Blood Donation Experience

It's been a week since I donated blood. Last Oct 07 2011, I've been lucky enough to give love by giving blood. It was my first time so I was really excited and somehow scared. lol. I mean, I never even thought I would passed their assessment.

Blood pressure: Normal (120/80)

Hemoglobin level: Normal (13.5 g/dl)

Have not been sick for the last 2 months 

Had enough sleep

Not taking any anti-biotics

No history of Hepatitis 

No Diabetes

No heart disease

Not an HIV carrier

And it has been 2 years since my last tattoo! Yes. A lot of people are wondering if they can donate blood once they got a tattoo. Although no country has ever refused a  blood donor with a tattoo completely but according to the doctors - Well, normally you are not allowed to donate blood right after you got a tattoo, they got a certain time frame before you could be eligible. The common time frame is 12 months after you got tattooed to give blood. Now Why? During that time period, obviously you would know already if you have been infected after the tattoo.

So, after like 3 minutes of interrogation by the doctor I laid down. The nurse was trying to calm me and talking to me that everything will be a jiff! Hah! 

Me with the nurse and Nikka on the background

I was like asking Nikka how did it go for her 'coz I was really scared and she just laughed from disbelief of hearing it. She said that for someone like me who had a lot of experience with the needle from tattoos would turned out to be like a chicken on this?! lol. hah! And she's right! So I closed my eyes and I said.. "Para sa Bayan..." then the nurse and I laughed. lol

So what are the benefits you could get by donating blood? Who benefits? How?

" Blood donation benefits many people. One pint of blood benefits donors in the following ways:

• Each pint of whole blood donated by one person helps three other people.
• One pint of blood may be separate into its various components such as plasma, red blood cells and others. If one pint of blood is used as components, it can help seven people.
• Blood donation benefits surgical patients. A liver transplant patient, for example, may need up to ten pints of blood during surgery. Blood transfusions are needed during many types of surgery and for accident victims.
• People undergoing chemotherapy and radiation benefit from blood donation.
• Individuals with sickle-cell anemia need blood donations to replace their red blood cells.
• Donated blood saves the lives of premature infants and children. Many of these tiny patients require blood transfusions, and only blood from a donor can help them. 

Benefits do you get as a donor:

• Free health screening: Every time you give blood, a medical technician, doctor or nurse will check your blood pressure and give you a free health screening.
• Reduced risk of heart disease: Some doctors and scientists believe that giving blood may prevent heart disease. Although no conclusive evidence is available, numerous physicians have noted that blood donors typically have fewer cases of heart disease than non-donors. Dr. Harvey Klein, in an article on USA Today, speculates that giving blood regularly reduces the amount of iron in the bloodstream. While iron is an important element and necessary for human life, too much iron may actually damage the heart and circulatory system. Dr. Klein and others believe that reducing blood iron through regular blood donation is a healthy way to potentially lower your risk of heart disease.
• Acts of altruism make you feel good! Giving feels great, especially when you understand that one hour of your time and one pint of blood can save so many people."

The nurse dabbed the cotton with Betadine on the area where I think she saw a  perfect vein. lol. She asked me to close my fist tight and then after like a minute a tourniquet was like tied onto my arms. 

There it goes my blood

I am type O

In just 10 minutes I was able to fill the bag that's 450 milliliters 

"After donating blood, you'll be offered juice and a snack. Be sure to rehydrate and replenish your fluids. Avoid heavy lifting after donating blood. Lifting something heavy may cause the small mark where the blood was drawn to bruise dramatically or bleed a bit. "

I was also advised not to smoke for atleast four hours and not drink alcohol within 24 hours.

 

My boss showing some love by giving some blood

And just like that after 10 minutes, I felt I did a really great thing. I was happy. Just imagine, one bag can save three people, your ten minutes can add years to another person.

 For more information visit http://www.redcross.org.ph/

Reference: http://charity.lovetoknow.com/Blood_Donation_Benefits