In honor of my mom, who died 6 years ago today, and Cousin Dale who died June 3 of this year, I donated a double unit of red blood cells today.
In a traditional blood donation, donors give whole blood—which consists of red cells, plasma and platelets. With the automated process called double red cell donation, donors can give just red cells—but two units of red cells—and that’s the component of blood that is in the greatest demand.
I know I've said it before, and I am not one to harp (OK, my son might disagree) but please find out if you are eligible to give blood products and if you are (around 60% of the population IS and of that 60%, only 5% actually donate) please schedule an appointment to donate.You can give platelets twice a week, up to 24 times per year, plasma 12 times per year, whole blood every 56 days and a double unit of red cells every 120 days. It's painless and only takes a little while. It is estimated that 60 percent of the population will need blood or blood components sometime during their lives. That someone could easily be you or someone you love.
You might even get a t-shirt like this for your efforts!
After my donation, the phlebotomist gave me the standard post-donation lecture. Wear the bandage for four hours (yeah right), no heavy lifting, drink plenty of fluids, make your next meal a big one and no vigorous exercise for 24 hours. What? I didn't remember THAT from before.
Being a stubborn Norwegian, I decided that not all of the rules applied to me and headed off towards home on my beautiful new bicycle. About a quarter of the way there, I was feeling a bit wobbly. About half way home I was light headed. As I approached the street where I live I was bobbing and weaving all over the place. I'm sure glad they didn't arrest me for D.U.I.B.D. (Driving Under the Influence of Blood Donation).
I don't think THAT would look good on my record.
26 comments:
Lol, You dork! Well glad you can donate double to make up for the fact I legally cant still.
Wolf, DORK? Who you callin a dork? Oh, me...well yeah, but don't tell anyone, OK?
I do hope they change the law son. You shouldn't have to lie to be able to donate.
I love you, thanks so much for commenting.
i love a woman who bucks the system.
I used to know a guy who donated blood before parties, so he could get drunk faster.
I never did that, but when I was younger and healthy enough to donate, I noticed that I could get a quick cheap high just by standing up really fast. ;o)
I did that too, years ago...only walking not biking. Ended up sitting on a wall blocks from home, wondering how I was gonna get back. Glad I'm not the only one and good for you for being such a good person.
Hurray for you! So many people are reluctant to donate for reasons that are fear based.
Dear Hard Head,
I'm with ya girl. I dug up a dead tree in 95 degrees then had to drag myself into the house.
Good for you donating.
From a fellow hard head.
Maybe when Mr. P goes back to school I can look into doing this.
Laurie,
Did our beloved Wolf just call his mom a dork?! Well . . . . I guess if the shoe fits . . . :0D
Good grief, sweetie - you might have been posting this from a hospital bed. (I think the police would have given you a pass on D.U.I.B)
I can't think of a more thoughtful way to remember your mom and Dale.
You're my roll model for compassion.
Big {{Hug}
Great post... a good reminder. I can't give blood because I take heart medication... still.. for those who can, it's important!
Love the Styx song. It's one of my old favorites. :)
Peace,
~Chani
http://thailandgal.blogspot.com
Thanks for the encouragement Laurie. I had a boyfriend who donated faithfully, and I should try it, too. {{{Hugs}}} for donating in memory of your Mom and Dale.
I'm certainly glad you made it home in one piece! Did you learn anything (if you're not too stubborn to learn anything), Laurie? By the way, I agree with Wolf's salutation, you dork!
You are a true life saver--but do take it easy on the bike. Next time, listen! Drink a double shot of OJ or whatever.
Jen, I'm your gal then. I don't LIKE the rules!
Thomas, that is too funny!
Threecollie, it was pretty fun, really. Just glad I didn't end up in the big house!
Lynne, for some reason it makes me feel really good physically to donate. Mentally and emotionally also, but for me the physical sensation is really wonderful. Color me weird!
Mary (aka fellow hard head), as always you've made me laugh. I can just see you out there digging up a tree in the blistering heat. Glad you didn't get heat stroke!
Gina, that would be wonderful! Thanks!
Cathy, are you encouraging Wolf? Ha ha ha! He's so right you know...I am a big dork.
As for being your role model, I think you've set the bar too low, dear lady, but thank you. Big hugs back!
Chani, I love that song too and couldn't think of one more fitting. Thank you!
Naturewoman (Pam), it would be very good of you to try. Very good indeed. Thank you.
Nick, too funny! You are encouraging Wolf as well. And yes I did learn something...leave the building BEFORE the phlebotomist gives the post donation instructions. ;-)
KG, I probably should have actually eaten more than just a banana and bowl of red grapes all day. That was more than likely my problem...heehee!
Donating blood regularly is a wonderful gift which is so easy to do. In our area the advertising speaks of it as the "gift of life". It certainly is.
It is not without dangers. Years ago something went dreadfully wrong here when hundreds of hemophiliacs got inffected with HIV from bad blood in the system.
Looks like both of us were on our bikes, and a bit wobbly too. But, I only have old age as an excuse.
Hey Lady! your son is right you are a DORK!, but lately I prefer the phrase "Gooofey Goober!"
Trust me I know!! I get to see you almost every day!! Hope your weekend is fun and relaxing. Check your dad's rhubarb if you read this before ya head back!!
I am purposely using all these exclamation marks!!!! just for you!!!Ha!Ha!! I just make myself Laugh!!! Silly Girl!!!
C ya Monday!!!!!
I must agree with my little brother, you were being a dork. I'm glad you are still donating but be more careful. If I have to come up there, I'm gonna give you a lecture. ;)
To everyone else, write to the local red cross, the FDA, even your congressman (or woman) about outdated rules on donation. Entire generations of donors either lie or refuse to give in order to tell the truth.
ha! you're too funny.
xx
pinks
Driving a Bike Under the Influence of Giving.
What a nice thing to have on your record. If most of us were arrested for this then it would be a better place to live.
I admire your spirit. I cannot give blood any longer I am on blood thinners and I am not eligable. So I thank you for doing your part. This is love in action.
Tossing, I remember when that happened. Thankfully blood tests have been developed and utilized to screen for contagious blood born illnesses now.
Bonita, you are more active than most 40 year olds, so you can't play the "old" card with me!
Bobbi, you are a goober girl!!! And I am also using all of these exclamation marks on purpose!!! I'll see what I can do about the rhubarb, but after all of the !!! I might just "forget". ha ha ha, I crack myself up too!!!!!! See ya on Monday, ya silly goose. **hugs**
Val, I have contacted my congressional delegates and also talked to United Blood Services. I'll see what else I can do. Thank you, dear eldest son, for commenting.
Pink, I know I am, but looks aren't everything...hahahaha!!
Dave, it's the right thing to do and it makes me feel good to be able to do a little something for others.
I'm glad you didn't get hurt.
That's great! I'm not allowed, my doctor said I was too anemic last time I asked. I'll try in the Spring when all my health stuff will(hopefully) be finished.
That whole bike riding thing had me laughing--that is SOOO something that would have happened to me because I don't listen to directions either...
No wonder you look so good. My neighbor Tom, now in his seventies, but looking fifty, claims that giving blood keeps him young (a kind of reversal of the vampire strategy) due to the new blood it forces his body to make.
Squirl, can't hurt this silly Norwegian. :-)
Mspea, I'm so glad I'm not the only one!
Joe, thanks! You are very sweet to say that.
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