blood, so its pretty much out of the question for me. :(

jasey

20-02-2012, 11:50 PM

Needles and blood don't put me off at all. I have had to have a lot of blood drawn for tests and stuff so it's not that bothersome for me. I don't give blood because they are pushy about being gay and even though I know I have wonderful, clean blood I don't want to have to lie to them about being homosexual so I don't bother. I remember a health minister in the past raising the blood donor age to seventy and at the same time they went over how gay men can't give blood because a fifth of us are 'contaminated' with HIV / AIDS. I found that choice of word to be really offensive.

-:Undertaker:-

21-02-2012, 02:07 AM

I need to start giving blood, think i'll sign up this year - do something good, i'm not concerned about needles anyway.

Needles and blood don't put me off at all. I have had to have a lot of blood drawn for tests and stuff so it's not that bothersome for me. I don't give blood because they are pushy about being gay and even though I know I have wonderful, clean blood I don't want to have to lie to them about being homosexual so I don't bother. I remember a health minister in the past raising the blood donor age to seventy and at the same time they went over how gay men can't give blood because a fifth of us are 'contaminated' with HIV / AIDS. I found that choice of word to be really offensive.

Well its a true health concern, and if it really is a fifth that are infected - thats frankly scary.

jasey

21-02-2012, 02:35 AM

I need to start giving blood, think i'll sign up this year - do something good, i'm not concerned about needles anyway.

Well its a true health concern, and if it really is a fifth that are infected - thats frankly scary.

Yes, it is a true health concern. I don't doubt the severity of the HIV / AIDS epidemic in the gay male population. That being said, most new HIV cases in this decade are shown among straight couples. Roughly 40% of HIV / AIDS patients in the United Kingdom (where you live - open your eyes) are of African descent. No one denies people the right to donate blood because they are black or African, right?

Regardless, the ban against men who have sex with men donating blood is archaic and being repealed and fought in areas across the globe as the civil rights movement for gay equality spreads. The comment that I had the problem with and what spurred me to write my post was the fact that they referred to HIV / AIDS patients as 'contaminated' as if they are pieces of rotten food. There are other words that could have been used.

-:Undertaker:-

21-02-2012, 02:45 AM

Yes, it is a true health concern. I don't doubt the severity of the HIV / AIDS epidemic in the gay male population. That being said, most new HIV cases in this decade are shown among straight couples. Roughly 40% of HIV / AIDS patients in the United Kingdom (where you live - open your eyes) are of African descent. No one denies people the right to donate blood because they are black or African, right?

Regardless, the ban against men who have sex with men donating blood is archaic and being repealed and fought in areas across the globe as the civil rights movement for gay equality spreads. The comment that I had the problem with and what spurred me to write my post was the fact that they referred to HIV / AIDS patients as 'contaminated' as if they are pieces of rotten food. There are other words that could have been used.

I accept the African point, there may be logic in it - in the case with homosexuals, its little to do with rights I find and more to do with supposed risk and perhaps cost in checking the blood. If it is indeed 1/5 of male homosexuals who have HIV or AIDS (a shocking and scary figure), then the cost-benefit side of allowing homosexuals to donate may not be in their favour and that is entirely rational for the health service to refuse.

But I would say from what I recall that its not against homosexuals - its against homosexuals who have had anal sex.

beth

21-02-2012, 02:53 AM

used to give blood, they don't want it anymore though haha they think i'm too sickly.

jasey

21-02-2012, 03:01 AM

I accept the African point, there may be logic in it - in the case with homosexuals, its little to do with rights I find and more to do with supposed risk and perhaps cost in checking the blood. If it is indeed 1/5 of male homosexuals who have HIV or AIDS (a shocking and scary figure), then the cost-benefit side of allowing homosexuals to donate may not be in their favour and that is entirely rational for the health service to refuse.

But I would say from what I recall that its not against homosexuals - its against homosexuals who have had anal sex.

Of course there is logic in the point. It's as clear as the sun. I am not going to be too harsh as you clearly don't understand how HIV is transmitted as identified in your << homosexuals who have had anal sex >> comment. You can get HIV from vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse and oral intercourse. I guess that kind of ignorance is rampant among those who don't get the proper education on the subject from school or from their environment. I won't blame you for that - I will blame society.

Let me share something directly from the British NAT website. There are about 40,000 men who have sex with men living with HIV in the UK. Remember that number. There are about 30,000 black Africans living with HIV in the UK. Bear in mind that these are not separate groups as you can be black African and be a man that has sex with men at the same time. That's shocking and scary in itself that race plays such an important part in this argument. Of the huge group of black Africans that have HIV, about 95% of them contracted the virus through heterosexual sex. What does that tell you? Give it a thought.

