Page 12 - Sojourner Newsletter Winter 2021-5_Neat

12 THE SOJOURNER

National Chaplain’s Message me out of the blue and begged me to consider donating

Baby Blood? I am a 67-year-old man, how can I possi- platelets. I seemingly could do that and still run around
planet earth. The hematologist recommended that I contin-
bly have Baby blood” ue to give platelets because that would bring my hemoglo-
The folks that attend church regularly know that I have bin down. My numbers got so high that I was donating two
STRANGE blood, O-negative as it can be, but strange none pints a month, or even if I timed it correctly I even gave 4
-the-less. I kid that it is high test, so I guess that makes it pints in 14 days, with no ill effects. I felt great.
premium. I am usually high on hemoglobin and HCT, but I had changed oncologists and he wanted to see how low
very low or non-existent on iron. That has been going on will my iron goes. It circled the drain for about two years, I
for at least six years and finally, I said, “Enough!!” The VA was grossly anemic, irritated, and again, Enough! I was
sent me to a hematologist and as soon as I walked in I knew allowed again to begin taking Iron supplements. My iron
I was in trouble. It was the oncology clinic. “Just what I started coming up, I began to self-medicate and increase
need is another doctor looking to see if he can find another my iron back to my “normal” levels, along with hemoglo-
type of cancer.” bin and HCT. At this point, I once again was able to donate
Well throughout a couple of years they confirmed I have blood. I can donate platelets, packed red blood cells, and
strange blood, that they cannot explain. Back to square one, now baby blood, aka CMV negative. I don’t take flu shots
I apparently do not have any leaks that they can find. Well, because I am allergic to something in them and now I don’t
then the other part of the cycle emerged. My hemoglobin have one of the by-products of having once had the flu.
and HCT dropped to the point of not having enough to even Hooah.I have since found out I will not be taking either one
give blood. It is very disappointing to have to give up on of vaccines. Double hooah.
something I am apparently good at. God did not use a cookie-cutter in creation, especially on
Let me digress. I started giving blood as a freshman in the sixth day when he made man, human-kind. We are all
college. I found out the afternoon after giving my blood unique! No matter how old, how young, male or female,
that morning that my blood had been used to transfuse a set whatever culture; we all have something to give of our-
of quadruplets at Grady in Atlanta. That was neat. I have selves. I plan on, if nothing else. giving away my Baby
continued to give for the last fifty years. While I was on blood (CMV-) whenever I can, at most every eight weeks,
Active Duty Army this last time I slowed down for whatev- or whenever else it is needed. My numbers are now even
er reason. Possibly time or even whatever the Army likes to high enough to give double packed red blood cell.
pump into their Soldiers. May have even been convenience. In this holiest of holiday seasons what are you giving of
When I retired the first two times, Di and I could travel yourself?
and Shepeard could not keep up with my travel restrictions, Shalom and peace my brothers and sisters!
so I was turned away. A couple of years later, they called

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/locations/tests-storage/index.asp

Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside Vietnam: VA Benefits:
Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam were Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other
tested or stored elsewhere, including some military bases in herbicides during service may be eligible for a variety of
the United States. The Department of Defense gave VA a VA benefits, including an Agent Orange Registry health
list of dates and locations of herbicide tests and storage. exam, health care, and disability compensation for diseases
View dates and locations: associated with exposure. Their dependents and survivors
• In the U.S. – Herbicide tests and storage also may be eligible for benefits. Learn more about benefits
• Outside the U.S. – Herbicide tests and storage related to Agent Orange exposure.
View all as PDF: Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside of Need help determining exposure?
Vietnam (Department of Defense List) (224 KB, PDF) VA will help determine exposure to Agent Orange or oth-
and Additional Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside of Vi- er herbicides during military service after you file a claim
etnam (77 KB, PDF) Learn about the criteria used to assess for compensation benefits. Veterans may be eligible for a
locations where tactical herbicides were tested, used and free Agent Orange Registry health exam. You don't have to
stored outside of Vietnam. file a disability compensation claim to receive the exam.
Contact your local VA Environmental Health Coordina-
tor about getting an Agent Orange Registry health exam.