Anyone who knows anything about me, knows that I have a hard time saying no. Well, saying no to volunteering, anyway. I love being able to help someone out. That's why I'm with the FD as their treasurer, the rescue squad, the cub scouts . . . I just enjoy it. Most of the time.
Another thing I do is give blood. It's kind of a joke. I tell people/organizations, you can have my time, you can have my blood, but you can't have my money! But, why give blood?
For one thing, it's quick. For another, it does so much good. There's always a need, and never enough. To people who say that they hate needles, well, yeah. I'm right there with you. Needles, not cool. And, yes, this is a bigger needle that they use. But you know what? It's over in less time than it'll take you to cook a frozen pizza, and it will literally help save a life. Guess what? I pass out, nearly every time that I donate. Many people have told me that they wouldn't do it. Why? Passing out isn't a big deal. You get hot, you get nauseous, you get uncomfortable. And, you save a life. I think it's a small price to pay.
This past Saturday, I was up for donating again. Except, this time, they asked me to give double reds. Basically, the way I understand it, they take your blood out, spin it around, take the red blood cells out, and put everything else BACK. Er, ok! Less volume gone means I won't keel over, right? Yeah, not so much. I got hot, I got nauseous, I got agitated, but at least, I didn't go out completely! And, the process was rather cool to watch! See?
Here's me, with the needle in. At this point, you don't even realize anything is going on. The needle is in, and it isn't even mildly uncomfortable.
Another thing I do is give blood. It's kind of a joke. I tell people/organizations, you can have my time, you can have my blood, but you can't have my money! But, why give blood?
For one thing, it's quick. For another, it does so much good. There's always a need, and never enough. To people who say that they hate needles, well, yeah. I'm right there with you. Needles, not cool. And, yes, this is a bigger needle that they use. But you know what? It's over in less time than it'll take you to cook a frozen pizza, and it will literally help save a life. Guess what? I pass out, nearly every time that I donate. Many people have told me that they wouldn't do it. Why? Passing out isn't a big deal. You get hot, you get nauseous, you get uncomfortable. And, you save a life. I think it's a small price to pay.
This past Saturday, I was up for donating again. Except, this time, they asked me to give double reds. Basically, the way I understand it, they take your blood out, spin it around, take the red blood cells out, and put everything else BACK. Er, ok! Less volume gone means I won't keel over, right? Yeah, not so much. I got hot, I got nauseous, I got agitated, but at least, I didn't go out completely! And, the process was rather cool to watch! See?
Here's me, with the needle in. At this point, you don't even realize anything is going on. The needle is in, and it isn't even mildly uncomfortable.
Then, it goes into this spiffy machine. It's really quiet, and your blood is going on a really fast merry-go-round.
Then, here's the plasma/other schtuff, ready to be put back. And, interestingly enough, depending on what medications you take, changes the color of your plasma! Mine is slightly green-ish.
So, if you have the chance, the opportunity, please give. There's always yummy snacks, and a lot of times, you'll get a t-shirt or other trinket for your trouble. But, the best part . . . you have made someone else's life a possibility. Please.
4 comments:
It's great that you donate blood, especially if it makes you pass out! I keep thinking I need to get back in to donate myself, but haven't made the time. My year was up a while ago from a trip out of the country. Your post is a reminder to get myself to the red cross! Thanks.
Do you know if being a cancer survivor rules you from donating?
Huh... I didn't know they could do that. It has been awhile since I've given any blood. I used to do it regularly. I'm B+, what are you?
I do give blood, but I did apheresis once and did NOT like it. I'll stick with the bloodletting ... :)
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