Donated blood at last...post-AVR

[DebbyA]

For some reason this was a milestone for me. We went in November, but I couldn't give because it hadn't been a year since the transfusion on surgery day, not because of the surgery or valve itself. I don't think this blood site had had a valve patient before. My husband finished his donation before my interview ended. They asked me to get a letter from my cardiologist before the next attempt. My husband had never given before, so I felt like I'd tricked him, but he was fine.

 

[Cris N]

Way to go!!!

 

[Lisa in Katy]

Good job! I'm amazed that they let you. I've never been able to give because I'm underweight! (NOT!). Actually, I've never been able to give because I had RF. No one could ever explain the reasoning.

 

[dtread]

Excellent!! Donating blood is one thing that I really miss as it seems nobody is interesting in getting a little rat poison with their blood; i.e., being on Warfarin is a no-no for donating. That is definitely one thing in favor of tissue valves.

I believe that donating blood is one of the best things you can do for yourself. This is because it is like an oil change on your car. It forces your body to produce new red blood cells, and hence it "cleanses" your circulatory system. I do not have scientific proof of this, but this is my belief. I am sure that some would consider this to be baloney, but one person's baloney is another person's prime rib.

And even if it is not good for you it is good for somebody else because you are helping out somebody, perhaps even several people, or perhaps even another valver.

At any rate you've done something that you can really be proud of, and you can take satisfaction in knowing that you've helped somebody out.

Songs for Valentines Day (have a happy one):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0U5JfGYx4c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80NYQzAXeug