5.17.2008

Saturday happenings

I gave blood again today via apheresis. I received my 1 gallon pin (I've given much more blood ... but one gallon via apheresis).

Today was somewhat of a witnessing opportunity as well. Tonya was my phlebotomist and I had an opportunity (not as effective I would like) to chat with her about the Savior. I should have had a Gospel of John to give her but I did not.

Now waiting for my brother to arrive. He doesn't know it yet, but I want to tske him to the gas station to fill up my 5 gallon gas can and then fill up my tractor.

Then afterwards to play pool.

Son will be with us for dinner tonight.

7 comments:

  1. Is it true that you can get free money for giving blood in most cities? Where do you sign up?

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  2. Not sure about the $$ thing. Where I give, no $$ is involved. I did take 2 Cokes with me when I left (I felt very dehydrated).

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  3. No, you cannot receive money for blood. Plasma, in some places, but not blood. The reason is simple; do you want drug addicts trading a pint for their next fix? Blood can only be donated by volunteers, and the only reward you get is a pin for your gallons and some cookies afterwards.

    Jim, one other thought; you can keep a running tally with the blood center--my 11 gallons includes one in Lansing, MI, two donations in LA, about seven gallons in Colorado, and two gallons here.

    Yeah, I love those pins for some weird reason.

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  4. Not being a medical doctor, I have to ask: What's the difference between giving blood and giving plasma? I've heard anectodal stories about giving blood (or maybe it was plasma) and how it's often in a rougher part of town and from people who sometimes are in desperate situations. I guess it's never really appealed to me, but now I'm thinking of changing my mind. If the economy keeps up like it has been lately, I might be one who believes in "blood for oil." (or gas for the car)

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  5. I was thinking you'd ask that while riding to work today. At any rate, whole blood is simply a better carrier of disease than plasma for two reasons. First of all, nasty viruses like HIV can only live in a cell, and plasma has no cells. It's just a liquid. Second, most plasma is dried for storage and reconstituted when needed, and this process also tends to kill any pathogens that survive the filtering process.

    (can't do that with whole blood)

    I heartily encourage you to give blood or plasma if you're a good candidate (no IV drugs, prostitution, or gay sex). If not, please don't; Jim and I and others will take up the slack.

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  6. Thanks for the info. And guess what the news is today? Anyone?
    Yes, once again it's "Oil today reaches new record high." I might have to look up the blood bank's (or wherever you give plasma)address and see what they give you to give plasma. Any estimates?

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  7. I seem to remember $15 from when I was back in college, but that info is getting to be 20 years old. Try Google for a respectable estimate.

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