Donors, recipients and experts share their experiences

In any given year, approximately 6.8 million People in America donate blood to save someone's life.

But since the COVID-19 pandemic began, blood supplies have become critically low, with the American Red Cross announcing the worst blood shortage in more than a decade. And compared to last year, the number of new donors has dropped 10. 34%.

With one unit of blood needed every two seconds, the Red Cross says it needs more than 1,000 additional donors every day to meet current demand.

The situation is not much different around the world.

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has announced that blood stocks are “DeadlyThere have been high blood sugar levels this winter and in December the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) had to import blood from the NHS because of low stocks. Diminished Due to high community transmission of COVID-19.

Many people, such as organ transplant and cancer patients, people undergoing routine surgery, and people involved in car accidents, may require multiple units of blood.

“There are a wide variety of patients who require blood transfusions, including trauma and burn patients, childbirth, cardiac surgery, organ transplants, cancer patients and those with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease,” he said. Dr. Byrne LaskyMedical director of the Red Cross.

Blood products cannot be produced artificially, so the only source is from donors.

Give someone a “second chance” at life

Donating blood can be an emotional experience for both the donor and the recipient.

Sean Brennan, who has been donating blood since 1985, describes the experience as a “life-saving achievement” and a proud moment.

“I'm a spiritual person and I believe in a higher power, and I believe this is a gift that's been given to me.” [I] “I feel like I have a responsibility to let people know that I'm in great health,” he said. Today's Medical News.

Sean said he hopes his numerous donations will enable people to live “active, happy, healthy and normal lifestyles” whilst donating life-saving products.

“I haven't had a sick day since November 1985. [D]”I have never been unwell despite receiving life-saving platelet and plasma transfusions. I have no problems with veins or anything like that. I am very active. I have been running every day for almost nine years,” he recounted.

Another patient who received multiple transfusions was Brian Boyle, who was seriously injured in a car accident and required dozens of units of blood and plasma.

“For me, donating blood is[s] When donors participate in blood drives and donate blood, they are not just donating blood. [and] “It's time. They're giving life to patients who need help,” he said.

talk MNTBrian shared his experience of being given a second chance at life.

“In the summer of 2004, I was 18 years old. [had] “I had just graduated from high school and was getting ready for my freshman year of college. I was on the swim team. And on July 6th, I was on my way home from swim practice about five minutes from my house when a truck came at me at high speed and hit my driver's door, causing severe injuries. My heart went through my chest, my ribs were shattered, my pelvis was crushed, my lung was collapsed and the nerves in my left shoulder were severely damaged. Nearly every major organ was damaged, lacerated or had failed in some way. I suffered a 60 percent blood loss at the scene of the accident,” he said.

Thanks to 36 blood transfusions, 13 plasma treatments and multiple surgeries, Brian is now living a healthy life with his family by his side.

““If I hadn't had access to blood products when I was in trouble, I wouldn't have survived,” he said.

“I got back into life, went to college, joined the swim team and fulfilled my dream of just living life, and then a few years later I got married, started a family of my own and now I have two amazing kids and life is great.”

– Brian Boyle after receiving a blood transfusion

He is so grateful to blood donors that it inspired him to become a blood donor himself and set up a local blood drive.

“I'm a proud blood donor. Since I got out of the hospital, I've donated three gallons of blood. What made me want to become a Red Cross volunteer after I got out of the hospital was seeing how much blood they gave me while I was there. [intensive care unit] “It was very moving to be able to give back and show my appreciation to my patients,” he said.

Sean said MNT Hearing stories like Brian's inspired him to donate blood.

“That's why I've sat in the donor chair over 500 times, exposing my body to this. I'm thinking about patients who are in serious need of help. We depend on these life-saving products, and if patients have it, they have a better chance of staying alive. That's what I'm doing.” [I]”It's all about saving lives,” he said.

Dr Lasky described donating blood as a powerful act.

“To be a part of that connection from vein to vein, from donor to recipient, and see that connection of life, it's very moving,” she said.

Physiology of blood donation

On average, an adult has about 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood in their body. This is about 8% Of my own weight.

During a typical blood donation, each person donates only about 0.1 gallons of blood. Ten% Approximately one-third of the total blood volume is collected and the procedure takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

After the blood is collected, it is sent for sorting and testing.

