I am finding that in my email conversations of late, I ask people to donate blood and make their loved ones aware if they are willing to be a tissue and organ donor. I always include a link to where people learn more and register their willingness. Donnie Sendelbach, Director of ITAP at DePauw, asked me what she could do, and I asked her to pass on my request to the rest of ITAP which she did. That made me happy.
I think a key thing is letting your loved ones know of your wish.
The legal thing folks need to do is get themselves on their state’s registry. Even if you have a little heart on your driver’s license, it is encouraged that you register.
The Canadian site for organ donations reiterates it is vital to let your family know. Since I know I have at least one Canadian reader, this site has all the details for your country.
If you are willing to be a tissue and organ donor, declare so in the comments!
I admit I am a hypocrite on the blood donation request. Around the time I had mono, I began to pass out for essentially every vaccine or shot I had. It’s not a fear of needles, though at this point it’s a chicken or the egg scenario since I now stress about getting shots.
First Pass Out
The first time it happened, I had driven by myself to the doctor to get two vaccinations required for college. It was the second shot that did me in. Immediately after they administrated it, my stomach felt a bit woozy. I forgot about it as the doctor and I finished our conversation, and the nurse gave me my chart to check out. I walked down the hall, waited as the person in front of me checked out, and handed the receptionist my chart when it was my turn. While at the counter, all I remember is the receptionist asking me, “Are you okay?” All I could do was shake my head as I tried to stay upright. Somehow she got outside where I was with her office chair to catch me.
Worst Pass Out
The worst one ever was the local anesthesia used on my wrist when they drained my ganglion cyst. I was sitting in the chair next to the bed thing in doctor’s offices, because I always feel silly waiting sitting on that while fully clothed. The doctor came in and began setting me up and asked half way through his prep whether I’d prefer to lay down. I said, “I don’t care,” not putting together what this procedure was: lots of (okay, two) needles poking into me. The moment the local went in I told the doc, “I have to lay down. Now.” Poor guy. He had used the bed to lay out all his instruments. In my head he swept everything off the bed; I assume he actually moved them to the counter. It took me a half-hour to be able to sit up. It was not good.
This is why I’m convinced that giving blood is not a good plan on my part. However, with this going on with Rick, I think I want to try. Even if it means I have to lay around for the rest of the day. My mother is, rightly so, making me call and check in with the phone nurse first.
It gives me a little control in the situation. I can willingly do this.
I’m a donor and I donate blood! But I think you already knew these things. I’m planning on donating again mid-January!
@Ed:
Yay! I’m waiting until after my internship to attempt the blood giving. This also because then Kenny can come and carry me out if needed.