Urgent Need For A- Blood

[bill mark]

If you have A- blood, and the inclination to help - go to McKormick hosppital and offer your red stuff!

Might save a life, and give you good kharma. I was sure i was A-, but it turns out I am A+ - couldn't help.

It is a Thai person in need (not that that should make a difference)

Go for it, and I hope you don't faint (I don't faint - I just want to!!!)

Sincerely, Mark

[spectrum]

The same situation arose recently in Bangkok. ( See http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=122923 ). Some blood groups, including A- , are rare in Asian populations, but less so in some "Western" populations. Thus, donations from expat "Westerners" can be of great help. (Plus, you may need the blood yourself one day.)

Anyone know where regular donations can be made around Chiang Mai ? In the case of serious accidents/ emergencies, there's no time to put out a call for donors.

[Austhaied]

The same situation arose recently in Bangkok. ( See http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=122923 ). Some blood groups, including A- , are rare in Asian populations, but less so in some "Western" populations. Thus, donations from expat "Westerners" can be of great help. (Plus, you may need the blood yourself one day.)

Anyone know where regular donations can be made around Chiang Mai ? In the case of serious accidents/ emergencies, there's no time to put out a call for donors.

As the post above yours suggests

McCormick Hospital

Address: 133 Kaewnawarat Road, A Muang Chiang Mai

Tel: 053 241311 Fax: 053 241177

Edited June 2, 2007 by Austhaied

[spectrum]

Austhaied, as I understand it, the patient in current need is at Mc Cormick Hospital.

I was wondering which other hospitals receive donations from people who'd like to donate on a regular basis.

[Mahseer]

I am A- but presently offshore Hammerfest in the Arctic Circle but due back late 8th June. PM me on that day if the requirement is still there and I'll donate 9th. Blood should have thawed out by then.

Cheers

[mcgriffith]

I'm A-, but contracted hep A in Afghanistan in 1973. No illness since then, but unfortunately I am off the donor list permanently. Wish I could help.....

[pilou]

Austhaied, as I understand it, the patient in current need is at Mc Cormick Hospital.

I was wondering which other hospitals receive donations from people who'd like to donate on a regular basis.

Hi

I personally donate my blood every 3 months at NakornPing Hospital ( I believe that is the right name...) on the Mae Rim Road, room 104, be careful, it is always very difficult to find a parking place. I am A+ too.

Phil

[thairedofgoa]

I thought they could use "O" Pos in an emergency.

[spectrum]

I thought they could use "O" Pos in an emergency.

I had thought O neg could donate to A neg. Anyway, they are asking for A neg.

I am A+ too

Pilou, just to be sure, it's A- that is needed for this patient.

I personally donate my blood every 3 months at NakornPing Hospital.

Thanks for this information.

I'm A-, but contracted hep A in Afghanistan in 1973. No illness since then, but unfortunately I am off the donor list permanently. Wish I could help.....

You can help by spreading the word. Not everyone is aware of the problems they may have in a crisis. Expats in particular may not know that their blood type, which was not uncommon at home, is quite rare here and supplies may not exist. This is why anyone who can should be donating regularly, and why I hope we can build a list of places around CM where we can donate.

[spectrum]

Following is a copy of info I posted in the BKK thread :

QUOTE

See the figures from Wikipaedia below. (Sorry it's messy - don't know how to copy a table into a post here.)

Table of ABO and Rh distribution by nation

ABO and Rh blood type distribution by nation (averages for each population)

Population O+ A+ B+ AB+ O− A− B− AB−

Australia 40% 31% 8% 2% 9% 7% 2% 1%

Canada 39% 36% 7.6% 2.5% 7% 6% 1.4% 0.5%

Denmark 35% 37% 8% 4% 6% 7% 2% 1%

Finland 27% 38% 15% 7% 4% 6% 2% 1%

France 36% 37% 9% 3% 6% 7% 1% 1%

Hong Kong, China 40% 26% 27% 7% <0.3% <0.3% <0.3% <0.3%

Korea, South 27.4% 34.4% 26.8% 11.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.05%

Poland 31% 32% 15% 7% 6% 6% 2% 1%

Sweden 32% 37% 10% 5% 6% 7% 2% 1%

UK 37%35% 8% 3% 7% 7% 2% 1%

USA 38% 34% 9% 3% 7% 6% 2% 1%

(*0 minus also bolded as I believe they may also donate to A minus people, though I am not a medical practitioner and not familiar with the circumstances of the patient.)