-:Undertaker:-

21-02-2012, 03:08 AM

Of course there is logic in the point. It's as clear as the sun. I am not going to be too harsh as you clearly don't understand how HIV is transmitted as identified in your << homosexuals who have had anal sex >> comment. You can get HIV from vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse and oral intercourse. I guess that kind of ignorance is rampant among those who don't get the proper education on the subject from school or from their environment. I won't blame you for that - I will blame society.

Let me share something directly from the British NAT website. There are about 40,000 men who have sex with men living with HIV in the UK. Remember that number. There are about 30,000 black Africans living with HIV in the UK. Bear in mind that these are not separate groups as you can be black African and be a man that has sex with men at the same time. That's shocking and scary in itself that race plays such an important part in this argument. Of the huge group of black Africans that have HIV, about 95% of them contracted the virus through heterosexual sex. What does that tell you? Give it a thought.

I don't think you quite understand, and to make me out as not understanding simply because i'm not dogmatically pushing for homosexuals under the banner of 'rights' is ridiculous. The fact is that HIV is more common in proportion if you compare homosexuals to hetrosexuals (as you said, its one in five - this is not the case amongst hetrosexuals). The reason for this being tearing in the anus making it easier for the disease/s to spread along with a culture that exists where men pick other men up freely from clubs (now I know this occurs amongst hetrosexuals, but its a deep cultural thing amongst homosexuals). The point you make about those with an African background also requires analysis if you ask me, as it would be wrong if it turns out that its the case that homosexuals were being barred whilst those of African background were not despite both groups carrying an enormous risk.

jasey

21-02-2012, 03:23 AM

I don't think you quite understand, and to make me out as not understanding simply because i'm not dogmatically pushing for homosexuals under the banner of 'rights' is ridiculous. HIV is more common in proportion if you compare homosexuals to hetrosexuals (as you said, its one in five - this is not the case amongst hetrosexuals). The reason for this being tearing in the anus making it easier for the disease/s to spread along with a culture that exists where men pick other men up freely from clubs (now I know this occurs amongst hetrosexuals, but its a deep cultural thing amongst homosexuals).

I suspect the decision is not only to do with safety, but also on a cost-benefit basis.

Oh, I understand very well. You said something very ignorant - you implied that HIV was spread only through anal sex which is so radically untrue. As I previously pointed out and as you can find with a simple search, the HIV rate in men who have sex with men is not the dominant factor for new HIV cases and hasn't been for a long time. As a gay population, we have been slandered, labeled and slapped with the ideology that HIV is a 'gay disease' for ages. Because of this, we are the most aware and likely most careful about contracting the virus. It is heterosexual couples who have followed this ideology and become blissfully in disbelief that straight couples can get HIV who are leading the pack as far as new cases go. Other demographic groups like the sexually active older generation are also plagued with the spread of the virus because they also haven't been given the go around about how prolific the affliction really is.

I was going to say more about how you are ignoring the fact that the black African demographic poses more of a violent risk to the spread of HIV but I see you've since edited your post to acknowledge that. Thank you!

You have a wonderful evening.

buttons

21-02-2012, 06:22 AM

eat the kitkat omg lol
i've decided that i won't be donating organs, i decided quite a long while ago. it's my choice and i have my reasons :)
i tried to donate blood but was a stone underweight.. & i don't trust doctors or needles anymore so i probably won't do so in the future.

-:Undertaker:-

21-02-2012, 08:25 AM

Oh, I understand very well. You said something very ignorant - you implied that HIV was spread only through anal sex which is so radically untrue.

No I never, I said that that was one of the reaons why HIV and AIDS are more common amongst homosexuals.

As I previously pointed out and as you can find with a simple search, the HIV rate in men who have sex with men is not the dominant factor for new HIV cases and hasn't been for a long time. As a gay population, we have been slandered, labeled and slapped with the ideology that HIV is a 'gay disease' for ages. Because of this, we are the most aware and likely most careful about contracting the virus.

Because the fact is that its more common amongst homosexuals, wriggle all you want - thats the fact.

Indeed, I myself was shocked at the one in five statistic (20% of homosexuals have HIV/AIDS) as I didn't know it was that high.

It is heterosexual couples who have followed this ideology and become blissfully in disbelief that straight couples can get HIV who are leading the pack as far as new cases go. Other demographic groups like the sexually active older generation are also plagued with the spread of the virus because they also haven't been given the go around about how prolific the affliction really is.

Oh yes, its certainly spreading amongst hetrosexuals also due to the fall in standards and changes in behaviour amongst women and men sleeping around. But as I state above, that is nothing like the one in five (20%) figure that you gave yourself, therefore it-is-not slandering to state this statistical fact that HIV and AIDS is a hell of a lot more prevalent amongst homosexuals.

I was going to say more about how you are ignoring the fact that the black African demographic poses more of a violent risk to the spread of HIV but I see you've since edited your post to acknowledge that. Thank you!

