Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Grandma's Blood

Today was another uneventful day, which is good but still draining.  When the NP came by this morning she said that, as expected, Averi's blood counts are starting to drop.  They tried to wait as long as possible before having to give her blood products, since there is always a risk, but they had waited long enough.

Averi's platelets were 16 (20 is means for a transfusion) and her hemoglobin was 7.3, which should have left her tired and pale.  Instead she was chipper as ever; the NP couldn't believe it.  This meant she had to get platelets and red blood today.

Lucky for us, Grandma direct donated some blood while she was here last week.  This was the first time Averi was able to get blood from someone we know, which was pretty cool.  Grandma tried to pass out while she was giving the blood, but she held it together and made the sacrifice for Averi, which is greatly appreciated!  Averi kept playing with the blood tube and trying to eat it...um gross.
After getting her blood transfusions, Averi was much happier and more energetic.  I decided it was time for a project and set to work determined to find a way to keep Averi's name and allergy bands on her legs.  Her feet are so tiny that they fall off all the time!

So I rigged up fleece bands that I could tie around her ankles.  I don't know how long they will last but at least they look more comfortable and they stay on.  (I know what you're thinking, and yes I do need to get out of the hospital more often.)
 Averi seemed pretty pleased with today's accomplishments!
P.S. - If anyone ever wanted to direct donate blood for Averi, not that we are asking but because people have asked us, she is A positive.  Contact me and I will add your name to her list of donors.  Then you just go to a Red Cross (after they get the paper work) and they will send your blood to us. :)

12 comments:

Ellen said...

What is Averi's blood type and can other people direct donate for her?

Dan said...

Ellen, I tried to email you but I apparently don't have your address so hopefully you check back on here. I added a note to the end of the post but Averi is A positive and we would love to have friends donate, not that we expect it. :) Thanx!

Susan said...

Do you have to be there (in OH) or can it be from SC? I'm A+ and I give blood regularly at our local Red Cross. I'd love to have it come to Averi. (Okay, I actually just got emotional typing that. Honestly, it'd be such an honor.)

Tina said...

That would be so cool to do! I really wish I could help.

The Palmer's said...

Palmer and I are both A+. I would love to donate for Averi.

Katie Leigh said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katie Leigh said...

I'm A+, too! Will they send my blood from Memphis to you? If they will, tell me what to do to get this set up.

Lauren in GA said...

I love the little fleece bands! Fancy!!

Glad Grandma didn't pass out. Great job, Grandma!!!

Sara Emily said...

I'm A+!! Sign me up! I donate all the time and have never had complications from it, so seriously, let me know when/if you need me!!! Love, love love!

Stephanie said...

I am A+ Tiff! I will txt or call you again today and hopefully you won't be on the phone with your brother. :) Love you.

Ellen said...

I'm O+ so not so much a match but I think that Todd is A+ so maybe I will recruit him. I do need to go donate anyway for the general population and I will think good thoughts while doing it thinking about all of our warriors out there fighting cancer who need transfusions to get better.

Unknown said...

I'm A positive! You can put my name down! Love to you and your family! Sara Slack