Also, if you don't already know your blood group, get yourself (& family) tested at a hospital and carry the card with you at all times.

P.S. Just found this through a quick google :

Central Blood Register

Rhesus negative blood groups are very rare in Thailand. Thailand's Central Blood Register lists people willing to give Rhesus negative blood in the event of an emergency. Signing up for the CBR does not carry any obligation, nor does it mean you will necessarily ever be asked to donate. But, if you are called, the chances are you will probably help save someone's life. See www.bambiweb.org for more information and a copy of the CBR registration form; or contact the CBR on 08 9068 8533 or email [email protected].

Edited June 3, 2007 by spectrum

[spectrum]

P.P.S. Found a "pinned" thread on this topic in this forum's "Health" section. There'a a ThaiVisa register at http://bloodbank.thaivisa.com/ . Please visit the site and register if possible.

Also in that pinned thread, CrowBoy wrote of a venue for donations in CM :

the Red Cross Clinic, just near to the Warorot Markets opposite the Police Sation and Post Office, on the road that parallels the Mae Ping. Having a mind blank on the road name. If you can't find it send me a PM and I will try to sort it out. I donate whole blood and then transferred of the aphersis section in Australia. We had the Red Cross out at work and did a donation a few months ago - they come out every three months and set up for the day doing people in batches so I don't go into town and do it there.

If you work in an organisation with several or more other foreigners, you might be able to arrange for Red Cross to visit you (?).

Edited June 3, 2007 by spectrum

[thairedofgoa]

I thought they could use "O" Pos in an emergency.

"If you are O blood group, you have no antigens, and therefore your blood can be given to anyone of A, B, AB or O group. Unfortunately, you can only receive O blood. Conversely, if you are AB, you can receive any blood, but yours can only be used in other AB individuals."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A2116621

[spectrum]

I am no expert, but :

Red blood cell compatibility table

Recipient blood type.....................Donor red blood cells must be:

AB+............................................O- O+ A- A+ B- B+ AB- AB+

AB-.............................................O- A- B- AB-

A+..............................................O- O+ A- A+

A- ..............................................O- A-

B+..............................................O- O+ B- B+

B-...............................................O- B-

O+..............................................O- O+

O-...............................................O-

and

Red blood cell compatibility

Blood group AB individuals have both A and B antigens on the surface of their RBCs, and their blood serum does not contain any antibodies against either A or B antigen. Therefore, an individual with type AB blood can receive blood from any group (with AB being preferable), but can donate blood only to another group AB individual.

Blood group A individuals have the A antigen on the surface of their RBCs, and blood serum containing IgM antibodies against the B antigen. Therefore, a group A individual can receive blood only from individuals of groups A or O (with A being preferable), and can donate blood to individuals of groups A or AB.

Blood group B individuals have the B antigen on their surface of their RBCs, and blood serum containing IgM antibodies against the A antigen. Therefore, a group B individual can receive blood only from individuals of groups B or O (with B being preferable), and can donate blood to individuals of groups B or AB.

Blood group O (or blood group zero in some countries) individuals do not have either A or B antigens on the surface of their RBCs, but their blood serum contains IgM anti-A antibodies and anti-B antibodies against the A and B blood group antigens. Therefore, a group O individual can receive blood only from a group O individual, but can donate blood to individuals of any ABO blood group (ie A, B, O or AB). If a blood transfusion is needed in a dire emergency, and the time taken to process the recipient's blood would cause a detrimental delay, O Negative blood can be issued.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_type

(Yes, weren't we always told O's were the "universal donors" or something ? However, guess that it's not quite so simple.)

Edited June 3, 2007 by spectrum

[Crow Boy]

If you work in an organisation with several or more other foreigners, you might be able to arrange for Red Cross to visit you (?).

Red Cross comes out to us every three months 360 Thai workers and 1 Farung. They set up in our canteen and are very good.

Please support them either by donating blood or money

CB

[pilou]

I am A+ too

Pilou, just to be sure, it's A- that is needed for this patient.