You have a wonderful evening.

Well I said this from the start that there's reason to look at that also if the figures you showed me were true ...but don't let that stop you feeling oppressed.

Jazz

21-02-2012, 09:40 AM

i won't let anyone touch me with a needle, i just won't allow it. but i will probably end up giving blood at some point :-)

Eric

21-02-2012, 10:57 AM

Never donated my blood but i'd like to, when i'm older. I had blood tests which i think it's pretty much the same thing.

No, nothing strange happened but i just felt kinda cold somehow.

oh i didn't know gay men can't donate their blood :S

Ekelektra

21-02-2012, 11:47 AM

I decided a while ago that I would be an organ donor although I'm not on the list yet.

As for giving blood I've always wanted to do it but I don't know if I could, I get all squirmy when it comes to needles and I'd probably worry about it hurting.But my friend did it and said it didn't hurt at all, so next time she goes I might go along too.

Hushie

21-02-2012, 04:38 PM

I'm not on the organ donor register but I'll probably sign up when I learn to drive and I can't give blood due to being gay but would do so if given the chance.

I'd also just like to point out that it's only 1 in 20 gay and bisexual men who have HIV and not 1 in 5 which would be terribly high o.O (Although 1 in 20's still quite high - but I think the ban on donating blood should be lifted)

jasey

21-02-2012, 05:37 PM

Yeah, I was just quoting the French minister of health at the time who had a grossly misshapen idea of what is fact. He kind of reminded me of the South African minister who put out official documents saying you could cure HIV by eating certain foods. He was ignorant. Of course, [@]@-:Undertaker:-[/@] assumed that I was stating that was fact and tried to use it in his debate even after I quoted the real number of men who have sex with men in the UK with HIV.

[@]@-:Undertaker-[/@], I'm not going to bother responding to your last post because it was, frankly, very rude. All I can advise you to do is educate yourself on the issue more so you understand things more thoroughly. I respect your opinion, though. Above all, I believe in the spirit of debate. I don't feel so minimally empowered that I would stoop to low levels.

Catzsy

21-02-2012, 06:45 PM

I am on the organ donor register and intend to give blood when I summon up the courage as my blood group is O rhesus negative which is quite rare and can be given to any blood group in an emergency. I have a personal reason for supporting organ donation as when my father died his organs were donated to three people one of whom was a young mother with three children who had terminal liver disease and had less than three months to live. She sent my Mum a card thanking her for her courage to take the decision and said it was the first time in years she could even climb the stairs and do ordinary things like hoovering. I often look at the card. It makes me feel proud and at least something good came out of my father dying so young. Makes it a lot less painful, memory wise.

jasey

21-02-2012, 07:03 PM

Nli.

21-02-2012, 10:20 PM

I've been on the organ donor register since I applied for my provisional driving license, they can have whatever they want apart from my cornea! (not that I would be using it) although I never actuallyreceived anything formally from the NHS about it, I hope I am actually on the register. Although my family know where I stand so if anything were to happen (whichit could) they would know that I would be happy for my organs to be re-used, but obviously it's then the final decision lies with the family.

As for blood donation - I went to donate a few weeks after my 17th birthday, but hadn't been able to donate due to an illness - they're really picky with who they want blood from (understandable). Although I have given a few times since being rejected, the first time wasdefinitely"the worst" for me in terms of feeling sick/dizzy but the other three times I've donated I've been fine. It's a shame you can only donate every so many months.

Vause

21-02-2012, 10:42 PM

I give blood & i'm down to donate organs. If i die, i could save upto 7 peoples lives with my organs! Well my lungs are rubbish cos i smoke and my liver is also rubbish cos i drink my own body weight in booze every weekend lol. But everything is fine. I give blood because i know how hard it is for people who need it, i love the thought of knowing i'm saving somebody else :)

GirlNextDoor15

22-02-2012, 05:59 AM

I'm still underage and so, I can't donate any organs YET at my country. But, I do think donating blood is not that scary. It's like having a blood test except that for this donating thing, you won't get any results. It hurts a lil bit but not as scary as what you think it will be. Gosh. At least it's better than endoscope. I was told by a doctor once that I might need an endoscopy test. THAT IS SCARY CAUSE IT HURTS LIKE ****

Seikou

28-02-2012, 09:01 PM

i'm young so i haven't put my name down for donating organs yet but i'mdefinitelyplanning to put my name down forit, i mean why not? what other use do your organs have when you're dead, mightas welldo your last good deed and help another person stay alive :-) as for donating blood, i would love to do it but, i'm terrified of needles and wouldn't be able to cope, maybe if i get over my little phobia when i'm a bit older i might consider it because it's a great thing to do. :-)

Empired

29-02-2012, 10:22 PM

I'm not allowed to donate blood because I have this blood disease called Eosinophilic Cellulitis which does pretty bad stuff to me so I can't think what it would do to someone who wasn't used to it.....

