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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by messadivoce on September 3, 2005, at 9:49:36
Image after horrifying image. I just can't get the faces of the survivors out of my mind. Thank God for Texas, who has opened the floodgates. But still, after seeing the pictures of the rows and rows of cots in the Astrodome, I can't even fathom how all those people must feel.
If I hadn't just started a job, I would seriously consider going down there with the Red Cross. As it is now, I wish I could do more than a small $$ donation. I'm very far away from the disaster, (West Coast).
One thing I would encourage all of you to do if you are able, is to give blood. No one in Louisiana is giving blood right now and blood is needed for those who are sick. I've been giving regularly the past year and it really isn't an inconvenience, for those who are healthy. It's small, but it's something.
Posted by 10derHeart on September 3, 2005, at 11:43:17
In reply to Another restless night, posted by messadivoce on September 3, 2005, at 9:49:36
Hi Voce,
I know what you mean. I turn off TV and radio ..then I seem compelled to turn it back on. I don't know why sometimes.
It's hard for me, being ex-military. I have this trained-in, (now truly a reflex) urge to *do* something. I mean, get up, find the leader (or be the leader) and get active! But I've not yet found a way. Still searching online for what's going on in nearby St Louis as far as shelters, collecting/sorting clothes, toys, etc. I'll keep trying.
I gave my tiny bit of $$ - all I can manage. I don't mean to imply that donating cash *isn't* doing something, it is! It's oviously desperately needed right now. It's just that I am still so restless, and I have time and energy, NOT extra $$.
Being umemployed, if I wasn't in school....the Red Cross in certain cities is training extra-volunteers on the spot, and I would do that and let them send me anywhere...but I can't miss school....it's so frustrating.
And to whine just a bit more, I can't even give blood. Only the Armed Services Blood program will take it. So I can, by making an appt. out at the base I live near (where I retired from), but NOT to the Red Cross, which I'd prefer. (Armed forces keeps blood within their system for obvious potential needs/reasons, so they won't have to depend on or possibly overwhelm the Red Cross, etc., should they have a uniquely military need)
Why? Because I lived in Germany for more than 6 months since 1980, I'm ineligible by their rules. Armed Forces doesn't take such a hard-line view of the miniscule possibility of transmission of mad cow disease as does the ARC. I never even ate beef "on the economy" the whole time I was in Europe, but of course, they can't trust my word...
Okay, anyway. I get what you're saying, Voce. You might find something in your community going on where you can bring clothes, or something...?
(sorry if I just turned this into a mini-personal rant...guess I was overdue...no one to talk to here...)
Posted by messadivoce on September 3, 2005, at 18:47:23
In reply to Re: Another restless night...arrrghhh!! » messadivoce, posted by 10derHeart on September 3, 2005, at 11:43:17
I get to the blood bank and get all the way to the part where they prick your finger to test your iron. My iron levels were too low this time, just barely below the borderline. I've been tested for anemia before, and I'm not anemic, but the FDA won't let blood banks take people with a certain level. The nurse told me that it's not unhealthy for me to be that low since I'm still in my child bearing years. It's just frustrating to not even be able to do THAT. Oh well, I'll take my multivitamins and try again in a few weeks.
10der, are you saying that the Air Force won't let you donate to the Red Cross, or that b/c you've lived in Germany since 1980, you are inelligable? When I go in, they ask me if I've traveled outside the US or Canada in the last 3 years. I think if you've been in the country for that long, you're ok.
And BTW, I've missed you.
Posted by 10derHeart on September 3, 2005, at 22:04:37
In reply to Well what do you know » 10derHeart, posted by messadivoce on September 3, 2005, at 18:47:23
> I get to the blood bank and get all the way to the part where they prick your finger to test your iron. My iron levels were too low this time, just barely below the borderline. I've been tested for anemia before, and I'm not anemic, but the FDA won't let blood banks take people with a certain level. The nurse told me that it's not unhealthy for me to be that low since I'm still in my child bearing years. It's just frustrating to not even be able to do THAT. Oh well, I'll take my multivitamins and try again in a few weeks.
That stinks, but I do know how you feel, as I wrote. It's even worse. I used to donate every month, when the military folks would join together with the ARC in a convenient location. Suddently it felt like a conspiracy. About 6-7 months ago, I show up, but because only the ARC is there (military guys apparently don't set up to collect with them *every* month...news to me) and get turned away due to their strict rules re: mad cow. (see better explanation below)
Fine. Next, I come back the follwong month, after calling to be sure the military folks are collecting, but we can't get my BP down low enough (think I was upset/depressed/anxious or something...) Go away. The next time I try, some youngster learning to insert the needle messed up and her repeated stabbing made me a bit dizzy, so they had me lay down and wouldn't agree to my pleas to have an experienced tech try again in the other arm! Dang it! Their rules, I know, they don't have time for people getting squeamish and having to regroup, but it was so frustrating!
{stamps foot} I have good blood, I do! They loved my previously - said my body pumps the blood out fast! Now, I'm a donor-failure :-(
> 10der, are you saying that the Air Force won't let you donate to the Red Cross,
No, no. <grin> As a retiree, the AF can't really tell me what to do with my body any more! The Armed Force Blood Program *will* accept my blood. The ARC has different, stricter eligibility rules for donors who've lived in Europe. Here's the rule:
"Travel Outside of U.S., Immigration:
Wait 12 months after travel in an area where malaria is found. Wait three years after moving to the United States after living in a country where malaria is found. ***Persons who have spent long periods of time in countries where "mad cow disease" is found are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about variant Creutzfeld Jacob Disease (vCJD).***and....
At this time, the American Red Cross donor eligibility rules related to vCJD are as follows:
You are **not** eligible to donate if, since 1980, you:Spent a total time of three months or more in any of these countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Channel Islands, or
Spent a total time of **six months or more** in any combination of these countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azores, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Channel Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Island, Finland, France, **Germany,** Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira Islands, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands (Holland), Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Scotland, Slovak Republic (Slovakia), Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City, Wales, Yugoslavia (includes Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia)
which comes from here
http://www.americanredcrossblood.org/are_you_eligible.html#cjd
>>When I go in, they ask me if I've traveled outside the US or Canada in the last 3 years. I think if you've been in the country for that long, you're ok.<<
Nope. That question should be just about traveling/less than six months. I lived in Germany for 3 years, so my blood is unacceptable :-(
> And BTW, I've missed you.
Aww, thanks. I feel so guilty for not emailing you. I read your posts re: ex-T and wedding planning and was just at a loss for words. Maybe my words are returning now..:-)
Posted by gardenergirl on September 3, 2005, at 22:44:18
In reply to Well what do you know » 10derHeart, posted by messadivoce on September 3, 2005, at 18:47:23
That reminds me. I am eligible to donate again next week!
Thanks for the reminder. I'll call for an appt. on Tuesday.
gg
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