Blood Donation

[TimG]

I've decided that because my ferritin still runs low (28) and I am now supplementing with iron tablets, it is time to give up whole blood donation. This is something I've done my whole adult life (I'm 64) and is a difficult decision for me. The last time I donated was six months ago. I know how essential it is to the community blood supply, because there is no substitute for blood when it is needed. I will continue to donate platelets, a procedure where they separate out the platelets from the red cells and plasma, then reinfuse the red cells and plasma.

[ViewsAskew]

I made the same decision a few years ago. It was very hard to do. I donated as soon as I turned 18 and did so regularly for years.

I haven't donated platelets, though. Thanks for bringing that up. I would like to feel as if I could still contribute.

[badnights]

It's hard to give up contributing to other people's health and lives that way. Some other way might not have the impact, or be as convenient to do. But I can understand why you had to stop; your own health was being compromised.

Congratulations to both of you for being regular donors for so long.