About 4 months after Ms. Z was born, my dad needed heart surgery to replace an aortic valve. The surgery went well, but there were complications with the anti-coagulant therapy that resulted in my dad experiencing a ruptured spleen and significant internal bleeding. My dad jokes that he needed "a full oil change" -- when all was said and done, it took 7 units of O positive to help save his life.
Up until that point in my life, I'd always been a little scared of giving blood -- needles and bleeding just weirded me out. But if there's anything I got used to in the process of trying to and having a baby, it was to deal with blood draws and IVs. So I got to thinking about it. As I've gotten into Health IT and started working at a university with major medical center, I've spent a lot more time thinking about health care, and how I can make a difference personally. Giving blood seemed like the perfect way to start.
In honor of my dad, I've made a long term pledge (to myself) to donate 7 units of blood. On Friday I made my first donation, and I promise to update my progress here as I go along. Here's a few things I learned from my first donation:
To put the incredible gift that my father received in perspective: when people donate blood, they can only donate 1 unit at a time and you have to wait at least 2 months to donate more. There's a good chance that 7 different people contributed to what my dad received. Although they will never know it, there are seven people in Southeastern Michigan who helped make sure that my dad is still here to watch his granddaughter grow up.
If you can donate, I'd really like to encourage to to do so. So many people need blood and when it's needed, there's no more precious gift in the world.
Up until that point in my life, I'd always been a little scared of giving blood -- needles and bleeding just weirded me out. But if there's anything I got used to in the process of trying to and having a baby, it was to deal with blood draws and IVs. So I got to thinking about it. As I've gotten into Health IT and started working at a university with major medical center, I've spent a lot more time thinking about health care, and how I can make a difference personally. Giving blood seemed like the perfect way to start.
In honor of my dad, I've made a long term pledge (to myself) to donate 7 units of blood. On Friday I made my first donation, and I promise to update my progress here as I go along. Here's a few things I learned from my first donation:
- At any given time only 38% of people in the US are eligible to give blood (i.e. they meet the health previous history requirements)
- Only 8% of people give blood
- Giving blood is easy and does not take a long time -- it took about 10 minutes for me to make my donation and another 15-20 to hang out after the donation while you drink some juice.
- Drink a lot of water before hand -- it will help the donation go faster and more smoothly (and you'll feel better, too!)
- You feel like a real hero when you're done.
To put the incredible gift that my father received in perspective: when people donate blood, they can only donate 1 unit at a time and you have to wait at least 2 months to donate more. There's a good chance that 7 different people contributed to what my dad received. Although they will never know it, there are seven people in Southeastern Michigan who helped make sure that my dad is still here to watch his granddaughter grow up.
If you can donate, I'd really like to encourage to to do so. So many people need blood and when it's needed, there's no more precious gift in the world.
I try to donate blood, but right now I'm taking medications and would prefer to not donate at this time. Donation is an awesome thing and if you have extra time doing apheresis is wonderful thing to do.
Don't forget the cookies and juice afterwards. My Red Cross always has great cookies. I am O- and feel very much obligated to donate. I am on my second gallon.
As a Red Cross employee, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for promoting blood donation. Here in Southern California, it's even a lower number of eligible people who donate-2% !! It's okay to be scared of donating, but once you do, you realize how easy and awesome it is to save lives!
I was surprised how easy the process was and how little there was to be scared of! And everyone who was part of the process was great. I definitely felt well taken care of through the whole thing!
You are so right about donating blood. I am on my second gallon and just donated this past Friday. I would add one thing to your suggestions--get a blood buddy. Mine is my sister. We go to lunch beforehand, and make it a pleasant outing for some sister bonding. Jo
P.S. I only had one instance where donating was less than pleasant. I tried to donate at church when I was not well hydrated...not a good idea!
I donated infrequently when I was in college and graduate school. Since then I donate at least 3-4 times/year, and I make it a point to donate on or near my birthday. It reminds me how lucky I am to have another year.
Am very inspired by those of you in the gallon or more range! Wow.
And I love the idea of a donation partner! What a great way to make it feel even better.
Closing in on my second gallon as a universal donor. My son and I race to see who can finish fastest! My record so far is a flat 4 minutes. Usually I'm in and out of the donation center in 30. It is a fantastic use of half an hour.
As a medical professional with a severe needle phobia I'm embarrassed to say that I finally donated last month for the first time. What a great feeling!