Giving Blood on Veterans Day

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - Happy Veterans Day

 

The weather took a big turn for the worse today.  The temperature dropped all day, and is now down to the freezing point of 32.   Cold rain this morning, but is now only cloudy and windy and it looks like this is here to stay for awhile.  Sure hope I get out of here on schedule.  Just heard from Evan, and the vendor says they just received a CPU and it should be here by the end of the week.  Things are looking up.

For the past four years now I have been seeing a blood specialist.  My regular doctor found something in my regular blood test and ordered a Complete Blood Count (CBC).  This test revealed that I have elevated Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hemoglobin HGB and Hematocrit  (HCT).  Every year, they are elevated, but bounce around to some extent.  The doctor has not found any specific cause, so they monitor me every six months to check for any changes and so far it stays about the same. 

 The reason I mention this is because the doctor said giving blood would temporarily reduce my red blood cells.  This would be good for me and good for someone needing blood, so I have had a goal of giving blood two times a year.  This year, I tried something different.  I made what is called a double red cell donation.  This is an especially important donation for Type O donors, which I have.  I figured that since I am a veteran, this would be a good day to give to others.

 
Dolly beat me badly in Gin Rummy tonight.

See you later.