Do you give blood?
@GardenGerty (157551)
United States
November 20, 2011 10:33am CST
I give blood, as often as possible. I received a letter this week saying I have a high platelet count and I could go do this. Many people who give blood are able to give platelets, but my platelets are higher than average, I guess. You can give platelets twenty four times a year. They can only be stored for five days. This is the part of the blood that cancer patients and people with leukemia and other conditions need. I am glad to know my platelets are healthy, I may start doing this after Thanksgiving. Remember that this is the holiday season, it is more blessed to give than to receive, and there are more accidents and injuries and often fewer donors at this time of the year. Give if you can, give life.
16 people like this
63 responses
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
20 Nov 11
Hi GG 
Prior to 2000 I was an active member with the Red Cross Society here and used to frequently participate in camps for blood donation. But ever since I have been on Medications, the medics have said No to me for blood donation. My blood group is O-ve a rare one, but unfortunately, I cannot donate any more. The constant medication has got into the blood and maybe this is why I am denied this noble act.
Prior to 2000 I was an active member with the Red Cross Society here and used to frequently participate in camps for blood donation. But ever since I have been on Medications, the medics have said No to me for blood donation. My blood group is O-ve a rare one, but unfortunately, I cannot donate any more. The constant medication has got into the blood and maybe this is why I am denied this noble act.6 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
With your caring heart I am sure you find other ways to help people in need. There are many people who cannot give for various reasons, and so the rest of us should, if we can. I am sorry that you have to have so much medicine.
4 people like this
@StephanieAnnC (4274)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I don't think I ever gave blood. I might in the future. (Once my mother correctly tells me what blood type I am). I'm glad you give blood. That is absolutely wonderful. I've donated money and such to a bunch of charities, so at least I hep that way,e eh?
5 people like this
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Hi! If you give blood, they will tell you what your blood type is.
5 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Donating money is essential as well, and as DesertDarlene says, they will tell you your blood type. I have given whole blood and then for a while I was giving double units of red cells. Now I get this letter that says I could be giving platelets. I want to do this, and I really do not mind doing it.
2 people like this
@StephanieAnnC (4274)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Hey there! That's awesome! Maybe I will then! Thank you! 
5 people like this
@thezone (9394)
• Ireland
21 Nov 11
The gift of life is better than anything!
I can't give blood anymore as my iron count was to high last time. Seems like I will be giving for a few years but no one will benefit :( but then then the last blood test looked ok. One more to go and we shall see. Fingers crossed
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Each unit of whole blood helps as many as three people. I have read that people who have hemachromatosis are recommended to donate regularly to manage the disorder. Of course I do not know if that is why your iron count is too high. Are they treating you in any way for the excessive iron?
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
The only way I have heard of it is that my friend's Grandfather had it, and they told him to give blood. I think your doctor would need to tell you more about it. I do not think there is any medicine to treat it with.
@thezone (9394)
• Ireland
21 Nov 11
Oh really? That is what I am being screened for. I am not sure if the blood I let is of use to anyone though, If I have hemochromatosis (which is not certain yet) Can the blood be used ?
I was told hemochromatosis is very common. I had never heard of it before
4 people like this
@umabharti (3972)
• India
20 Nov 11
what is platelets.
in my life till day i never donate blood to any.I did not receive also.May be that necessity did not arrive.i am not that having it also as doctors say that i shoudl put up my self with eating something that can increase the blood in me.
Yes people who face accidents do require blood .So blood is stored by some organisations.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Platelets are the part of your blood that encourages growth of new cells. They also join together to help stop bleeding when you are injured. If you are anemic you cannot give blood and the doctors are correct, you need to eat food that will help make more healthy blood. I am glad you have never needed to receive blood or blood components.
4 people like this
@umabharti (3972)
• India
21 Nov 11
Till day nothing fo such happened.I even fright to give a blood test.For if any health reason i was asked for a blood test it takes me time to do the test.I feel afraid with the needle and the taking of the blood.
3 people like this
@magtibaygom (4858)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
If you give out blood, our body will just be compelled to produce new blood. So, the good effect of this is, the lost blood will be replaced by "brand new more healthier.
