I always listened to call for blood and have given over the years but never really was aware of how much one person could need until this past few weeks. My wife has been transfused with many units of whole blood and platelets and is still being transfused. I have decided to go back and be a regular blood donor again. This time I will give platelets as well.
If you can and I know for some people it is difficult to give blood, now is the time to do it. We are all aware when a natural disaster strikes but become complacent when the call for blood is not so pronounced as it is in Haiti. If you want to make a difference in peoples lives and actually make your own life better.......give blood.
Platelets have the shortest storage life of any of the blood products and are in great need. Men, studies have shown it is good to give blood because it helps with blood pressure and related problems. It can make you feel physically better.
If you can, think hard about giving. You may save a life.
Replies
- MEMemberFeb 2, 2010
Rock...So very sorry to hear of your wife's illness. We'll check into blood and platelet donations.
Jen and SteveReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 2, 2010
I am going to give platelets for the first time and I will give you an update on how it goes and what to expect. Blood, i have given many times and never a problem, All the orange juice you can drink.....LOL
ReactReply - MEMemberFeb 11, 2010
Definitely interested in knowing more, Rock. Please send us the information!
Jen
ReactReply - WA
WayneFeb 11, 2010I work at a Blood Institution (in Data Management) and I couldn't begin to stress enough the importance of blood and platelet donations. Rock is right, so many lives are dependent on the generosity of others donating. If any of you are in Oklahoma, you should search out the Oklahoma Blood Institute. It really is a great thing.
ReactReply - BL
blueiron35Feb 12, 2010Send me the info on platelets also. I have given blood a few times before but have never heard of giving platelets. I puke every time I give blood but maybe if I give enough times I wont be so queezy about it.
ReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 12, 2010
I am going to put together information on the different types of blood donations. It has been a learning experience for me, also.
ReactReply - BA
BarefootBillFeb 12, 2010Through the years I have donated over 100 units of platelets. I had to stop because of a health issue. I will be seeing the doctor soon and hopefully can resume donating.
ReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 12, 2010[quote]Through the years I have donated over 100 units of platelets. I had to stop because of a health issue. I will be seeing the doctor soon and hopefully can resume donating.[/quote] I am so impressed. I hope I can do that too.ReactReply
- CD
Cheri Donna DawsonFeb 13, 2010Last month we signed up at our synagogue to donate. It had been a number of years since I last did as it's not as convenient for us as it used to be when we lived elsewhere. I forgot to eat before we headed out. Needless to say, I was lightheaded for a good deal of the afternoon and will never again forget to eat before. I did remember to drink a lot of water before and after. If you're donating platelets, you need to also remember to not take any aspirin for 2 days prior.
CheriReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 15, 2010[quote]I am a wannabe blood donor BUT................... they wont take mine for one stuipid inane reason - I lived in the U.K. during the mad cow scare of the early 2000's. I tried to donate, but when they heard I had lived in the U.K. they said I could not give any. Begs to wonder if ANYONE in the U.K gives blood then? They have also had Mad Cow in Alberta, so I wonder if anyone in Alberta gives blood OR will anyone accept blood from an Albertan. There were a few instances of Mad Cow in the States as well so do they take blood from the peiople from the affected States? I wonder. In this day and age you would THINK that a simple test could be carried out to see if a wannabe donor has the human form of Mad Cow - CJD in their system. Until that test is available I will remain a sad 'wannabe donor'[/quote] I will be donating tomorrow and will look into the reason(s) in regard to the United Kingdom and Mad Cow disease. I was asked in detail about my visits to the United Kingdom before I was allowed to donate. I promised information to other members of the site and will obtain as much information for all of you as I can.ReactReply
- MEMemberFeb 15, 2010
I'm ineligible because I've contracted Lyme disease four times now.
JenReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 16, 2010[quote]I'm ineligible because I've contracted Lyme disease four times now. Jen[/quote] I am concerned that you have contacted Lyme disease so many times. Have you been treated and cured each time?ReactReply
- MEMemberFeb 16, 2010[quote][quote]I'm ineligible because I've contracted Lyme disease four times now. Jen[/quote] I am concerned that you have contacted Lyme disease so many times. Have you been treated and cured each time?[/quote] Treated all four times. But think there will always be residual or chronic symptoms. Interesting thing is they say I'm "cured" but I can't donate. But that's okay, because I wouldn't want there to be ANY chance of further risk to someone who is already ill. Lyme attacks your immune system among other things. Just very frustrating though becuase I'm a universal donor. JenReactReply
- MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 16, 2010I mentioned in a previous post that I am giving platelets today and I will try to obtain information about Lyme disease as well. [quote][quote][quote]I'm ineligible because I've contracted Lyme disease four times now. [quote][quote][quote]I'm ineligible because I've contracted Lyme disease four times now. Jen[/quote] I am concerned that you have contacted Lyme disease so many times. Have you been treated and cured each time?[/quote] Treated all four times. But think there will always be residual or chronic symptoms. Interesting thing is they say I'm "cured" but I can't donate. But that's okay, because I wouldn't want there to be ANY chance of further risk to someone who is already ill. Lyme attacks your immune system among other things. Just very frustrating though becuase I'm a universal donor. Jen[/quote]ReactReply
- BLblueiron35Feb 16, 2010
bump
ReactReply - MEMemberFeb 19, 2010
Thanks, Peter. I appreciate the information and will check further into this.
