‘Blood transfusion saved my life’

I EXPERIENCED a roller coaster of emotions recently, when I once again tried to donate blood to the South African Blood Service (SANBS) at Sunningdale Pharmacy.

First, let me explain: I have never been able to donate as I do not meet the specific weight requirements.

But, with the festive season around the corner and the inevitable blood shortage that quickly ensues as people go on holiday and donations decline, I decided to once again try and donate. This Sunday the SANBS confirmed its first festive season blood shortage with only two day’s supply.

The fear and nerves I felt as I waited to be weighed during a local blood drive is still vividly burned into my memory – I have an irrational fear of needles.

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Every inch of my body was screaming for me to escape from the queue, but I kept my feet planted firmly and reminded myself that I could potentially save three people’s lives with this single selfless donation.

“Just look the other way,” I told myself. “It will only be a small pinch,” I insisted.

But my stomach still turned, and my legs and hands trembled as I loomed closer to the scale.

However, I was surprised when instead of relief, a deep sense of disappointment and sadness swept over me when the SANBS volunteer confirmed that I still was not eligible to donate. I had made small progress but not enough.

I went home with the desperate desire to assist weighing heavily on my heart.

And so it suddenly dawned on me, while I might not be able to donate, I can do my part by encouraging my community to donate, and if you have never donated to go and determine if you are.

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According to SANBS programme director, Khylejani Zuma, less than one per cent of South African’s donate regularly.

This is a concerning statistic when you consider that a blood transfusion takes place every 28 seconds and 3 000 units of blood need to be collected every day – and there is no substitute for human blood in the case of an emergency.

In most cases blood donations are used in childbirth, gynecological and surgical emergencies. I myself am able to write this article today because I was able to receive blood transfusions as a child. Blood transfusion saved my life.

You can donate every 56 days and it only takes a few minutes. For more information contact SANBS toll free 0800 11 90 31 or www.sanbs.org.za

Requirements:
– Weigh at least 50kg
– Aged 16 to 65
– Lead a sexually safe lifestyle
– Good health

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