I know they are looking for A-... Unfortunately, I am only A+, as is the majority of French people according to one of the post here...

Nakornping Hospital is the big and very busy government one on Mae Rim road, on the left, entrance right after the pedestrian over pass ( I miss it every time...). They keep good records and will send you a letter ( in Thai..) when the 3 month period is passed, and they also test your blood and send you the results.

Spread the word...

Phil

[Rabbit]

If you have A- blood, and the inclination to help - go to McKormick hosppital and offer your red stuff!

Might save a life, and give you good kharma. I was sure i was A-, but it turns out I am A+ - couldn't help.

It is a Thai person in need (not that that should make a difference)

Go for it, and I hope you don't faint (I don't faint - I just want to!!!)

Sincerely, Mark

Hi,

I have group A blood but will have to check my details as I can't remember if it is - or +. I am currently offshore in Australia and due to return back to Chiang Mai within the next 5 days or so. Please send me a personal message with your contact details and I will check my details asap and get back to you.

Good Luck

Edited June 3, 2007 by Rabbit

[Nienke]

If you work in an organisation with several or more other foreigners, you might be able to arrange for Red Cross to visit you (?).

Red Cross comes out to us every three months 360 Thai workers and 1 Farung. They set up in our canteen and are very good.

Please support them either by donating blood or money

CB

I've never given blood as I'm scared like hel_l for the needle, but my concious is playing with me, so ...

How long does it take to draw blood?

Suppose they need to do some tests first? How what etc?

Is there something special you should or shouldn't do before and after drawing the blood? (Need to drive back home)

I'm living close to Sankhampeang; so when is the next time they come to you, CB?

Can I scream when they put the needle in?

Can I bring my dog, just to make sure they will do it in one time good?

Nienke

[pilou]

If you work in an organisation with several or more other foreigners, you might be able to arrange for Red Cross to visit you (?).

Red Cross comes out to us every three months 360 Thai workers and 1 Farung. They set up in our canteen and are very good.

Please support them either by donating blood or money

CB

I've never given blood as I'm scared like hel_l for the needle, but my concious is playing with me, so ...

How long does it take to draw blood?

Suppose they need to do some tests first? How what etc?

Is there something special you should or shouldn't do before and after drawing the blood? (Need to drive back home)

I'm living close to Sankhampeang; so when is the next time they come to you, CB?

Can I scream when they put the needle in?

Can I bring my dog, just to make sure they will do it in one time good?

Nienke

Nienke

Nothing to be worried about, they are all skilled nurses and the actual pain is very brief and bearable...

There is a short medical questionnaire and blood pressure test, and they are very friendly indeed. You should eat (lightly...avoid getting drunk the night before..) before you go. The first time I suppose they will take a small quantity of your blood, and if you are concerned about dizziness ( it does happen...), go with someone else who can drive you back.They will guide you through the whole process. The actual time is quite short, for 450 ml last time, it took about 10 minutes.

By all mean, go and do it, you will feel better after. and bring your friends and relatives.

Take care

Phil

Sorry if my English stinks, I am only a frog after all...

[Nienke]

If you work in an organisation with several or more other foreigners, you might be able to arrange for Red Cross to visit you (?).

Red Cross comes out to us every three months 360 Thai workers and 1 Farung. They set up in our canteen and are very good.

Please support them either by donating blood or money

CB

I've never given blood as I'm scared like hel_l for the needle, but my concious is playing with me, so ...

How long does it take to draw blood?

Suppose they need to do some tests first? How what etc?

Is there something special you should or shouldn't do before and after drawing the blood? (Need to drive back home)

I'm living close to Sankhampeang; so when is the next time they come to you, CB?

Can I scream when they put the needle in?

Can I bring my dog, just to make sure they will do it in one time good?

Nienke

Nienke

Nothing to be worried about, they are all skilled nurses and the actual pain is very brief and bearable...

There is a short medical questionnaire and blood pressure test, and they are very friendly indeed. You should eat (lightly...avoid getting drunk the night before..) before you go. The first time I suppose they will take a small quantity of your blood, and if you are concerned about dizziness ( it does happen...), go with someone else who can drive you back.They will guide you through the whole process. The actual time is quite short, for 450 ml last time, it took about 10 minutes.

