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summer_in_TX

(4,050 posts)

24. I hope you are able to donate again.

Reply to NNadir (Original post)

Fri Dec 19, 2025, 12:55 AM

Dec 19

This time of the year there's extra need usually, so I hear. Here in Central Texas I hear there's a serious shortage of blood. I don't know if it's nationwide. Makes me wonder if those of us whose health no longer allows us to give are not being replaced by younger donors.

My husband had to stop because of his heart and being on Eliquis. I'm still able to give, and hope to for quite a few more years.

Loved the Christmas donation tee-shirt I received. Santa's reindeers are listed one by one in green until the next to last, Donor, is in red. First one I've gotten with long sleeves, which will be great this season for yoga, I hope.

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calimary

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I hope to bleed like hell on Saturday. [View all] NNadir Dec 18 OP

Good on you! sdfernando Dec 18 #1

Hmmmm ... talk to your doctor about those iron shortages. My Mom had to have infusions of iron to prevent anemia. eppur_se_muova Dec 18 #2

My doctor is aware of my hemoglobin situation. NNadir Dec 18 #8

Good, you don't really seem the type to need advice, but personal experience made me more concerned than I would be. nt eppur_se_muova Dec 18 #18

cooking on cast iron might help? druidity33 Dec 19 #31

I'm a blood/platelet donner LogDog75 Dec 18 #3

Me too. OldBaldy1701E Dec 18 #4

Big doses of iron can be quite constipating, so eat your fruits... 3catwoman3 Dec 18 #5

I know, believe me, I know. I'm an ozempic customer. NNadir Dec 18 #14

Tea and hemoglobin Kcphyllis Dec 18 #6

I don't drink tea but I am a caffeine addict. I'm taking iron with... NNadir Dec 18 #9

NOW you tell me? DFW Dec 18 #11

Good luck this time. Your continuing motivation to "pay things back" is admirable. Good for you. FadedMullet Dec 18 #7

Kudos for the sentiment and perseverance!! DFW Dec 18 #10

I like that locution, "arteriosclerosis to a hemophiliac." NNadir Dec 18 #12

I've donated 200 times Old Crank Dec 18 #13

I failed at platelets. I'm a straight up whole blood kind of guy. NNadir Dec 18 #15

Good for you Old Crank Dec 19 #28

I've donated for 16 years MustLoveBeagles Dec 18 #16

Thank you for donating Marthe48 Dec 18 #17

My husband has donated for so many years that he can't remember when he first started. mommymarine2003 Dec 18 #19

O negative is a big deal, particularly if he ever needs a transfusion himself. NNadir Dec 18 #20

Try Slow FE, if you haven't already. Ms. Toad Dec 18 #21

That's exactly what I'm taking, Slow Fe. We'll see how it works. I'm optimistic it will. NNadir Dec 19 #23

So far, I'm NED (no evidence of disease) for both. Ms. Toad Dec 19 #27

I have been a regular donor since 1986. Katinfl Dec 18 #22

I hope you are able to donate again. summer_in_TX Dec 19 #24

Apparently they're giving long sleeved tee shirts here now in New Jersey. The best "gift" I got, or the most useful... NNadir Dec 19 #25

An Episcopal church, no less! Vogon_Glory Dec 19 #26

hey Skittles Dec 19 #29

More often than not over the past two years, I've had a hematocrit level too low for me to donate. mahatmakanejeeves Dec 19 #30