When my mom was diagnosed and started talking about the blood transfusions she was receiving. Something inside of me whispered. "It would probably be a good idea to give, B@rbara." So I did. I was so scared and the only reason I stayed at the clinic was because my daughter was with me and I needed to set an example. I told her I was scared but people need blood transfusions or they will die. Of course that day one of the donors fainted and it scared me even more. However, I did donate that day and went a second time. Someone fainted that time too. I was somewhat relieved when I had surgery in January and was not able to donate for the next six months. That brings me to today. I got the dreaded call last week. I wanted to say no. I still hate it. It scares me. I am having a panic attack if that gives you any idea.
At 4:10 PST I will be on a table with a
PS- I want to thank all of you for your comments over the last several weeks. Often you say that you don't know what to say but just the fact that all of you are out there and you care about me and my family warms the cold parts of my soul. Support is everything. I could not get by without it. I love all your comments and I love all of you for taking the time to write them. You all rock!
I have wanted to do it for long but I don't have weight enough... I'm 49 kg and minimmum is 50kg, lol!
ReplyDeleteBut, if I get some weight I'll definately do it!
About organ donation, here in Portugal everybody is a donor in case of death! I didn't know that until a few weeks ago when a relative told me. I think that's a great thing!
Kiss and be strong, it's just blood!
Love
Isa
I donated only once. I don't hate blood, I'm not keen on needles though and they use a 16gauge needle! I have no excuses really.
ReplyDeleteHI Barbara... I know how you feel... I have donated 8 times in my life, once I fainted, another I threw up and another my whole left arm became blue... there is something weird with me... if I donated blood from my left, I am ok... nothing major happens... but if i donated from my right arm, I lose color and feel nauseous and sometimes faint...
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great thing by donating... I hope that this time will run smoothly and that you will not feel a thing...
I wholeheartedly believe in organ donations and that was why on my American drivers license it said full organ donor... but since I changed it to Canadian, I am not sure if that part remained...
I did not know that anyone could be a bone marrow donor... interesting... what does that entail?
Thinking of you!
This is a topic very close to my heart. If it wasn't for wonderful people like you who give blood, (especially when they are terrified,)my darling Mike would not be alive. During his treatment and bone marrow transplant he received over 20 units of blood products. So from the bottom of my heart thank you, thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI openly confess I am a total coward and can't give blood if they paid me. I did offer o donate for my dear late father in law when he was first diagnosed with leukemia - and I would have done it for him, or any other member of my family - but I think they'll have to knock me unconscious first.
ReplyDeleteAnd(just because) here's a HUG for you, Birdie!!
Judy, South Africa
I do so admire your courage to face the fear and do what your heart calls for. I cannot donate blood as I have lupus but I have several friends who do and I think it is a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteThose needles are nails. Perfect analogy. I'm a floozie for the cookies and the t-shirts! The t-shirts ROCK. Yes, I'm shallow. Very.
ReplyDeleteI actually WANTED to give blood, but they said I didn't weigh enough! So I guess my blood stays with me (shrug).
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize they take a whole pint of blood. No wonder why people faint.
Either way, you are doing a good thing! :)
I'm with you on the blood thing. I can't stand it on the wrong side of the skin, either. I used to be a regular donor, but the Red Cross won't let me because I lived in Ireland during the Mad Cow Disease days. Silly.
ReplyDeleteHow brave you are to do this when you clearly find it difficult. I used to give blood years ago and then couldn't for some reason. I'll never forget fainting in the library when I was in my early twenties and thought I didn't need tea and a biscuit or a rest after donating! :) Your post has made me think about doing it again.
ReplyDeleteI am terrified about donating blood, but my daughter & I overcame that fear of Sept. 11 in NYC. I hate that having received transfusions of 3 liters once, I have a hard time giving bood.
ReplyDeleteBut I am a full organ donor. How does one become a bone marrow donor?
I give blood when I can, it's such a simple thing one can do to help others. For people who are afraid, the easiest thing is just turn your head and look the other way. The most important thing to me is that it will help someone live.
ReplyDelete