Every couple of weeks, I try to make a little time. It's a time for me to read. It's a time for me to catch up on podcast videos. It's a time for me to get out of the house and be around people. It's a time for me to face my fears. It's a time for me to relax, with nothing pressing. It's a time for me to give of myself. Blood.
I gave a double unit of platelets. This is my usual donation, although sometimes I am able to give plasma and red blood cells as well. I had had to move my appointment back about 30 minutes because I had met a few friends for lunch. When I walked in, I was right behind another platelet donor. I expected things to take a little longer in the initial screening and setup, but they didn't. I was out of there in under 120 minutes.
One of the most interesting thing that happened today was the blue card. While I was getting prepped, the woman who usually checks me in brought over a blue card and placed it with my paperwork. When I asked about it, I was told that the blue card is usually because someone has had a particularly positive reaction to my blood before, and they want my blood again. I always know that the platelets are going to help someone. This time though, it felt special. I knew that there was someone who needed something which I was best able to give.
I am often asked why I give, especially platelets. Giving platelets takes more time and you don't have a as long of an ineligible period. I know people who give double reds, because their ineligibility period is twice that of whole blood. I used to be one. I really don't know what changed. I know that I like hearing from carter about the people I have helped. I know that I like the smaller needle. I know I like the fact that I know that platelets are needed more for my blood type. I like being able to read, or listen to an audio book, watch movies, or catch up on podcasts.
I also know that platelets are only good for about 3 days. That they are needed by cancer patients(I've known a few) and by accident victims(Same here). I know that donation restrictions limit the number of people that can donate. I know that the bloodmobile doesn't take platelets, and therefore there are fewer people who will donating platelets because they have to find a center.
And for now, I have the knowledge that the blue card is directing my platelets to someone that I won't know. Because they need it.
2 comments:
It's nice knowing that you are able to help someone in such an important way....and never see their face or hear their words of thanks. I think it's even more rewarding when it's anonymos (not sure "rewarding" is the word I want to use there)
Laura,
I think you hit the nail on the head. The Blue Card is the best thank you I can get. Sure the phlebotomists thank me, but this is from the patient (ok maybe the doctor).
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