Donating your blood really can save a life!
@1creekgirl (41382)
United States
January 11, 2016 8:44am CST
After reading a post by Ajmal about the importance of blood donations, I wanted to add my thoughts on it.
For years I donated blood at local Red Cross drives. Most of the time I did fine, but one time I almost passed out. I decided to wait awhile before trying again, then time slipped by and I hadn't donated in quite a while.
Last week when I was in the hospital with a critical blood loss, I was given transfusions, 2 units of blood. While I was lying there, I realized that if someone had not made the effort to donate their blood, I would be in a life-threatening situation.
I am so thankful another person saw the importance of donating their blood. It actually saved my life.
14 people like this
15 responses
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
11 Jan 16
Exactly. I always had a high hemoglobin, but now after such a drastic drop, I hope eventually I can donate again. Do you have to take iron pills all the time?
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471217)
• Switzerland
11 Jan 16
@1creekgirl No, only a few times a year if the blood count is too low.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
11 Jan 16
@LadyDuck You probably try to eat a variety of iron-rich foods.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
12 Jan 16
I guess there are many health conditions that prevent us from donating blood. BTW, what is siva?
2 people like this
@Shiva49 (26657)
• Singapore
13 Jan 16
@1creekgirl I am used to putting my shortened name as my long name can be, well, too long for comfort! siva
2 people like this
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
13 Jan 16
Yes, I always think it's good to donate our blood. It doesn't harm us at all (in fact, I read it's good for our health as well), and it helps others in need. My husband donates blood consistently, and I think he has set a good example for the children as well.
I have never donate blood before, as I am always underweight. I guess perhaps a few years later I might be able to donate blood, if I am healthy enough, as I seem to put on some weight now. 
2 people like this
@kaka135 (14931)
• Malaysia
13 Jan 16
@1creekgirl Hope you'll recover very soon.
It's always great to be able to help others, and know there are so many helpful people around.
It's always great to be able to help others, and know there are so many helpful people around.1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
13 Jan 16
That's great that your husband can donate. I hope to be able to soon.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154131)
• Canada
17 Jan 16
I have always wanted to give blood but was not capable because I have a rare blood disorder.
2 years ago I received 17 units of blood transfusion and will be eternally grateful for that.
I do give money to the our blood services though, I wish I could do more.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
18 Jan 16
Oh my goodness , Marlina! Are you feeling better ? Do you have to get transfusions at times? I'm sure you do all you can to help , there are things we can do even if we're not able to donate blood . Take care of yourself !
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
11 Jan 16
I am so terribly freaked out by needles I'm not sure I would remain conscious while they stuck that thing in me. I wish they could come up with a better way.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
11 Jan 16
I never watch the needle going in. I worked for 28 years in the medical field, but could never have been a nurse!
1 person likes this
@fishtiger58 (29820)
• Momence, Illinois
12 Jan 16
@1creekgirl I couldn't either too squeamish
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
12 Jan 16
Good for you! The Red Cross really helps a lot of people.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
12 Jan 16
@trivia79 I've taken some first aid classes and helped some at the shelters during hurricanes and storms, but never actually joined the Red Cross.
1 person likes this
@trivia79 (7828)
• El Segundo, California
12 Jan 16
@1creekgirl how about you? did you ever joined?
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@Blondie2222 (28611)
• United States
12 Jan 16
I wish i could donate blood but i can't because of my heart condition. But i know i will feel the same way the day I will need dialysis etc.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
12 Jan 16
So sorry to hear about your heart condition. Hopefully you're doing ok?
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
13 Jan 16
Even though you can't donate blood, maybe you could help in other ways, like registering volunteers or helping raise money for supplies.
@MALUSE (69373)
• Germany
19 Jan 16
Every healthy person should donate blood. I can't understand why people have no problems accepting blood when they need it but refuse to donate.
I donated blood several times but can't do it any more now. I had diseases after which donations aren't accepted any more.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
19 Jan 16
I think it's easy to ignore the need until we're the one who needs it!
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
11 Jan 16
I like to think of it as "reaping what we sow." I'm definitely going to donate more often (once my iron gets built back up! ) It really does save lives.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
13 Jan 16
So am i! It sure made me realize first hand how important it is to donate blood.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
15 Jan 16
It really reminded me how critical it is to donate blood if you can.
@CaseyRoss9966 (4056)
• United States
19 Jul 16
I am O negative. I donate blood as much as I can and as soon as I can. It makes me feel good to know that I can help others. I have donated about 6 to 7 times so far. That is saving or helping at least twenty-one other people.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (41382)
• United States
19 Jul 16
Good for you! You may never know how many lives you've actually saved!
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
19 Jan 16
As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I neither give blood nor take blood but am glad that many doctors accommodate our Bible-based position through other ways.
When my second daughter was born prematurely in 1976 and jaundiced, the hospital decided to transfuse blood but a doctor (angel) showed up and tried ultra-violet light and it solved the problem. My daughter is now 39 years old.
My father refused blood transfusions a number of times when being operated and the operations were successful and lived to be over 100.
I'm glad that there are a number of ways and that there are other choices to manage medical emergencies and I'm so grateful to these kind of hospitals and doctors! 
1 person likes this
