No I don’t. I’m low in iron all the time. Iron is an essential mineral that is a part of hemoglobin which helps maintain your strength and energy. Your body needs iron to make new blood cells, replacing the ones lost through blood donations.

Personally I haven’t for years but it is a worthwhile cause. I don’t give anymore due to ill health.

My mum donates all the time and has for many many years. I personally would love to but have never taken that first step. Upon reading this I’m going to look into when the next one is in my area

I used to donate whole blood but because I am AB+ they want my plasma. Unfortunately because my veins are tiny the plasma process has never worked for me. They can’t give me the red cells back.

Donated once. I enjoyed the experience but wouldn’t go back. Afterwards Red Cross kept calling and contacting me to give more weeks after and I wasn’t ready yet. Got to the point I told them to stop harassing me because the calls were just too much. Vowed never to give blood again due to their pushiness.

No, i dont donate. Just assumed my blood isnt good enough.
I might if i was given information at doctors or pathology centres about requirements

If your iron levels are very high you cannot donate blood. If they take blood to reduce your iron levels they can’t use it. They have to dispose of it. I know of 3 such cases. One uses a pain patch on his arm before they take it because it is so painful and the needle is so big. Also if you have to take some medications you cannot donate at all, I can’t for that reason.

No have never donated, I think I just don’t like the thought of it really, but I admire people who do.

I used to donate blood regularly but when I became a vegetarian, my blood count was too low to donate. This is such a shame and I do intend to go back to give it another go as I would really like to continue.

No never bit i wish of can help

I’ve often thought about it. I live nearly two hours from the nearest donation centre and I’m a bit iffy about them taking blood as I have passed out after blood tests before

I donate blood and plasma Unfortunately I don’t get to do it as often as I’d like because of my iron levels but think it’s a great way to give back!! I also arranged a blood drive with my work that actually provides special leave provisions so we can donate Plasma takes a bit longer and the first time for me I was very light headed…but second time was fine and I’ve been told a better use for my blood type I tell all my friends and family to donate if they’re healthy and can

I’ve been told my iron levels are too low.

No I have never donated blood
But I have received a fair few blood infusions due to having Iron Deficiency Anemia

I did regularly until I got pregnant, then couldn’t when breastfeeding, and then my iron levels were too low. I hope I can again soon, its such an amazing thing to do and much needed

I have donated blood from 18 until about 22 and been knocked back a couple of times because my blood pressure was too low, 90/60. Back then they used to give us iron tablets to take afterwards so our iron levels wouldn’t get too low. After I had my kids I donated a few times then had another gap. 5 years ago I started donating blood and plasma, but have now stopped the plasma as it takes a little bit too long for me and I hate the cold feeling that goes through me on the last part of donating the plasma. I like the nice snacks and drinks we get to have afterwards and the feeling of having done something to help others.

I have thought about it a lot. I think what puts me off is how it will make me feel physically as I’ve passed out before when blood tests have been done

Good on you for donating!

I remember that in the past I wanted to donate blood but I couldn’t, because I had an iron deficiency.
Do you know if this rule still applies?

I’ve always wanted to donate blood but, because I lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996, I’m ineligible!