Finally - Friday! Except that I have yet another visit to the M.D. and another round of lab work. Serum ferritin...here I come! After 1 week of intense iron supplementation (of which I have missed zero doses!), we shall discover whether or not I have any iron stores xxfingersxx! If the level of ferritin increases, the chances that I do NOT have to have a transfusion increases. But if I do indeed have to go through with the transfusion, I'm going to request blood from a smokin' hot 20-something gal. I mean, hell-o - might as well keep it fresh! ;-)

But seriously, a girl will do what a girl has to do - but not without being well-informed. To that end, I'll share a few blood transfusion facts with you.

Did you know that there are nearly 100 million units of blood donated every year worldwide? There is actually a World Blood Donor Day (it has already passed us by this year - 14 June 2010). This is good news for those in need of receiving blood - the greatest numbers of those in need being women, children, and those in trauma situations - however, as with any medical procedure, there is always cause for concern. For example, safe collection and handling practices, appropriate clinical practices while testing blood and performing transfusions, and even safe practices for follow-up for those having transfusions. The World Health Organization actually has a Blood Transfusion Safety (BTS) team to insure safe blood is available to all in need of a transfusion. Check them out by clicking the link. I'll also keep their link at the bottom of the blog page for future reference.

If you find interesting transfusion or other anemia-related information - comment and we'll add it to the blog for others to read. I'll report back on today's visit soon!

Stay strong! Take your iron!

Iron Woman FeFe