Friday, June 14, 2013

World Blood Donor Day



It's June 14th which is World Blood Donor Day.

I'm thankful each and every day for those who take the time to donate blood. Without my 4 weekly infusion of Intragam (made from donated blood and plasma), I wouldn't have any antibodies to be able to fight viruses or infections.


I also had a lot of bleeding issues during my double lung tranplant. I found out at Haemotology Clinic last week that I needed nine units of blood products (that's a whole lot) including whole blood, red cells, and platelets. I still have a few issues with my platelet counts and so I may still need more.

So I really want to say thankyou to anyone who has donated blood, but especially to those who are regular donors. You seriously are absolute lifesavers! Without you I most certainly wouldn't still be here.

If you'd like to donate, you can book online or simply just call 131495

Thankyou x

Edited: Serendipitously I received a letter from Haemotolgy Clinic in the mail today with a proper listing of what blood products I received during transplant:

6 units red cells
1200mL on the cell saver returned
Cryoprecipitate
7 units FFP (fresh frozen plasma)
1 unit of platelets

4 comments:

Lurline said...

Brave Girl! Best wishes for your health. I have been a blood donor for a long, long time - those days are over now due to one lung only and asthma, unfortunately. Please keep up with your encouragement.
Hugs - Lurline.

JaBCreations said...

Must put blood donation on my to do list. I never used to be allowed to give blood but the illness I had is not listed as a barrier anymore. Thanks for the reminder.

cat and vee xoxo said...

Very humbling and thought-provoking Cam. So very thankful for regular blood-donors.

Jo said...

So frustrating, I lived in England during the mad cow era and they still won't let me donate. My Dad has given blood for ever, so at least one of us is contributing....