Blood Donation

Sunday, August 18, 2019

It’s 2:09pm. I’m sitting in a tiny room in an air conditioned bus. I’ve just been poked, asked my weight. My pulse was taken, as well as temperature, and blood pressure. 

I’m sure many of you are familiar with this scenario, but for me, it is my first time giving blood. I shied away from it in the past because I’ve been anemic, and figured that they didn’t want my blood. But, after getting some blood work done a few weeks ago, I found out that my iron levels were fine. That was confirmed by that poke I mentioned earlier. They needed to make sure my iron level was high enough to donate. Just barely, but it was. 

It’s about a quarter after two now. I’m in this chair that props your legs up. I see the bag, I’m just waiting for the “big stick.” I know it’s going to hurt at first, but that’s why I have a stress ball with me. For that initial jolt of pain. 

The draw is done. I’m home, sipping on a sports drink for hydration and a little bit of sugar. I’m so happy I donated. The Red Cross says that one donation can help save up to three people. How can you not feel good about that?

When I checked in, they were not sure if my cruise earlier this year would be an issue, so they made sure that the staff knew.

I’m not going to lie and say that everything went smoothly and perfectly. I did get very lightheaded at one point after. Even after the juice and snacks that the Red Cross provided. I probably should have stayed in the chair a little longer. 

I’m hoping to donate again.  Help save another three lives. 

Saturday, August 24, 2019

I found out my blood type.  O+.  I guess that's universal donor.  I have to admit, it does make me feel pretty good that I can help more people by donating blood.  I will have to schedule another donation when I can.

Here is information from The American Red Cross website about blood supply statistics:

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.

❥Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.

❥13.6 million whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.

❥About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).

❥Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply. 

❥Type AB positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 3% of people in the U.S. have AB positive blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

❥Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

❥Platelets must be used within just 5 days.

For more information on how you can donate blood, check out the Red Cross Blood Donation site here.