Give Blood. It may save a life...YOURS!
Oct 10, 2002, 3:41 pm
#16
Join Date: Feb 1999
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I've also been a regular donor (B+) for many years. In the past year the Red Cross has identified me as having an excess of platelets (who knew?).
In a standard whole-blood donation, platelets, red blood cells, plasma, etc. are centrifuged apart and mixed with those of other same-type donors (it takes platelets from three donors to equal one "dose" of platelets for a leukemia or chemotherapy patient). During a platelet donation, enough are taken from a single donor to equal the amount needed to treat the patient. The good thing is that recovery time before donating again is shorter (less than two weeks); the downside is that the donation takes up to two hours, so at the DC donor center, we get to choose a movie to watch during the process!
In a standard whole-blood donation, platelets, red blood cells, plasma, etc. are centrifuged apart and mixed with those of other same-type donors (it takes platelets from three donors to equal one "dose" of platelets for a leukemia or chemotherapy patient). During a platelet donation, enough are taken from a single donor to equal the amount needed to treat the patient. The good thing is that recovery time before donating again is shorter (less than two weeks); the downside is that the donation takes up to two hours, so at the DC donor center, we get to choose a movie to watch during the process!
Oct 10, 2002, 6:37 pm
#17
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I actually miss giving blood.... had given religiously every two months since I was in high school.
But all that changed when I answered the questionnaire that I was gay.
Wonder if they will ever change that rule.
Glad to hear everyone here is donating...
William
But all that changed when I answered the questionnaire that I was gay.
Wonder if they will ever change that rule.
Glad to hear everyone here is donating...
William
Oct 10, 2002, 7:27 pm
#18
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boston Ma. USA
Posts: 5,088
I think donating blood is a wonderful thing, but I won't do it. In the past whenever I have had blood drawn for a test, I have jut about fainted. I get pale as a ghost and ... well it isn't a pretty sight. There is no reason for it other than that I am a wimp, the sight of blood makes me sick, and then knowing there is a tube of it being drawn out of my arm make...ugh see even now...can't think about it.. 
Oct 10, 2002, 10:04 pm
#20
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summerdawn, it's so very nice to see you! 
pointsgirl, being squeamish is completely understandable and is something you get over slowly, over a long period of time.
FewMiles..
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[This message has been edited by FewMiles (edited 10-10-2002).]
pointsgirl, being squeamish is completely understandable and is something you get over slowly, over a long period of time.
FewMiles..
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[This message has been edited by FewMiles (edited 10-10-2002).]
Oct 11, 2002, 1:42 am
#21
Join Date: Feb 1999
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I donated once and I didn't feel well afterwards. It was not psychological because it didn't bother me but I think it may have to do with being hypoglycemic (the opposite of diabetes) although it didn't say anything about that being a problem. I should try it again.
I am O+
I am O+
Oct 11, 2002, 7:44 am
#24
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When I lived in NYC I gave blood approx. every 56 days at work. They had a blood drive every couple months. I'm O+ and CMV- (CMV is some kind of virus that a majority of the population has. Totally harmless for most people but blood with CMV can't be used for infants, pregnant women, or people with compromised immune systems) so they LOVE my blood and used to call me before every blood drive. It's a great feeling and any little bruise or slight pinch is well worth it.
Want to say thanks to everyone who has given blood since you saved my grandmother's life many years ago when she had to have several pints transfused.
Haven't been able to give since moving to Spain since I get rejected as a foreigner and will probably now get rejected if I try to give in the US for having spent too much time in Europe
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I Love New York -- Viva Espańa
Want to say thanks to everyone who has given blood since you saved my grandmother's life many years ago when she had to have several pints transfused.
Haven't been able to give since moving to Spain since I get rejected as a foreigner and will probably now get rejected if I try to give in the US for having spent too much time in Europe
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I Love New York -- Viva Espańa
Oct 11, 2002, 8:15 am
#25
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Oh yeah, post donation guidelines suggest that you avoid alcohol and heavy lifting for the rest of the day.
So make sure you schedule your donation accordingly.
I've occasionally felt slight fatigue in my donation arm for a few hours, so since I'm right handed, I always donate from my left (non-mouse) hand.
So make sure you schedule your donation accordingly.
I've occasionally felt slight fatigue in my donation arm for a few hours, so since I'm right handed, I always donate from my left (non-mouse) hand.
Oct 11, 2002, 8:18 am
#26
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In New York, is it safer to go directly to a hospital, a blood bank, or the Red Cross? Perhaps it does not matter. From what I'm reading, I'd rather give to where my blood isn't sold to those who need it. I guess I'm leaning toward the hospital? I just want to make sure everything is super-clean and that no needles are reused.
I so understand pointsgirl's hesitations. I feel the exact same way about needles and blood.
I so understand pointsgirl's hesitations. I feel the exact same way about needles and blood.
Oct 11, 2002, 11:12 am
#27
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Agreed about giving blood. It's just a plain good thing to do.
But, on another note, ladies generally don't have a high iron problem, but the opposite. Iron deficiency.
Mary
But, on another note, ladies generally don't have a high iron problem, but the opposite. Iron deficiency.
Mary
Oct 11, 2002, 2:37 pm
#28
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Sadly, I am not allowed to give blood for now, due do some medications I am taking. I was able to give in high school for our blood drives, and in fact, we had a scheduled blood drive on 9/11/01 at school...
My dad gives Pherisis a few times a year as needed.
My dad gives Pherisis a few times a year as needed.
Oct 11, 2002, 2:42 pm
#29
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I knew a vegetarian who had an iron deficiency. The doctor if asked if she was a vegetarian for any moral or religious reasons, she said no. So the doctor told her to eat red meat! Problem solved.