Today there was a blood drive in town. In the past year I have become a regular blood donor but today I decided to take this commitment a step further, I gave platelets. I was a little nervous about it but I just told myself that I needed to do this to help someone else.
Tonight when I got home I went online to find some more information about donating platelets, here is what I found:
Because platelets can be stored for only five days, the need for platelet donations is vast and continuous.
Platelet transfusions are needed each year by thousands of patients like these:
- Heart Surgery Patient, 6 units
- Burn Patient, 20 units
- Organ Transplant Patient, 30 units
- Bone Marrow Transplant Patient, 120 units
After reading this, what I did today seams like such a small part.
During my donation I was feeling light headed and cold.
Although I felt a little discomfort and it definitely took a lot longer to donate, it was worth it in the end.
After reading what I found I now know that I will be going back to donate platelets again.
3 comments:
That is so awesome Patti! Jenn has been doing that for the past several years. She has a rare blood type and they actually call her at times when they need more. She gives blood and platelets. Such a wonderful thing to do. I have always wanted to but because of my liver...my doctor told me they don't want my blood. You should be proud of yourself!
That's cool, but I am such a chicken...
I am soooo proud of you , Patti
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