3 people like this
@di44ito (494)
• Bulgaria
20 Nov 11
I have never given blood. I always wanted to do this, because it can help a lot of people, but i haven`t did it. My problem is that i actualy don`t know what blood type i am and i think that when i give blood they will need this information. I have to go to the hospital and make some tests or i don`t know what to know what blood type i am, but i never get time to do this and i don`t know if i have to pay something for this tests and that is one more thing that keep me still not making them. I hope soon i wiil dicide this seriously and go to the hospital to see what i have to do to know my blood type so i can give blood sometimes.
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
After I donated blood the first time, they tested my blood and they told me my type. You should not have to pay for the tests if it is the same as we do here.
2 people like this
@mmgonzales (882)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
I tried to...but when i about to give we find out that i am 1 mo pregnant. Thats why it never come up to give a blood. Hope so nxt time..
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Very best wishes for your pregnancy. Take good care of yourself.
1 person likes this
@mmgonzales (882)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
Thanks a lot, but that was 10mos ago now i have little princess with me... A cute little one.
3 people like this
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
20 Nov 11
No I cannot give blood, I have diabetes and hypertension so they do not accept my blood for those two reasons.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
You help people in other ways, though. I think that is important.
3 people like this
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
21 Nov 11
I used to give blood all the time. That was before I started taking high blood pressure medicine, among other things. My daughter has also given plasma many times, but I've never heard of giving platelets.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Giving platelets is a longer procedure. I have never given plasma, but if there is a need for it, they can take it while they take the platelets. Platelets are essential for people who have diminished capacity to make new blood, like those who have had to have bone marrow transplants. For a while they may have to have platelets to keep up their strength.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85485)
• United States
20 Nov 11
About 8 years ago my doctor told me he didn't think they would want my blood. I asked if it was because I was prone to be anemic and he said that was one of the reasons. But I can't think of any other reasons they wouldn't. I don't have anything anyone can catch after all. And iron tablets take care of anemia.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Some prescription medications eliminate you from being eligible. Taking a lot of aspirin based pain relievers also eliminates you. Some diseases that people can have appear to go away, but still make the blood unusable. My older sister had Rocky Mountain Spotted fever as a child, and my mom and others in the family had malaria. Both of those eliminate you from giving blood. He should have told you exactly what he meant, though.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
20 Nov 11
HI GG, U are such a good person. My dad gave alot of blood when he was living. I have never given blood & i doubt now they would take mine i am on so many meds etc.
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
I know that a lot of medications prevent you from giving blood. Many people would if they could, and I can so I will. It is something I can do that does not require money.
2 people like this
@13tyates (1606)
• United States
20 Nov 11
I would absolutely love to be able to donate blood for people, but due to several factors I am not allowed to donate. It makes me so mad that I am unable to, but it makes me appreciate the ones that do even more. Thank you so much for donating blood for those that need it. I have to find my own ways to help out, sadly this is one I am unable to do.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
I know that many people who would really like to donate are not able to. I am glad I am healthy enough. I never gave blood until I married this husband. It is something he does and always has done, and so he got me into the habit as well.
1 person likes this
@ravisivan (14079)
• India
21 Nov 11
For giving blood donation also one must be gifted. Yes. I wanted to give blood donation for sixth or seventh time in 1994 and they refused to take blood stating I was having high blood pressure. I started taking blood pressure tablets say ten years ago.
So if you can donate blood, please donate and be happy. It helps a needy person. have a nice day.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
It makes me feel good that this is something I can do. I think it even makes me feel healthy. I hear that high blood pressure medicines do keep people from donating blood.
@microengineer (587)
• Indonesia
20 Nov 11
7 years ago I went to blood donor program and was rejected. They said my blood has low in a component (I forget the name) and since then I never come again. Good for You who has very good and healthy body. Keep continue and save more life.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
People often are low in iron. In that case it is good to eat well for a couple of days before going to donate. I think it is also good to help people in other ways if giving blood is not appropriate for you.
2 people like this
@Hydraloth (185)
• Philippines
20 Nov 11
I wish i could give some of my blood, but i have high blood pressure, i wouldn't want anyone to have the same sickness like mine.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
High blood pressure is not contagious. Some of the medications might make blood donation unacceptable. I am not sure. It depends on the medicine.
3 people like this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
25 Nov 11
You can give with high blood pressure. When you give blood, your pressure will drop until the blood is replenished by your body. It's low blood pressure that bars you from giving. I tried once and they said my pressure is way to low to give.
