Is there something called the writer's block? For mundane people like us, or rather me, Yes it's very much there. It's been a while, somehow just not able to wrap my mind around this. This wall. Starting a new Blog. Just its and bits. Random thoughts, meandering here and there.
I donated blood. For the second time in the span of a year. So here's the rub. Both times I became a blood donor because there was a surgery of a family member and we needed blood as a reserve. I mean of course it was voluntary, but until there was a specific requirement, I hadn't stepped up to the plate. And it's not the first time. Donated blood earlier too, when a blood donation campaign stared me in the face. And that's the point. There are so many of us who want to be donor's but just don't get around to it. And to take it a few steps further - organ donors! The Choir croons : "Yes, I'm in!" But we just don't know how, and have a general confusion about everything like "...anyway, that would be way after we kick the bucket!!? Hmm???"
Infact I'm sure that many, like me, would want to donate their organs. I would want my body to be used for medical science - after death of course ( yo friends with the knives, hang on for a while... Avast dementors). Body Donation/Anatomical donation (Updated : 28 mar 18 - Correct terminology as suggested by Dr Shabana Saleem - Thank you Doc)
Getting back to my hallelujah moment. Both times the blood was required, just in case the surgery led to some complications. Both times my blood group, O+ve, was different from the intended recipient. Both times it remained in reserve, hopefully used by someone. There are four types of transfusable products that can be derived from blood: red cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. Typically, two or three of these are produced from a unit of donated whole blood – hence both times a pint may have helped save up to three lives (check this source link on 'Blood Donation Facts', apheresis and more). And both times, I guess I notched up a brownie point enroute heaven. Kidding.
Why I am writing about this? It should be not be a big deal? "There are lots of blood donors out there?" Nope, not really! The big deal is that a lot more needs to be done, and a lot of people, like me, are absolutely clueless about the process! The fact is that Blood cannot be manufactured – it can only come from donors! Every year India requires about 5 Crore units of blood, out of which only a meager 2.5 Crore units of blood are available (source Friends2Support ) The wiki link to an official report shows a lower shortage. But whatever the shortage, tell that to the one who missed a donor!!
So I started checking around. At the blood bank and online. And not rocket science stuff like "will I become weak if I donate blood?" (Ok, wait one, if you really (really??) haven't seen the myriad info sheets-ads-etc ...... The answer to that specific Q is - NO and a healthy person can donate blood every 90 days).
And the disclaimer - this is not the be all and end all blog post on blood/organ donation. Just one step, one more step, to spread awareness on an issue that requires us to :-
STOP-THINK-ACT
NOW
NOW
Also there's reams of stuff in print and on the web. I'll try to keep it simple, share my experiences and put links for those who want to delve deeper. And I figure if you're serious, you will delve deeper.
I'll split this four ways:-
Blood donation
- Anytime, a healthy you, just walk in walk out
- Anytime, a healthy you, just walk in walk out
Eye donation
- Preferably within the hour but can extend Up to eight hours post mortem, by medicos and under strict medical supervision.
Organ Donation
- In a hospital, if brain dead. And organs need to be harvested by medicos and transported under strict medical supervision. However some organs /tissues can be donated by living persons also. (This is a US Gov link on living organ donation process).
Medical Research - Body Donation
- yep much like the zombie movies. But, we'll leave it to the docs.
For the last three, I suggest that you discuss the issues with your near and dear ones and explain your intentions. It is they who may have to give the final consent, and, take that emotional decision, which may involve pulling the plug. Please check "Organ India" Link given here.
For the casual reader I suggest you stop at this brief, Check your local resource, and, spend 30 minutes at a local blood bank. Others may like to scroll on past the jump-break, (click on the "Read more" link below) for a little more on information and links that may come in handy. This is a voluntary experience that you will not regret.
- Preferably within the hour but can extend Up to eight hours post mortem, by medicos and under strict medical supervision.
Organ Donation
- In a hospital, if brain dead. And organs need to be harvested by medicos and transported under strict medical supervision. However some organs /tissues can be donated by living persons also. (This is a US Gov link on living organ donation process).
Medical Research - Body Donation
- yep much like the zombie movies. But, we'll leave it to the docs.
For the last three, I suggest that you discuss the issues with your near and dear ones and explain your intentions. It is they who may have to give the final consent, and, take that emotional decision, which may involve pulling the plug. Please check "Organ India" Link given here.
For the casual reader I suggest you stop at this brief, Check your local resource, and, spend 30 minutes at a local blood bank. Others may like to scroll on past the jump-break, (click on the "Read more" link below) for a little more on information and links that may come in handy. This is a voluntary experience that you will not regret.
