Disappointing session while donating blood today

[dewey]

I've both donated and received life saving platelets...it could be that the needle was not properly placed...and it's been a while now since donating but I think the bags used to contain a specific amount of anti's for a specific amount of blood, and anything less than that amount of blood in the bag would render it unusable because of too much anti's.

The bedside manners sound like a careless newbie or someone that's burned out or a person that has slipped through the cracks just collecting a paycheck...I think letting someone know how you were treated could help them make needed corrections and would be a service to everyone. My veins are blown out from chemo so anytime I get bloodwork now at labs I always ask how long they've been doing it...if they're new I wait patiently for someone with experience...my days of being someone's practice are over, lol.

 

[Mattemma]

Hopefully you have someone better next time.I recall donating at college one time,and got sick/dizzy at the end.The bag was full. I sat up and the needle got pulled out.They threw the bag out I am guessing because my needle fell to the floor.Oh well.

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

If your red count is low, you can massage your hands, a LOT before the finger stick. it really makes a difference. I'm sorry the OP had such a bad time of it. I went a few weeks ago, and had the best experience ever, the guy i had stayed with me the whole time (the last time I got dizzy, and ended up jamming the needle deep into my elbow-pit), just chatting, and joking. He was so nice I even sent off a note about his awesomeness to the red cross people. Next time you go donate (don't stop helping just because of some jerk) drink a lot of water beforehand, and a bit of extra salt on your lunch, to help your BP raise a bit.... and tell them that you bleed slow, so they know in advance. also, be sure you're warm enough!

 

[Terri O]

Quote:
Do you have verification from your doctor and the lab test results indicate that you are negative for HepC? If so, and you KNOW you are negative, then their tests probably faulty, expired or something not right. Hubby said try it again...he donated 12 gallons in his lifetime.

THanks--what they told me is that I am positive on their quick test (some people are) and that I should go to my Dr and get tested. So I did (nervously) and I was negative. Then I got a followup letter not to come and give any more because the computer would kick my app out. Maybe I will call and see if the quick test has improved and doesnt give false positives any more. I would love to go when my daughters go! Terri O

 

[BrattishTaz]

I would definately report the rude phlebotomist.

If he was "fishing" too much for a vein, the blood was probably hemolyzed (red cells rupture) anyway and rendered useless.

The hospital I worked at had a three stick rule.

 

[Spookwriter]

I thank you for taking the time, and the effort, to give blood.

You may never know the lives you saved today.