Sunday, September 20, 2009

Ann's Space ;-)


My nephew, Matthew Gabriel, underwent another platelet replenishment last week. As a "suki" of blood transfusion, the hospital insisted on having the blood be replaced. Matthew, or Mamat, was inflicted with AML type leukemia, the disease that took the life of our Master Rapper Francis M. On Mamat's case, his abnormal chromosome (Down's Syndrome) was the culprit. But also because of his condition that saved him of a bone marrow transplant, and he needed about 6 sessions of chemotherapy instead as part of his medication.

We once again sought for help for a blood donor for Mamat. I've been a donor myself about 4 months ago. I wish I could provide again since blood volume or plasma is usually replaced within 24 hours after letting, and passed the 4 to 8 weeks time frame for a complete replacement. However, I underwent a tooth extraction 3 months ago that disqualified me.

God answered our prayers for as a close friend agreed to donate her blood. Agus, or Ann, we'll forever be grateful to you. Mwah!

Also, this post is dedicated to you.*Tsup*Tsup*

Just how noble a blood donation is? You simply cant get blood right next to your sari-sari store when you need one. You'll require a donor with the same blood type as you are. Blood sustain life, as it transfers oxygen, nutrients and essential elements to the whole body. Impairment of blood could be fatal, and even comprises life. Don't you feel good when helping out someone, moreso, saving their lives! Now, that's hot.

Thinking of donating? Here's a guideline for you prior blood letting:
(Source: The Philippine National Red Cross)

Preparation before donating blood
- Have enough rest and sleep.
- No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
- No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
- Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty foods.
- Drink plenty of fluid like water or juice.

Steps in donating blood
- Have your weight taken.
- Register honestly and completely the donor registration form.
- Have your blood type and hemoglobin checked.
- A physician will examine the blood donor.
- Actual donation. The amount of blood to be donated will depend on the donor's weight and blood pressure. Either 350cc or 450cc and would usually take 10 minutes or less.
- A 5 to 10 minute rest and plenty of fluid intake is necessary after donation.

What to do after blood donation
- Drink plenty of fluids like water or juice.
- Refrain from stooping down after blood donation.
- Refrain from strenuous activities like:
*Lifting heavy objects
*Driving big vehicles such as bus, trucks, etc.
*Operating big machines
*Avoid using the punctured arm in lifting heavy objects.
- Apply pressure on the punctured site and lift the arm in case the site is still bleeding.
* If there is discoloration and swelling on the punctured site, you may apply cold compress for 24 hours and then hot compress for the next 24 hours.
* If there is dizziness, just lie down feet elevated. Drink plenty of juice, in just a few minutes or so it will pass.

Blood donation: Basic Requirements
Blood donation helps save lives. Find out if you're eligible to donate blood and what to expect if you decide to donate.
The need for blood is great. On any given day, more than two thousand of blood units are transfused to patients in our country. Some may need blood during surgery. Others depend on it after an accident or because they have a disease that requires blood components. The Philippine National Red Cross approximately supplies one-fourth of the country’s national blood requirements.
If you're in good health, you can probably donate. Find out about blood donation and what to expect if you decide to give.

Who can donate blood?
You can donate blood if you:
· Are in good health
· Between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent)
· Weigh at least 110 pounds
· With a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg
Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg
· Pass the physical and health history assessments
PNRC Blood Service Facilities carefully screen potential donors. The screening guidelines are necessary to ensure that blood donation is safe for you and that it's safe for the person who receives your blood.
During the screening process, you fill out a blood donation questionnaire form that includes direct questions about behaviours known to carry a higher risk of blood-borne infections — infections that are transmitted through the blood. These behaviours include prostitution, intravenous drug use and others. A trained physician asks you about your medical/ health history and conducts a physical examination, which includes checking your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. All of the information from this evaluation is kept strictly confidential.
During your blood donation screening procedure, a small sample of blood taken from a finger prick is used to check your hemoglobin level, the oxygen-carrying component of your blood. If your hemoglobin concentration is normal and you've met all the other screening requirements, you can donate blood.

Where can I donate blood?
Use the PNRC Blood Service Facility Directory (menu) to find the blood donation center nearest you, and then contact the blood center and find out what they require.

Let's be a blessing to others :-)





2 comments:

  1. wow inang...I felt so much appreciated. As I told you, it's just 1 of my life list to accomplish. thank's for letting it set as Done...

    the relationship we have is priceless and the capital the we had will always gain its profit for the rest of out lives...(walang salian ng kapital.. hahahah)

    god bless your family..:)

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  2. :-), see you in next blood compact hehe, i'll be donating again when iám able na :-)

    our heartfelt thanks!

    ReplyDelete