Anyone donated platelets

[lulabaloo]

Went to give blood yesterday for the 1st time and seen that you can donate platelets, anyone donated them before and how do they do it? Does it hurt? I no you can't donate blood if you donate platelets.

I haven't done it for a while as we moved away from the centre, but it was a really nice experience. You donate much more often than whole blood, and have to go to a special centre to do it. You lie on a very comfy chair bed, they put a needle in your arm and connect you to a machine - your blood goes in, they spin off what they need and then you get the red cells and other bits back.
When I was going you were plied with drinks, sandwiches and cake during the donation and they had a TV to watch

I've done it many many times. Basically the same as regular donation. It doesn't hurt at all.

I am not allowed to donate but I just wanted to thank those that do.

I have a blood disorder and platelet antibodies so I have had platelets given many times. I would have died without them.

Its an amazing and selfless thing to do

I'd like to do it - can anyone offer given they don't have a blood disorder?

My understanding is that whether it is more beneficial to donate blood or platelets depends on your blood type. I am O-ve so universal donor. I'm also negative for CMV (a very common flu like virus) so I was told to stick to donating blood. I only found out about the CMV thing after my last visit and that was my 11th donation. If you are negative for CMV they can use you blood for neonatal babies. The antibodies in your blood if you've had the virus are bad for tiny babies. I find it all very fascinating and confess to having a warm feeling inside knowing I help sick babies. They sent me a text saying where my blood went after my last donation.

What does it feel like tho the blood going back into your body? I'd like to donate more often that's why I'm thinking of donating platelets. I felt really good when I'd donated Saturday and my son who is 9 came with me and he was amazed by it all.

You don't really de it to be honest.
It does take around an hour, possibly longer though as its a slow process