-:Undertaker:-

05-03-2012, 03:12 AM

[@]@-:Undertaker-[/@], I'm not going to bother responding to your last post because it was, frankly, very rude. All I can advise you to do is educate yourself on the issue more so you understand things more thoroughly. I respect your opinion, though. Above all, I believe in the spirit of debate. I don't feel so minimally empowered that I would stoop to low levels.

Of course you can't respond to my posts with facts you provided yourself (a bad mistake on your part), hence why you are resorting to what most homosexual militants do which is accuse the other side of being either 'homophobic' (a straw man word in itself), a bigot, homosexual themselves or simply 'rude' or 'silly'.

jasey

05-03-2012, 04:50 AM

Of course you can't respond to my posts with facts you provided yourself (a bad mistake on your part), hence why you are resorting to what most homosexual militants do which is accuse the other side of being either 'homophobic' (a straw man word in itself), a bigot, homosexual themselves or simply 'rude' or 'silly'.

I am not going to take time away from work and sleep to go re-read the debate - I apologize for this as I have just moved across the Atlantic and only returned to HxF today. From what I remember, though, what you are stating as fact was in fact a quote I have (a very misinformed one at that) from a previous French Minister of Health. He was just as wrong as you are. For the record, I am not a 'homosexual militant' but rather a gay man who is proud of what he is and stands up for his rights. You do not need to be a homophobe to say homophobic things. I don't hold anything against you as I understand even the most englightened are blighted with ignorance regarding certain issues.

JerseySafety

05-03-2012, 06:01 AM

Giving blood is good, I haven't done it but its compulsory to get into a class at our school - unless you have super extreme allergies or something :P

Good idea, and I'm a organ donor.

-:Undertaker:-

06-03-2012, 09:18 PM

I am not going to take time away from work and sleep to go re-read the debate - I apologize for this as I have just moved across the Atlantic and only returned to HxF today. From what I remember, though, what you are stating as fact was in fact a quote I have (a very misinformed one at that) from a previous French Minister of Health. He was just as wrong as you are. For the record, I am not a 'homosexual militant' but rather a gay man who is proud of what he is and stands up for his rights. You do not need to be a homophobe to say homophobic things. I don't hold anything against you as I understand even the most englightened are blighted with ignorance regarding certain issues.

Then you should have stated it was a quote, not fact.

jasey

07-03-2012, 01:44 AM

Then you should have stated it was a quote, not fact.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding! I went back and read my first post where I stated it and it doesn't seem like I stated it as fact but rather something the Health Minister went over. Of course, on the same level, you could have done some research as is customary in a debate but I won't make an issue out of that. I think we are a bit guilty of taking over this thread and stopping others from posting their opinions so maybe we should take a step back and let others speak. That's okay with you, right? Of course, plus rep for being a nice debate partner!

Lee

07-03-2012, 06:34 PM

Giving blood is good, I haven't done it but its compulsory to get into a class at our school - unless you have super extreme allergies or something :P

Good idea, and I'm a organ donor.

Are they seriously able to refuse somebody entry to a class because they havn't given blood? :S

JerseySafety

07-03-2012, 06:36 PM

Are they seriously able to refuse somebody entry to a class because they havn't given blood? :S

Well the teacher is pretty high up in the school - hes like just under the Principals I think. Anyways, he said it is a requirement that everyone in the class gives blood; numbers are rather high in this class, so if you don't give blood you will be required to choose another subject.

Pretty much his exact words, so yeah.

dirrty

07-03-2012, 06:41 PM

jasey

07-03-2012, 08:41 PM

i only wanna give blood to find out my blood type (gp says that or going to the hospital but i cba with that). selfish reasons, but ahwell. i always get problems with the nurses finding a vein in my arms when having a blood test, so not really a massive fan of needles. and i don't think i'll be donating my organs either, but time will probably change that opinion (or not).

Speaking of blood type, I am AB+ which means the only person I can donate do is someone else who is AB+. That being said, if I am ever in an accident I can receive a blood donation from any person with any blood type. It's a super interesting thing to find out and I don't blame you for wanting to know!

MKR&*42

07-03-2012, 09:34 PM

i only wanna give blood to find out my blood type (gp says that or going to the hospital but i cba with that). selfish reasons, but ahwell. i always get problems with the nurses finding a vein in my arms when having a blood test, so not really a massive fan of needles. and i don't think i'll be donating my organs either, but time will probably change that opinion (or not).

Aha, I'm not that different - I would love to find out my blood type via giving blood. I suspect I would continue to give blood after anyway, as for organs I don't think I would give them when I died.

I'd rather have my body left alone when it died, might seem selfish but I don't wish to donate organs ;/