Jen
ReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterMay 3, 2010[quote]I always listened to call for blood and have given over the years but never really was aware of how much one person could need until this past few weeks. My wife has been transfused with many units of whole blood and platelets and is still being transfused. I have decided to go back and be a regular blood donor again. This time I will give platelets as well. If you can and I know for some people it is difficult to give blood, now is the time to do it. We are all aware when a natural disaster strikes but become complacent when the call for blood is not so pronounced as it is in Haiti. If you want to make a difference in peoples lives and actually make your own life better.......give blood. Platelets have the shortest storage life of any of the blood products and are in great need. Men, studies have shown it is good to give blood because it helps with blood pressure and related problems. It can make you feel physically better. If you can, think hard about giving. You may save a life.[/quote] Just wanted to circulate this from time to time.ReactReply
- CDCheri Donna DawsonMay 7, 2010[quote]Sorry, I know its needed and all that jazz, but dont you dare touch me with them huge ass needles.[/quote] If they were smaller (circumference), the cells would be broken and not viable for transfusing. A good phlebotomist is worth his/her weight in gold. In all the years I've been donating, I've been hurt only maybe once or twice. The cookies afterwards help you forget that. :)ReactReply
- MEMemberOriginal PosterJan 5, 2011Working on upload of newsletter [quote]I always listened to call for blood and have given over the years but never really was aware of how much one person could need until this past few weeks. My wife has been transfused with many units of whole blood and platelets and is still being transfused. I have decided to go back and be a regular blood donor again. This time I will give platelets as well. If you can and I know for some people it is difficult to give blood, now is the time to do it. We are all aware when a natural disaster strikes but become complacent when the call for blood is not so pronounced as it is in Haiti. If you want to make a difference in peoples lives and actually make your own life better.......give blood. Platelets have the shortest storage life of any of the blood products and are in great need. Men, studies have shown it is good to give blood because it helps with blood pressure and related problems. It can make you feel physically better. If you can, think hard about giving. You may save a life.[/quote]ReactReply
- CDCheri Donna DawsonJan 5, 2011
I have an appointment on Jan. 23 to donate blood. This time I WILL eat breakfast.
ReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterFeb 5, 2011Pushing this to the Forum front page again, because of the serious need for blood products. This Winter has kept people from giving for various reasons. The blood banks are very low. Peter [quote]I always listened to call for blood and have given over the years but never really was aware of how much one person could need until this past few weeks. My wife has been transfused with many units of whole blood and platelets and is still being transfused. I have decided to go back and be a regular blood donor again. This time I will give platelets as well. If you can and I know for some people it is difficult to give blood, now is the time to do it. We are all aware when a natural disaster strikes but become complacent when the call for blood is not so pronounced as it is in Haiti. If you want to make a difference in peoples lives and actually make your own life better.......give blood. Platelets have the shortest storage life of any of the blood products and are in great need. Men, studies have shown it is good to give blood because it helps with blood pressure and related problems. It can make you feel physically better. If you can, think hard about giving. You may save a life.[/quote]ReactReply
- TO
TonyJ63Feb 5, 2011As much as I'd love to give blood I can't. The rules here in the UK state that if you have had a tattoo or a piercing within 6 months (I think) then you can't donate. Every tattoo & piercing is done in sterile surroundings with new needles. If there was a risk of infection then I'd be dead by now!
ReactReply - ZH
zhaze01Feb 5, 2011I was a regular donor for many years, but I am no longer able to donate because of health issues. However, my college is currently conducting a blood drive, and I encourage other students to participate. I have accompanied several who were nervous about donating, and most say that they will do so again.
ReactReply - OROregongirlFeb 8, 2011
I don't give blood. I can't stand having a small amount drawn for tests and that needle is tiny.
I'm the type of person to faint and it's happened several times. I refuse to get stuck with a needle unless I absolutely have to.
ReactReply