PARADISE, N.L. — Editor’s note: The annual Telegram Saves Lives campaign runs this year until Oct. 24. As part of our efforts to encourage people to give blood, we’re running a series of letters from people whose lives were changed by blood donation. Patricia Arns of Paradise submitted this one.
On March 27, 2003, I was heading to the Health Sciences Centre to have a scheduled C-section to deliver my third child. After being prepped and rolled into the operating room, we were ready to welcome our beautiful baby girl into the world.
I received 29 units of blood and plasma that day.
Out she came healthy, adorable and perfect. Suddenly, something was wrong — the doctors and nurses were scrambling, and I was scared. Within minutes they had put me to sleep and all I remember is waking up in the ICU at four o’clock in the afternoon with a tube down my throat.
What had happened? It was a miracle, I was told. Apparently, I had been hemorrhaging all day and they were having trouble getting the bleeding to stop. My daughter was fine, but they had not been able to remove the placenta because it had broken through my uterus and attached to my bladder. Several wonderful doctors, nurses and exceptional blood donors saved my life. I received 29 units of blood and plasma that day.
As a mother, wife and human being, I was so very lucky that day. I would not be here if not for the many outstanding people who donate blood. It is so important and it can save so many lives. Because of your donations I can share in the magical moments of my daughter’s and family’s lives. If you can, please, please donate.
Canadian Blood Services needs to collect 14,000 units of blood and blood products annually in Newfoundland and Labrador.
To book a spot, go online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE
