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View Full Version : Thank You for your blood, platelet, bone marrow, or organ donor! I needed your blood.



dlrepmn
10-25-2011, 06:59 PM
I have always been all the above. I never thought about where the blood, platelets were going. I knew that if I passed away before my time that countless other patients and their families were going to be helped by my donation.

Well, I never dreamed it, but now I am the other side of the coin. Back in 2006 I was diagnosed with PSC (primary sclerosing cholangitis) a rare autoimmune disorder that they have no idea what causes it. The same thing that killed Walter Peyton (Chicago Bears - Sweetness).

Don't ASS-U-ME because someone has liver disease that they drank themselves there and they deserve what they get. Don't get me wrong. I am no angel and had fun throughout my life.

Over a month ago I had a severe reaction to the iron pills I had been prescribed and thanks to being dangerously anemic, low on several counts like potassium, etc.. And was bleeding internally somewhere they couldn't identify.

I have had two blood transfusions one with 2 units and was given 4 units in the hospital. Now it looks like I will have monthly transfusions with at least 2 units of blood.

I was listed with UNOS finally for a liver transplant on September 11th of this year.

Now I can walk again. I can read and write and even sign my own name again. I will slowly get the bird ready for hibernation for the Winter. Slower than normal, but I have a new car capsule where I can look at it at least.

I had to stop driving because of the balance and confusion issues, but damaged two vehicles (including Bessie) before I had the smarts to stop. I did make it to Car Craft Nationals which made my year.

I will drive it again! I have a goal. Thanks guys for all your advise, help, tips, etc. while building my baby. My high school graduation present in 1985.

I am posting this not because I need a pity party, but I would appreciate your prayers for my wife, kids, family, and friends. I thought about it and realized that I never knew what happened to the blood and platelets I donated. I just walked away knowing I did the right thing.

Well you know what? I wanted to thank you guys personally for being organ donors, donating blood, platelets or just a couple bucks to the Red Cross. I almost didn't make it out of the hospital and without the blood from a generous donor would not be here today.

So from somebody it means a great deal to and this is my all time favorite site (the chive is way up there too) I just thought whatever I could do to promote donations of all types would be worthwhile. We the patients whose lives depend on you, thank you for taking the time to do it.

If you want to hear the whole gory story:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/scottsny/journal
Sorry for the long explanation, but this isn't a two sentence explanation.

Scott in Minnesota
PSC 2006
Listed for Transplant September 2011

NJSPEEDER
10-25-2011, 07:18 PM
Glad to hear you are ok. So many people don't become donors until something happens to someone close to them not realizing that at that point it is often too late.

God bless man. Keep us all in the loop if you need anything.

-Tim

solarguy09
10-26-2011, 06:12 AM
Scott.... My Prayers are with you brother...

I am recovering from Heart and Brain problems, and I pray everyday.

I will include you in them. Life can turn faster than the fastest Launch time......001 seconds.

I wish you the best ,in what I know is a scary and humbling time.

May your life change for the better, so you get one more big bite out of life,hopefully many years.

Mike V.

Scott Parkhurst
10-26-2011, 08:54 AM
Glad you're on the mend. It would have been cool to meet at CC- Next year for sure. Keep getting better!

dlrepmn
10-26-2011, 11:57 PM
Scott,

You can count on it. I watched the autocross on-and-off, but I was at the far North side in front of GarageToys.com which is a bunch of 4 post lifts made locally. It is directly across from the Hot Rod Factory tent.

I was already on a cane and making a trip to the racetrack was difficult since it is on the other side of the fairgrounds. I am next to a black 67 ragtop bird, 70 Chevelle SS (the bumble bee), my buddies 32 Model A pickup and his 70 lemans sport.

I will be there no matter what. Even if I have to have some else drive my bird (gasp!). Not my wife, don't worry. See you there. I would love to see your wagon in person.

Thanks guys for your kind words. I am already bored to tears being on extended medical leave, but I can take the time to put on more shiny parts. I have some Hotchkis fender supports just sitting there begging me to crank a bolt or two. Now I am feeling up to doing it.

Feel free to stop by when you are in the cities I am sure at our wonderful MOA. I am just South of Lakeville (where you see the plane coming through the billboard at Harry's Cafe/Lakeville theater) I am a few miles West on CR70. Just South of Buck Hill Ski hill.

I am homebound waiting for the transplant center to call (could be tomorrow or next year).

I am ready to go (the big sleep), but just don't want too.

If I get one more person to sign up to donate it's all worth it. Unfortunately there are not enough organs to go around.

Thanks again for caring.

Mike, you are in my prayers as well. A good friend of mine is going through something similar to you and it is not a walk in the park either.

Get up when you can and have some fun!

Scott

solarguy09
10-27-2011, 12:56 AM
Scott, Thanks for the kind words..

Life and My medication have me up late again......

I will be monitoring your thread ,in hopes of good news..

I am ready for the big sleep if it takes me....Oh, I don't want to go , but my electrical and plumbing have issues....

That is why my car is in the Pro touring shop now...I just can't wait...If i am not going to get better, i want one last shot at getting sideways in the first three gears....

I am a humble man, and your story just makes me that much more humbled...

May," you know who" , hold you in his arms and protect you....

I have been out of work for a year, and I know the depression it can cause....

Feel free to PM me if you need to vent....

Best regards to your wife....I know that this just kills them, and i can't imagine the shoe being on the other foot...It would kill me.... tell her that there is love from around the world being sent to her...

dlrepmn
10-27-2011, 11:14 AM
Same thing Mike,

Seeing my high school graduation present that I have driven with the 4.1 all these years was indescribable.

My mom and dad snuck up behind me when it was done and it was unveiled as a display (the only car) in the Chris Alston Chassisworks tent. You want to talk about great surprises!

My dad said "I am really happy you kept that car all these years".

Couldn't have done it without you Pops!

This is my most valued bucket list item completed. Now I just want to get healthy to enjoy it.

Have a wonderful day! I know I am.

Scott in Minnesota
Still vertical and loving it.

badbu68
10-27-2011, 11:45 AM
I've donated blood regularly for the past 3 years, mostly for selfish reasons (free pizza). I've always wondered what exactly happens with it, though I know there is always a need for it.

Hope things get better for you guys!

-Joe

67 455 Bird ragtop
10-27-2011, 11:52 AM
Donating blood is a great thing to do. The blood mobile comes to my work regularly. We even have a special charge number to use when we donate. I'm almost up to 6 gallons. Should have been more but a few companies I used to work for didn't have regular visits. Hang in there Scott. My 67 'Bird is still in pieces. You being able to drive yours recently makes me envyious. Please keep us informed on your status.

solarguy09
10-27-2011, 02:05 PM
Scott,

The day went Ok so far. I will be thinking of what is happening to you and Talking to the man, about your situation...I hope He is listening...

May you get well enough to enjoy the things you love, and that love you.

Keep us posted...We do care what happens to you....

Mike V

77thor
10-28-2011, 07:56 AM
I donate blood religiously every 8 weeks and I hear these stories all the time.
It makes me feel good about giving. Good luck. I wish you well.