A standard whole blood draw separates the red blood cells and plasma components, and platelets and some blood type plasma are collected through an automated process called apheresis, which extracts the platelets or plasma and returns everything else to the donor. The blood is then tested to determine blood type and may also be tested for viruses.

Several The most common viruses Donated blood is tested for syphilis, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.

Donors and recipients undergo different physiological experiences.

The donor's body works to replace the lost cells, and the recipient's body works to reach a state of balance and incorporate new cells.

After losing blood, cells, and the associated fluids, the donor’s body rapidly ramps up its capacity to replace what was lost during the donation. 2000000 The number of new red blood cells per second.

When red blood cells are lost, blood volume and overall oxygen-carrying capacity are slightly reduced, which is why some people feel lightheaded or dizzy after donating blood. To compensate for this loss, the bone marrow increases red blood cell production.

“I think people don't understand that a blood transfusion is, in a sense, an organ transplant. When you donate a kidney, you're not creating a new kidney.” [B]But bone marrow is constantly producing new cells,” Dr. Lasky explained.

Lost iron is slowly replenished from the body's iron stores and from food and drink. Iron levels are determined by: 6–12 weeks.

When donating plasma alone, donors must have healthy, unimpaired liver function, as the liver must replace lost plasma proteins.

The mechanism by which donated blood is delivered to the recipient's body is also very simple.

“When you receive a red blood cell transfusion, the hope is that nothing will happen. Not only will you have more red blood cells, and your body's ability to carry oxygen will increase,” Dr. Lasky said.

The recipient’s body also has to work to adjust to the new acidic-alkaline balance.

Some people You may experience Mild reactions such as dizziness or slight tiredness that occur during or shortly after a transfusion.

Donating blood while suffering from a chronic illness

In terms of who can donate blood, the most basic requirements are to be at least 16-17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a systolic blood pressure of 90-180 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and a diastolic blood pressure of 50-100 mmHg, and be in good health.

Among the barriers to donating blood are heart and lung diseases, and donors with such conditions may be particularly affected by the loss of red blood cells.

However, chronic illness is not a reason for denial or postponement in most cases.

According to Dr. Lasky, people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, asthma and diabetes can donate blood as long as they are under a doctor's care and it is properly managed. People with Crohn's disease can also donate blood as long as they are not experiencing symptoms. All donors should be in good health and well on the day of donation.

However, taking certain medications may be a reason for a delay, most importantly antibiotics, which may indicate that the donor is being treated for an active infection.

Some medications recommended by doctors to treat chronic conditions may require a drug-free period before you can donate blood.

Dr. Lasky said monoclonal antibodies and biologics such as Humira (adalimumab) are well tolerated.

“Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) has been postponed for one month. Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) [which is an] Immunosuppressants are delayed for 6 weeks. Methotrexate [a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug]”It's a three-month postponement,” she added.

Why recurring donations are important

Most blood products have a short shelf life and disappear after a certain period of time: approximately 35-42 days for red blood cells and 5-7 days for platelets.

Plasma, on the other hand, can be frozen and stored for up to a year.

Regular blood donations can therefore be a lifeline for people with emergency situations or chronic illnesses.

“The donor sits in a chair. [allowing] “It's very emotional for me when we take their blood because they're sitting there donating a part of themselves, a part of their life,” Dr. Lasky said.

Donating blood has also never been easier. Nonprofits like the Red Cross offer pre-donation health questionnaires online, saving people time.

When asked to rate the discomfort he felt while donating blood on a scale of 0 to 10, Sean answered “2,” despite his aversion to needles.

“Overall, the experience is pretty easy. Again, once you get over the fear of needles and have the mindset that you're saving a life, it's a great feeling. It's a really great feeling as a donor,” he said.

Dr. Lasky said the donor experience varies greatly from donor to donor.

“The majority of donors only feel a mild pain from the needle prick. Some may feel nauseous or even faint. Most apheresis donors experience a mild tingling sensation from the citric acid, which is alleviated with TUMS (calcium carbonate) to supplement the calcium,” she explained.

It's also worth knowing that one donation can save three lives.

That's why Sean and Brian plan to continue donating blood.

“I've donated blood over 500 times and have never had a complication. In a week or two I'll be sitting in the donor's seat to donate my 503rd blood donation,” Sean said.