After a very brisk walk with Clark, I headed to Dedham to for my first platelet appointment in over a year. I used to give every month, but sort of fell out of the habit. I always get a bit nervous before donating, but once I am all bundled up in my cozy, heated chair all I can think is let it flow. And by it, I mean my blood. I’ve got O- blood, which makes me a universal donor, and have never minded needles, so giving blood or platelets seems like an obvious way to help out. Plus, I am easily persuaded by charts.
The process is a bit different from donating whole blood. I usually give platelets using both arms, and today the process took over three hours. Essentially, blood is drawn from one arm and the cells are separated. Platelets are removed and collected (in my case, from my left arm), and the remaining blood cells are returned, along with some saline (through an IV my right arm). The sensation of having the blood returned is a bit strange (I sometimes get a metallic taste in my mouth, and a feeling of fluttering at the vein), but it’s not at all painful.
Check out my sweet bandages... and man-ish thumbs.
Donors are given their choice of movies, plenty of warm blankets, and Tums (I am not sure why… but um, I take all of them. No questions asked.). I’ve learned my lesson the hard way (trying not to cry while watching The Blind Side, while attached to a blood sucking machine, while in a room full of strangers… not a good look), and usually watch an old standby. Today it was The Devil Wears Prada, followed by the end of the Ravens and Texans game. Feet up, limitless supply of juice. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
If you’re considering donating and have questions, let me know. I’m not a phlebotomist (such a fun word), nor do I play one on TV, but I sort of know what I am talking about.
I got home just in time to let it flow at South Boston Yoga. I loved my first class there last Sunday and decided to advantage of their new student special ($25 for two weeks of unlimited classes). I’ve taken classes here and there, and always leave feeling more limber, more balanced and more smiley… but I have never really committed to a regular practice. Perhaps 2012 will be the year I become a yogi. Who knows. I’m already seeing improvements, though. Last week I stayed in bridge pose, afraid to take on the wheel. This week: proverbial balls to the wall. It was, um, wheelie exhilarating. Bahaha.
It’s past my bedtime.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Watching Downton Abbey
- These videos are killing me
- Brilliant: mason jar becomes travel mug
What was the highlight of your weekend?
thanks for teaching us about platelet donation from your experience!
and “wheelie exhilarating”? It has happened. It has become clear to me that I will now never stop loving you. ha.
If I knew how to type the blushing emoticon, I would. Thank you! xo
I donate blood regularly but I have never donate platelets. I’m going to look into it to learn more about it! The highlight of my weekend was turning 30 on Saturday!
Happy Belated Birthday, Michelle! Hope you had a great weekend!
I have given blood on several occasions and it always knocks me down for the day. Yet you were able to donate platelets and take a yoga class. Is donating platelets less taxing on the body than donating blood?
I think it depends on the person, and on the day. There are times when all I want to do is crawl into bed, but generally the longer you’re on the machine the less taxing the process is on your veins/body. Using both arms helps, too. I used to bruise like crazy, and often felt a little “off” afterward, but the nurses are always really good at making adjustments based on your height/weight, platelet count, etc. I felt great after yesterday’s donation, so going to yoga was not an issue. I wouldn’t have wanted to go boxing, or running though.
Ah!!! I LOVE South Boston Yoga! David Vendetti is my favorite! Did you take his Sunday morning class? My boyfriend and I usually go on Sundays and went last Wednesday too! I’m taking my teacher training with him in August!
I donate as much as I can, too, but I am O neg, which is universal donor, not +. The lack of this Rh antigen is what makes it universal, so others won’t react to it.
(But those who receive platelets can get any type because there’s no antigens, so an O negative could receive A+, etc. )
Technically, there ARE antigens on platelets, but it is rare to have a reaction, so while they do try to not give +Rh to -Rh individuals, it isn’t essential, like it is in blood. ok, sorry for hijacking the comments!:)
Thank you so much for catching this typo, Nicole! I am O- too (not O+) and clearly should not be clicking ‘publish’ in the wee hours of the morning without some serious proofreading.
I really appreciate your comments!
I have OPOS blood too, I didn’t know it was a universal blood type though. I gave blood once and then passed out and puked all over, about 3 hours after. I ate a big meal after giving blood and rested just like they told me too! Since that experience, I haven’t given blood. Should I try again? I’m afraid this would happen again.
Sorry, that was a typo! I can certainly understand your hesitancy to give again– there are a million and one ways to help out… I would do what makes you comfortable.
You brave girl! Thanks for this post, I wouldn’t even know where to come up with the idea to donate platelets! Where do you go to do it? Is it a hospital? Or a special blood place?
Highlight of my weekend was having a free day Sunday to do what I wanted at my own pace. Sounds lame, but so rare to come by!
Not lame at all, my friend. It seems so rare to have a whole day to do as we please. Highlight worthy, for sure.
I donate at the Red Cross donor center in Dedham (though the Boston center is 60 seconds away), but a lot of the hospitals have donor centers, too.
I have always been curious about donating blood platelets. Perhaps I will go ahead and do it soon! I am A- so at least I know I can call you in an emergency! (And please bring the frenchie, because he would make me feel better too!)
Good for you for donating so regularly. I never have but my boyfriend donates frequently. I’m going to look into it.