Platelet follow up

I have a little more clarity on platelet donation after going today. Whole blood donation can help several people at once by separating out all needed components (red cells, plasma, & platelets). And that is awesome if you’re willing to donate!! However, there aren't as many platelets available in the allowable blood extraction (1 pint - you can theoretically donate every 56 days). This is what we did today. It took about 30 min to answer questions, it took 6 minutes with the needle (average is 10, but y’all know I’m competitive 😜), and about 15 minutes to eat the Nutter Butters, drink the Gatorade, and finish the episode of Gunsmoke they were airing.

For platelet-only donation, it’s a a bit more time consuming (and you can theoretically donate every 7 days 😳). Women who have been pregnant or given birth carry a potential antibody, that if positive, would disqualify them from donating. So after donating blood, they run an additional test for the antibody. With men, they apparently do a quick onsite test (for what, I’m not sure), and they can donate the same visit. Platelet donation (Apheresis) is a 45min-2.5hr commitment. They apparently IV both arms (tiny needle) and pull small amounts of blood that spin the platelets out, and return all other components back through the other arm. It can provide up to three units. Craig has received 16 units of platelets, and 15 units of blood since we arrived.

I want to make it ABUNDANTLY clear that I am honestly just clarifying and providing the information for anyone that may want it. There is absolutely no reason to feel guilty if you don’t want to help other people. 😂😂 ok, I’m obviously totally kidding. I have my own personal reasons for wanting to do these donations - and given our current situation - it’s the least I can do for the Crashley duo (blended names not our doing 🙄). But more than anything, to echo C’s sentiment the other day, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your constant support, calls, texts, prayers/energy, hilarious cards and packages, smart aleck messages, etc. It keeps us smiling, laughing, and incredibly grateful for our amazing support system!!!

Now, we are off to pull some pranks on our unsuspecting nurses. 😈