Donating Blood is GOOD. Donating Platelets is 6 times GOODER!!

There is a Red Cross blood drive at my work place every 3 months. I always try to make time to donate. I did the double reds last time, felt like I drank a bottle of bourbon when I stood up. My aunt has Leukemia and I know firsthand how important this simple act can be in the lives of our loved ones. Smoke and prayers to all in need.

See, Honey Badgers do care a little from time to time.;)
 
Rugger said:
Last few times I tried to give blood, they wouldn't let me. I used to live in Germany ('91-'96) and apparently the Red Cross thinks I'm going to give someone BCE (Mad Cow Disease). Now I'm also a recent cancer patient/chemo recipient- bet that knocks me off the list too. I used to give blood all of the time. Bummer.
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Same here, donated for years then suddenly because I was in Germany in the 70s and 80s I'm not eligible any more and the time frame never changes or goes away!?? Seems the incubation period should eventually pass and we could be declared safe and donate again. It especially irks when they advertise on tv begging for my type specifically and there I sit willing and able just not allowed.
 
angle iron said:
Same here, donated for years then suddenly because I was in Germany in the 70s and 80s I'm not eligible any more and the time frame never changes or goes away!?? Seems the incubation period should eventually pass and we could be declared safe and donate again. It especially irks when they advertise on tv begging for my type specifically and there I sit willing and able just not allowed.
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Exactly. I used to give blood all of the time & am willing & able. And I hardly ever go 'moo' anymore. The last time i asked, the person @ the RC blood drive told me that they may lift the restriction. Anybody know anything about this?
 
Elizabeth is doing good.She is down to one DR visit a week.I would like to thank the blood donors,platelet donors and her marrow donor who all we know about is he is a 45 year old man in Europe.A thankful Father.
 
Hey Brett!

How are Elizabeth and Kathryn doing? Has Elizabeth shown a lot of improvement since her bone marrow transplant? It's almost 4 months since the transplant. I was thinking about both of your girls this morning when I was donating platelets.

While I was there, I asked what it was about my blood/platelets that makes me a "baby blood" donor. It turns out that I have never been exposed to CMV (Cytomegalovirus), so I don't have the CMV virus in my body. That makes me a CMV-Negative Blood Donor. Apparently only 20% of Americans are CMV-negative.

I always thought it was so cool that I am a "baby blood" donor. And since I also on the higher side of the platelet range, they can often get 2 or more transfusions out of one platelet donation from me. It just warms my heart and soul every time I donate platelets, because of the "baby blood" and multiple transfusions I am able to provide. Saving baby lives.

And of course now whenever I donate, I think of your girls, Elizabeth and Kathryn. It would be really cool if I lived near you, so that maybe my platelet donation could be used for your girls.

What is CMV?
CMV (Cytomegalovirus) CMV is a complex flu-like virus that most adults are exposed to at sometime in their lives. It is a double stranded DNA virus belonging to the herpes virus family. The virus is harmless to adults.

Who gets CMV?
Almost everyone is susceptible to the virus, although males ages 18-26 seem to be the least likely to get it. As with other viruses, once you've had them, your body retains the antibodies. Many adults are exposed to CMV and don’t know it.

Why is CMV Negative Blood Preferred for Pediatric Transfusions?
CMV can persist in infected donor white cells and is often transmitted by a blood transfusion, but rarely causes disease. However, in the case of low birth weight infants the consequences of such infection may be severe or even fatal. Because the immune systems in these infants are not fully developed, every precaution must be taken to avoid infection. Scientific studies have shown blood lacking this virus (CMV negative blood) is safer for pediatric patients.
 
I am starting on gallon 16 after 32 years. I now do the 2RBC as my vein gets to rest 4 months.
Left arm vein was getting stiff with with 2 month donations.
BTW, I am cmv neg, so I am a twenty percenter. :rolleyes:

Larry
 
I'd love to be able to give blood, but I am not allowed because of a daily medication (levothyroxine) that I take.
 
i love giving blood i do it every chance i get i tried to give platelets a few months ago but they told me i am too skinny...
 
Elizabeth is doing fine.She is full of energy that she never had before,because her hemoglobin,white cells,and platelets are actually at healthy levels.She is being monitored for the CMV,because the donor had the antibodies.Her hair is coming back in nicely. Kathryn is getting monthly blood draws to check her blood counts and is holding her own. But the Mayo Clinic wants her to get her transplant next May or June. Both girls had their 4th birthday on 9-10-11. It was a great day. Keep donating,it makes a difference in peoples lives. Brett
 
bgirtler said:
Elizabeth is doing fine.She is full of energy that she never had before,because her hemoglobin,white cells,and platelets are actually at healthy levels.She is being monitored for the CMV,because the donor had the antibodies.Her hair is coming back in nicely. Kathryn is getting monthly blood draws to check her blood counts and is holding her own. But the Mayo Clinic wants her to get her transplant next May or June. Both girls had their 4th birthday on 9-10-11. It was a great day. Keep donating,it makes a difference in peoples lives. Brett
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Thanks for the update. Greats news about Elizabeth's progress! I'm glad to hear that Kathryn is doing well. Please let us know when it is time for her transplant.

TJ
 
Elizabeths sister,Kathryn just went into the hospital today. She has started her chemo treatments and is scheduled to get her bone marrow transplant on 6/21/12. Even after going through this before. It is not any easier.
 
plumberbrett said:
Elizabeths sister,Kathryn just went into the hospital today. She has started her chemo treatments and is scheduled to get her bone marrow transplant on 6/21/12. Even after going through this before. It is not any easier.
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Smoke and prayers are with Kathryn. I hope that Kathryn's recovery is speedy and that she will be full of energy for her 5th birthday coming up in September.

Please keep us posted, and thanks for the update on Kathryn.

TJ
 
I try to donate every two months. I tried the double reds donation once. I don't care for it, only because it feels weird when the saline is pumped in because it is a little lower than body temperature.

Will put your girls on my prayer list.

Ric
 
Well,after nine rough days of chemo,Kathryn's bone marrow transplant is at 10:00 am Thursday. Praying it takes as good as Elizabeth's.
 
Kathryn had her transplant last Thursday. Now we are just waiting and hoping for it to take hold.

Everybody seems to think this is easy for my wife and I because we dealt with this last year. But it isn't.
 
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