donate platelets

How much recovery time is required? I give whole blood a few times per year, and they say to not work out on the day I give. (I then work out early in the morning, eat & drink well, then donate in the afternoon). Any guidelines like this for donating platelets?

I found out today that when I donate platelets I can request to be typed for the National Marrow Donor Registry. I am going to do that as well!

When I went to donate blood today the lady told me I can donate platelets after 7 days. So, I’m going to do it when I get back from Florida. I think E wants to donate plasma so she is going to come with me!

It’s blood letting time again, so I thought I’d try to donate platelets this time. I tried to make an appointment last weekend, but their available times were booked up. Slim windows, since I need a ride and someone to help look after Isak. They seem to only take platelets a few days of the week and close awfully early except on Saturday. I’ll keep trying.

I wandered in to the local Red Cross on Friday to give blood. (They’ve left like 6 phone messages in the last 2 weeks.) They asked my blood type and then they asked if I wanted to donate platelets instead. It was the first time they asked – kind of surprising actually, considering my blood type.

So I did. It went perfectly fine, except next time, I definitely need to bring a book or an ipod or something.

My hemoglobin was too low. I have been refused for giving blood before so I always get nervous when they test it. I’ll try again next week and fill my days in the meantime with plenty of iron-filled meals. :)

Next Monday morning. I can’t wait to try this. :)

I’ve been wanting to find out more about this for a while now, so earlier this month when I was in to donate blood, I spoke with the nurse & picked up a pamphlet.

I know you can donate platelets every 2 weeks, but I need to find out how soon you can donate after donating whole blood. Then I need to figure out when I can steal several hours to go. I’m hoping to find someone to go with… a blood buddy.

I started donating platelets a couple of years ago, after I went to donate whole blood and was found to have a high platelet count. If you can get away from the fact that you have a needle in each of your arms, it is really not bad at all. At the Red Cross they provide movies to watch and dote on you constantly for the 2 hours or so that it takes to donate. You are way more comfortable than the cots they provide for whole blood donations. It is a good feeling knowing that you are helping someone who has cancer or other clotting disorders. I totally recommend this to anyone who is looking for a way to give back!

donating blood is so important!!! i’ve always wanted to donate platelets