Hi everybody.
I haven't had my blood/vitamin levels tested since 2007. Even though I'm vegan since 2004 and LFV (not quite LFRV- but mostly raw) since 2010 at the latest, I am afraid of questions or comments that would criticise how I live. The last time I was tested all of my levels werd good. Even now, my iron levels are super (as far as I know) because the inner corners of my eyes are red instead of white (whiteness is a sign of anemia). I also eat iron-rich fruits and vegetables.
Anyway, I always was curious to know my blood-group. I talked with my best friend (who spends blood so often) and we've spoken about going together etc.
There are certain things I'm afraid of (as mentioned plus more), but my main question is:
Who here donates blood?
Permalink Reply by Sandra on I do! I've only been vegan for just under one year... and only LFV (trying my best for high raw) for a couple weeks. But Í've always been very open with my diet when giving blood for any nurse that wants to talk about it. They appreciate that I usually drain fast due to being nicely hydrated. Anyways, I've not yet received any negative comments about it... and on those times when I cannot donate due to low hemoglobin levels, the nurse always tells me to eat greens and beans. So they are advocating for the right kinds of foods.
I wouldn't worry about what they will think about your diet, it probably won't even come up if you don't mention it first!
Take care,
Sandra
Permalink Reply by Athena on Thank you so much Sandra. :)
If it's true that you need to eat something afterwards, then I would plan it around a time that I would eat and of course I would bring fruit.
What I don't want is to be weighed, as I have never used a scale since I was on the path to becoming clean from anorexia (and I've been clean for 8 or 9 years and proud of it). I refuse to use a scale because scales are to ex-eating-disorderd as alcohol is to ex-alcoholics. Luckily when I've gone to see a doctor (though I never had a bloodtest since I immigrated) here, my wish not to be weighed has always been respected.
Regardless, thank you for your post Sandra. :)
PS: Adorable dog you have in your photo. :)
Permalink Reply by Sandra on Thanks for the comment on my pupper #2!! We have one more like him... 'cept female lol!!
When you donate blood here in Canada at least, the only thing they worry about is your hemoglobin. They do a finger prick to get a bit of blood to test. You also have to answer a questionare and then answer the nurses questions as well... basically they are questions about your lifestyle... in which they are trying to determine if you are at risk of having HIV/AIDS or malaria, etc. But no scales and if your hemoglobin comes out good they don't even ask you about your diet.
You should be good to go... and it's such a wonderful thing to do too!!
Blessings,
Sandra
Permalink Reply by CrisW on I do, and have never had a problem. I've been giving blood every 4 months for 3 years now, and the only time the nurse asked me about my nutrition, I told her I was raw vegan. She was reluctant to take my blood at first, but then I asked her to measure my hemoglobin levels and they were perfectly normal. I think it's a great way to educate people! As long as you eat a wide range of fruits and veggies, and stay hydrated, you should be ok.
I always take water and dates with me to eat afterwards ;)
Good luck!
Permalink Reply by Loveisintheair on I donate blood every 3 months. The ask me about diseases, pregnancy, sexual relationships, STDs, infections I had. No questions on my diet. However, in your country it may be different.
Permalink Reply by vegan witch Ⓥ on no - im a selfish bitch, i wouldnt donate blood to a animal kiling, animal eating humans - the death of a animal eating human doesnt bother me one bit.
Permalink Reply by NathanB on Assuming this isn't a just a bad joke... How do you know who it's going to? Vegans are served from the same supply, as are children too young to make their own dietary decisions. If you would accept blood, then you should donate as your health allows. Same applies for organ donation.
Permalink Reply by Peter Csere on +1
Permalink Reply by Loveisintheair on +1 plus I went vegetarian 3 years ago and vegan 4 months ago - because that's when I was aware, and ready to make a change. whilst being a meat eater I did not know of believe I was an 'animal killing human'. So I should have not received blood from a vegan ? If vegans have so much love and compassion for animals, why should they have hatred for people who are not like them ? It doesn't make sense - it would mean you're being compassionate on a selective basis - and that is no longer compassion. I do not want to judge you, it's your life, your attitude, but I am only suggesting to go vegan to the marrow bone ! Wholly vegan.
So if a relative/ friend, non-vegan needed blood you wouldn't donate ? I would. I do not see meat-eaters as 'negative people ' just people who share different opinions or who are less sensitive or who just don't care or who don't have the time.
Please don't take this personally. All I want is to share my opinion, no offense.
Peach & luv
Permalink Reply by Many Many Fruits on I donate blood :) In fact, my next appointment with the blood bank is 19 May.
Permalink Reply by Athena on In Germany there's "full blood spending" (that's at least the English-translation word for word) as well as "plasma blood spending". By both of them (when you're allowed to do them) you will get paid. Is that also so in your countries?
Canada's ways sound really reasonable Sandra. How is it by the rest of you?
@Sandra again, that's so cool that you have 2 dogs! :) Do you have photos of both of them?
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