Donating again is just as easy if not better!

[Hayley Newman]

Hi

I wanted to write a little chat on here about donating more than once. I have been very lucky to have had this experience and donating more than once has been soo smooth, easy and a doddle. It is the best thing i have ever had the honor of doing and have done (along with marriage and having my own children).

 

I felt that i was more laid back about what was going on, confident when sitting in the waiting room for my scans, bloods and even on the day of egg collection was extremely relaxed. I will put this down to many factors…

* I knew what to expect this time so not as daunting as it was on my first time donating.

* Any more questions that i had i didn’t feel silly, dumb or shy to ask.

* Injections were a doddle (coming from someone who had a fear of needles that has now vanished due to doing this).

* I had the same amount of amazing support from Alison and her team all the way through.

* It was an honor to be able to help another couple.

* I knew the staff at the clinic so it was just like going to see my friends for a chit chat.

 

I love what Alison and her team do. I do rave about the work and if i have any friends interested in doing this i can chat for hours and i now have Altrui on speed dial.

Many woman sadly believe that they can’t donate due to medical or past health issues. I was one of them. However when chatting on my first phone call (shaking like mad) all that i had worried about vanished and the shakes had stopped. Even on my first visit to the clinic and counselling session i was again reassured that my worries were normal and what i thought i was able to do or offer was in fact very possible.

Donating is an amazing thing any woman can do. The recipients are so touched that a stranger i willing to help them have what so many take for granted and although you don’t meet them you know how grateful they are by all the lovely things that the nurses tell you about them (all anonymous info that is).

 

If anyone has any questions please so ask and remember what are doing (or thinking about doing) does change other peoples lives.

 

[London Doula]

That’s wonderful Hayley. Can I ask how long a period of time it was between the two donation cycles?

[alison]

Hayley - You’re a star and will be sooooooo helpful as Cathy will be away and a veteran like you will be much appreciated. I know that you will have tips and cup cakes ready for everyone too!

[Cathy (Altrui)]

 

What a wonderful post!

Hayley it’s fantastic to hear how far you’ve come from the early days when you felt nervous on the phone, to how you feel with two donation cycles under your belt! I completely agree with the points you make about why it’s so much easier the second time around and that you can feel so much more relaxed about it.

Thank you for writing such an inspirational post and hopefully putting anyone’s mind at rest who might be feeling nervous about the journey ahead.

[angela grayston]

Sorry to say that I am a little disappointed reading this as I really wanted to donate again but was advised not to at the time and am now very nearly 36 so am too old. I did it once and found it a wonderful experience to help others and only wish I could have done it again.

[Hayley Newman]

Hi all

Angela i am so sorry to read your reply. Did no one say you could at a later date or offer any advise?

When i donated my first time i never thought that i would do it again but shortly after donating i was in full holiday, hen parties and wedding swing/season with mine and many others. When i got asked if i could help again it was many months later and even then due to commitments it took me a while to start the process all over again but it moved very swiftly. But hey at least you done it once which is many more than others out there.

London Doula it was approx 5 months between donations adding on time either side for treatment and collection. I did find the second time go a lot quicker. I was fortune enough to be back at the same clinic so they had my previous bloods on file etc. One of the blood tests had a 6 month validity so time was speed up due to the results still being valid. Also when having the injections they had a record of when my body responded well to what level of hormones etc. I got told that on first donation they air on the side of caution as they are unsure of how you and your body will respond/react to the treatment.

If i can be of further help or chat i have given Alison my permission to pass on my number if that is of any help.

 

Chat soon x

 

 

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