As I pledged last month, I gave blood yesterday – we had a corporate blood drive, so I didn’t even have to leave my building. Actually, I did a double red blood cell donation, which uses a technique called apheresis, which they were pushing. It takes a little longer – I was hooked up for about 45 minutes – and it feels a little funky when they’re putting the fluid back in, but beyond that it was fine. And I came home with a big green bandage wrapped around my arm, which as predicted fascinated Olivia endlessly.
This was my second experience with apheresis – I was asked to donate platelets once, after being informed that I was CMV negative. That was an unpleasant affair. (Those of you who are needle-phobic should stop reading RIGHT NOW.) The phlebotomist had a hard time finding my vein, and after much feeling around, missed it when he stuck me. I had a nice purple bruise for several days afterwards, and felt sufficiently queasy during the fluid-replenishment part of the procedure (they do warn you that this is a possible side effect) that I made them stop. That put me off apheresis – indeed, it put me off donating at all – for awhile. I’m glad to report that this time was much better. I still prefer the old-fashioned give-a-pint donation, as it takes less time, but I could be persuaded to do this again. It’s twice the bang for your buck, so there’s a lot to be said for it.
So. Not to nag or anything, but if I can do it, you can do it. Please give blood. Thank you very much.
Thanks for the reminder, Chuck. I tried to donate platelets 2 weeks ago but because of some restrictions ended up giving whole blood instead.
This helps LOTS of people every day and if anybody reading this hasn’t ever given blood, please consider it.