Body Fluids Save Lives

Yes this sounds like a gross statement for a blog title. It’s just an evil way to make you read this. Grossness runs in my family, so don’t ever ask my Mom about something at the dinner table. She’ll have everyone running screaming in disgust.

Today was the first time I ever apheresised (is this even a word?). Apheresis is where you give red cells, plasma, and/or platelets. Whatever component of blood that is not needed goes back into your body, along with some saline to rehydrate you. Today I gave 2 units of platelets and 1 unit of plasma.

It makes me feel good that I volunteered to donate blood today. I usually donate whole blood (you can do that every 8 weeks), which means I donate red cells, plasma & platelets into one bag, but the lab has to separate the components. When you apheresis the components are already separated.

What I gave today will go to help people with cancer, burn vicitms, and other people facing a trauma. It’s important to donate. It saves lives, it costs me no money, and it’s a way I can help other people who need help in the most important times of their lives.

The hardest part was getting me to sit still for 1 hour. Luckily where I donate they have e-chairs where I can surf the net, watch a DVD or TV. It made the time go by faster. My husband donates also. He donates red cells, 2 units at a time, and can do that every 16 weeks. I’m too short to try that, or I would.

Now go out and donate some body fluids people!

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