<div><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Betty -<br>
<br>
I've had a close friend and my father go through dialysis. <br>
<br>
I started donating platelets shortly after I retired. Including the paperwork time, it takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For most people it is shorter, but I use the one arm process and have a high enough count that I can donate triple the usual amount each time. I take a book and my mp3 player and pretty much zone out for the whole time, so the longer time really doesn't bother me. Lots of folks watch a movie. But, I will admit that the hardest part is keeping that arm still for the whole time.<br>
<br>
I would encourage anyone who can to donate plateletes. They are much needed.<br>
<br>
Mike Omelanuk '64<br>
</font></div>
<br>
<br>
<div id="AOLMsgPart_3_dbb92ddd-0f72-4b3b-8d06-35ca661a6406">
<font id="role_document" color="#000000" face="Arial" size="2">
<div>>>>Thanks Mike, I was really scared at first and had decided not to do it. But
my family talked me into it. They couldn't stand the thought of letting me
go quite yet. I am doing better than I thought I would. I will be on the
machine for 4 to 6 hrs, 3 times a week. I also chose the
dialysis center at Sacred Heart Medical center in Miramar Beach, Fl, I have
been in the hospital there 3 times since Feb, 9, 2008 and everyone has been
great. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>>>>I didn't even know you could donate platelets. I think that is a
thoughtful thing for someone to do. I am continually amazed at the things
you can do to help others. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>>>>Betty</div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
</font></div>
<div id="AOLMsgPart_4_dbb92ddd-0f72-4b3b-8d06-35ca661a6406" style="margin: 0px; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><pre style="font-size: 9pt;"><tt><a href="http://baker.hs.org/mailman/listinfo/lions-l" target="_blank"><br>
</a>
</tt></pre>
</div>
<!-- end of AOLMsgPart_4_dbb92ddd-0f72-4b3b-8d06-35ca661a6406 -->
<div id='u8CA9067CF29C023-1330-223A' class='aol_ad_footer'><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Stay informed, get connected and more <A title="http://mobile.aol.com/productOverview.jsp?productOverview=aol-mobile-overview&?&ncid=aolmbd00030000000139" href="http://mobile.aol.com/productOverview.jsp?productOverview=aol-mobile-overview&?&ncid=aolmbd00030000000139" target="_blank">with AOL on your phone</A>.</FONT> </div>