I can't because it seems I'm never within the timeframe of not having gotten a tattoo or piercing (it's within 6 months or a year) that makes you eligible again.

I've done it in the past though and my experiences make me leery of doing it again. I end up severely bruised and it's taken the tech from the red cross several sticks to even get the vein. But it's such an important thing to do, which in my mind outweighs the discomfort associated with it. I just wish it could be done by someone that doesn't destroy my veins - I've never had issues getting blood drawn at doctors offices, only by the techs at blood donation events.

I never have and don't really want to b/c I hate needles.

I have given blood previously but it seems there is always something that prevents me from donating again. I am also a kick-boxer and I am somewhat concerned about being weakened at the gym afterwards, so I have been been putting it off.

I've donated in the past regularly, I can't again till August because I visited a malaria zone. Once the time is up I will donate again.

it's not bad i don't like needles but after giving blood I feel good.

I would, but am not allowed to, as I have had sex with a man who has had sex with *gasp* another man. Obviously, this gave me the Gay. Thus, my bodily fluids are no longer safe for the rest of the population.

I try to do it when I can, which the last 4 years has not been often, but that is due to two pregnancies and breastfeeding them also. I kept having low iron, so I was no good. I will get there one day to do it again. I get the notices all the time.

Since I have received an organ, I can't donate blood. my dad has been going rather regularly though for the last 20 years or so. He sees it as his way of giving back.

ive given blood and do it about once a yr

I have and will continue to do so

Would but can't, my brain doesn't receive the pain correctly and I black out.

Gave blood before. My type is A- which is a fairly small % of people. I have low ferretin and platelets so haven't again.

someday, but I hate needles.

i`ve given blood numerous times

Maybe for money. I have a huge phobia of needles.

I've only had blood drawn for tests, and that didn't end too well. Being hypoglycemic and having blood drawn can be tricky..

I would like to, but I don't think I ever could. I don't have a problem with blood, and I'm usually just fine with needles. But partly due to where the needle has to go (the inside of the elbow, which I have trouble dealing with) and partly because I have trouble dealing with the thought of a needle taking something out instead of putting something in, I just couldn't do it.

I'd say I'd give it a try, at least, but I get woozy just having to give a blood sample for analysis, and that's a lot less blood than a donation would require. Seems to hurt more than a normal shot, too.

i do all the time

I haven't. I'd thought about it before but it was never really a priority for me, but after having a nasty incident and a two week stay in the hospital, I just can't deal with the idea at the moment. I was already phobic of doctors and all the medical crap, and that just made it worse. Getting stuck with needles (very painfully) on a daily basis also put me off of it. I may in the future, but not any time soon.

I really want to but I have a horrible phobia of needles. =/

i did all the time when i was in high school six years ago but since i started havin kids four yrs ago my veins have gotten deeper so its hard to hit a vain, i usually blow it out and have to be stuck billions of time, but i wont no more just cuz im a hard stick....but i would if i could

I've done it before but I almost passed out so I don't want to go again until I have someone to go with me. I hope to be able to go again though.

I have a few times. I have very small veins that are hard to find so it always takes at least 5 pokes for them to get my vein. I've gotten some nasty bruises from it too.

I never have and I'm on medication so I won't be.
If I wasn't on medication and wanted to give blood, they would seriously have to knock me out. I barely handle having a blood test cause I can't stand blood. Cut my finger and I want to pass out.

I have always tried, but for years was below the weight cut off. I weigh enough now, but my meds may be dangerous for some ill people, although they could probably use my packed cells or plasma. As an alternative to giving blood I volunteer to work blood drives, so it works out.

My Man is O neg so they really want his blood. He bleeds like crazy whenever he gets a stick or a cut, but they still are happy to have his blood. His blood, as others have said, is the Universal Donor.

It isn't uncommon for people to faint during a donor activity. Usually if it's in the first half of the draw, it's due to nerves (which after several times will eventually stop happening, because you get used to it) if it happens near the end of the draw, it's usually due to low blood sugar. Always eat a good breakfast before you go to give blood. Honestly, as long as you recover quickly, fainting isn't a reason not to donate. I advice not looking at the needle or the bag, making sure your blood sugar is safe (meaning you've eaten well a few hours before the draw) use your iPod or lap top to distract yourself and you'll be OK. We handle fainters all the time. An ice pack, we immediately raise the foot of their chaise, lower the head, and make sure they eat their cookies and juice afterward, and rest before they drive (or better yet have someone drive you there and home) and they're OK. If you consistently faint due to low blood sugar, it's probably a good idea to see your doctor for blood work before donating again. But, that usually only happens during the last 5 minutes or so of the draw.

People who take a very long time to fill the Unit Bag, especially if the blood is very dark and thick should definitely see a doctor for a complete exam and total blood work before donating again. You could have a high iron issue or other things that need to be addressed, or it could be nothing. Only a physician can tease out the reasons for this issue.