@desertdarlene (8910)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Hi! I don't give blood anymore because I have a low hemocrit and platelet level most of the time. I think there are times when my levels are normal, but I don't want to risk my health. Just about any time I get a blood test, my levels are on the lower than average side. I did give blood once and I almost passed out.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
That is correct. We do not need you to be sick in order to try to help others. Platelets only live five to nine days in our bodies and can only be stored for five days at the blood bank. I have seen people pass out a time or two from donating. I can give double portions of red cells and be fine, but my husband did it one time and he was really weak for a few days afterwards.
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
20 Nov 11
what a kind wonderful, giving person you are GG. I would do it also if i still could. I used to do it back in my 30's. but then I got cancer and wasnt allowed any more
thanks so much. you are the best@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
So those of us who can need to donate to help others as much as possible.
2 people like this
@kingparker (9673)
• United States
20 Nov 11
At my work place, a medical company that always required volunteer to donate blood to the company for their experiments used. And the good thing is, they will compensate you for the blood that you give. So, many people sign up for it. For me, I wasn't that interest in giving blood though. So, I didn't sign up for it.
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
You cannot require a volunteer. Volunteering is a choice. There are some places that will pay for blood. I am curious. Where do you work? I have heard of selling your blood, but not to the Red Cross. I know many people are afraid or bothered by giving blood.
2 people like this
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
I would love to, but I can't. I contracted a sickness when I was a teen and it seems that strains of the virus remain in your blood system as long as you live. It would be like putting other people in more danger. I admire people who donate their blood for other people. I get queasy at the sight of blood and I really hate needles getting sticked on me. So I see blood donors as brave people. 
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
I am fortunate not to be bothered by the needles and the blood. I just try not to focus on it. Yes, there are a number of diseases that damage the blood production and cause people to be eliminated for giving blood.
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
22 Nov 11
A faus pax, eh? 
Well, it's not really that life threatening, unless of course I really neglect my health, so it's not something I should be embarrassed or worried about. It has not shown any symptoms for more than 10 years, so I guess there's nothing to worry about it. But, I'm not risking giving it to others, so no blood donations for me.
Well, it's not really that life threatening, unless of course I really neglect my health, so it's not something I should be embarrassed or worried about. It has not shown any symptoms for more than 10 years, so I guess there's nothing to worry about it. But, I'm not risking giving it to others, so no blood donations for me.1 person likes this
@rencarl (620)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
hello gloryacam...how brave you are too of exposing to us that you contracted a sickness wayback when you were a teenager.i am impressed with such a character that you have. whatever sickness that is I am sure you are putting it in a positive approach.chill!
1 person likes this
@PointlessQuestions (15397)
• United States
20 Nov 11
Hi Gerty,
It's great that you can do that to help people needing platelets. I cannot give blood. I have tried, and every time I do my blood clots up in their needle and doesn't even make it to the bag. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with my having a gastric bypass or not.. but before I had that done I used to be able to give blood. After about 4 tries, I don't even bother anymore, because I know they won't be able to get my blood.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
Hmmmmmm. I wonder. I just was reading about platelets because someone asked what they were. I read that having too many platelets can cause unwanted blood clotting and other problems. So I find myself wondering if this would maybe be a good health measure to give platelets. I am blessed to always have plenty of iron in my blood as well. I know that not everyone does, so I feel fortunate.
2 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
21 Nov 11
My husband and I both used to give blood when we were much younger, but he is anemic now and both of us are being treated for high blood pressure. I haven't tried in a few years, but I had always thought donating was good for high blood pressure. I wonder where I got that idea? Maybe it was before there were so many medications to treat high blood pressure.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
21 Nov 11
I think it is the medication that makes it unsuitable for donating blood. I would have thought, like you that giving blood would reduce blood pressure. Once in a while hubby will be low on iron, and they just told him to be sure to eat raisins for a snack before giving. I notice that they now have small packages of raisins as a snack after the donation.
@rencarl (620)
• Philippines
21 Nov 11
hello bagarad.i am a nurse by profession and i am not sure if hypertensive persons are contraindicated or not allowed to donate blood.as far as I know, hypertensive individuals are allowed to donate blood as long as their blood pressures are controlled well by medications. to simply put things here in proper perspective, you really have to consult a physician before attempting to donate blood.i will go back to this discussion also as soon as i can gather enough information from my book.
1 person likes this
