It's a Win Win

Apr 16, 2019

A week & a half ago, after goinig through an extensive orientation of rules, regulations, the process, given a physical onsite by an RN, how toetc., etc., etc. Rough 4 hours (that alone was exhausting), last week I began donating plasma two times a week with 2-3 days between each MONETARILY compensated visit via their debit Mastercard. Anyway, it all took so long, and i had an appointment to have my taxes prepared & filed elec. for FREE at the business college at Youngstown State Univ.

But before I did all of that, I personally wanted the GREENLIGHT to do this Plasma donation for those in need from my PCP (she prescribes/ omits/ tracks) my meds & from my surgeon's office/ bariatric nurse. They said "Yes"! But in the end, my local plasma donation clinic (in Youngstown, OH) give the final yea or nea for accepting you as a client.

Always Google and do your research. Contact your local site and ask in depth questions, not just how much $$ you're compensated on to a debit card. And  won't disclose mine, so don't ask. Something like that varies per site & region. AND you're NOT permitted to donate at more than one center. There are strict national laws & health codes against it. If you try it, you can & WILL be blacklisted nationally. No joke.

My first 'draw' (from my right arm. The 2nd visit 3 days after was my left arm) took place last week and was a long 2 hours & 17 minutes! Oh my GOSH! Plasma is separated from the red blood cells, a saline solution is transferred into your body (my body temp DROPPED & chilled me big time!).Honest to god I felt like I had to use "the Loo" to go number TWO, not number one. LOL! But I didn't.  Felt like forever until they began puttin my blood back. I felt a little blah & weak, but I was alright. My phlebotomist/ RN assured me that each visit gets easier & takes less time because the body has become acclimated. It true, because my second visit took exactly 62 minutes. I'll be going again Wednesday April 17th morning @ 5:50AM. By the time I arrive around 6:30am, when they open, it's not crowded/ busy, but it takes 45-60mins before they get you into a 'bed' to donate due to a series of checks you must go through EVERY VISIT. It's required

If you should ever choose to do this, be fully hydrated on water, propel, gatorade, juice/ crystal light/ similar andhigh proteins regimen diet in your system. As post-op WLS patients are already used to that. Booyahhh! 

NO COFFEE/ CAFFEINE/ HIGHLY CAFEINATED TEAS or too much dairy.

NOT WILD ABOUT SMOKERS/ vaping/ hukahs, etc. NO recent piercings, brandings or ink done regardless of where it is on you body.

ABSOLUTELY NO druggies or dope.

Weight minimum is 115LBs; Max weight is 399* depends on a lot of factors in YOUR REGION.

*Roughly 6-8 hours AFTER you've donated, you must always, at least 4-5 times a day until the next visit, alternate between HOT & COLD COMPRESSES, at 20 minutes EACH, on the area of your arm where the needle had been. Also clean the area, the next day with warm soapy water & rinse, but don't rub harshly. Also dab the area with peroxide and witch hazel. The point is to keeping the areas on your arms from becoing pinkish or red and bruised. If the RNs/ phlebotomists see the faintest bit of flushing or bruising on one arm, they'll use the other. If both arm bends are bruised, you'll be sent home to take care of the matter. So nip it in the bud immediately. Check your arm bends in the direct light of a bright flashlight if necessary to save yourself the disappointment and a foul attitude. LOL!

Again, do your research and ask questions of your nearest facility and take notes. They are supposed to & can give you the 411 not patients like myself.  My purpose is to point out my EXPERIENCES in this journey as poor yet employed post-op RNY patient that thinks outside the box, and wtd to shine a light on a LEGIT $$ earning opportunity that plays a vital part in saving/ prolonging lives. You won't get rich. You're not supposed to. But you can put it towards bariatric vitamins, supplements, otc meds, gym or therapy memberships, copays, excess skin removal savings, workout gear, newer wardrobe, new hairdo or haircut/ barbering for the new & improved you. Hell, put it towards bills. Anything you want, its your money. But it's also good karma.

That's what makes it a WIN-WIN.

Cheers.

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