By all mean, go and do it, you will feel better after. and bring your friends and relatives.

Take care

Phil

Sorry if my English stinks, I am only a frog after all...

Thanks Pilou for your response. 10 minutes doesn't sound too bad. I think I just have to do it, just to get over my fear. After all, fear isn't a good reason for not going, isn't it?!

Nienke

[realthaideal]

I'd say set aside an hour for the whole thing from showing up, to the questionnaire, to sitting around afterwards and drinking a juice or eating some cookies b4 you hit the road again. Also, don't eat b4 you go to give blood. All the blood goes towards digestion, and then when they take that extra pint from you you can feel nauseous and light-headed - guess how I know ?? That only happened to me once, but I got the chills and I got pale so they laid me down n put cold washcloths on my neck n head n made me drink juice for a half hr till my head got straight again. A little blow to the male ego - still not fainting, but definitely needing attending to after a little matter such as donating blood.

Focus on what to do, and the fact that you are possibly giving life to another here, don't get bogged down with the scenario of a minor event that complicates things. I've donated many times and that was the only one where anything got me. And again, feeling dizzy surrounded by nurses I was in good hands. You will be too.

[spectrum]

I went to Mc C Hopsital, after 11 am today (Sunday) & was told I should return between 1.00 and 4 pm. I returned at around 2 pm & was escorted to the blood bank, there to be told - before even entering the door - that I could not donate at that time (reason unclear).

I expressed some disappointment at this news and explained that I was there to help Khun S, the patient in need of A neg. blood. I was then asked to wait outside. After 5 minutes, I was called back in and the doctor/nurse led me to the "donation room", switching on the lights before ushering me to a seat.

She took a pinprick test and declared my haemoglobin level a little too low to donate today. I enquired further and learnt that the hospital is expecting A neg blood for Khun S to be supplied by the Red Cross tomorrow. There did not appear to be any urgency any longer, which is good news for the patient. Let's all wish for a successful operation and recovery for her.

I think I'll try to make a habit of donating every few months at Red Cross.

And, just for some light entertainment, and to keep this important thread from sinking immediately from sight,

here's some Blood Group & Personality Theory I came across on Wikipaedia :

Theory of D'Adamo, who believes each blood type has unique dietary recommendations:

Blood group O is believed by D'Adamo to be the hunter, the earliest human blood group. The diet recommends that these supposedly muscular, active people eat a meat-rich diet along the lines of the Paleolithic diet.

Blood group A is called the cultivator by D'Adamo, who believes it to be a more recently evolved blood type, dating back from the dawn of agriculture. The diet recommends that individuals of blood group A eat a diet emphasizing vegetables and free of red meat, a more vegetarian food intake.

Blood group B is, according to D'Adamo, the nomad, associated with a strong immune system and a flexible digestive system. The blood type diet claims that people of blood type B are the only ones who can thrive on dairy products.

Blood group AB, per D'Adamo, the enigma, the most recently evolved type. In terms of dietary needs, his blood type diet treats this group as an intermediate between blood types A and B.

Blood Type Diet

Type A

The Cultivator: Settled, visionary, analytical.

Strengths: Adapts well to dietary and environmental variety. System preserves and metabolizes nutrients efficiently.

Weaknesses: Unable to digest and metabolise meat protein easily. Vulnerable immune system, open to microbial invasion.

Type B

The Nomad Balanced, flexible, creative.

Strengths: Strong immune system. Versatile adaptation to dietary and environmental changes. Balanced nervous system.

Weaknesses: No natural weaknesses. However, imbalance causes a tendency toward autoimmune disease and rare, slow-growing viruses.

Type AB

The Enigma Rare, versatile, compassionate

Strengths Designed for modern conditions. Highly tolerant immune system. Versatile.

Weaknesses Sensitive digestive tract. Open to microbial invasion.

Type O

The Hunter Strong, self-reliant, leader

Strengths: Hardy digestive tract. Strong immune system. Natural defences against infections. System designed for efficient metabolism and preservation of nutrients.

Weaknesses: Intolerant to new dietary and environmental conditions. Tendency towards an overactive immune system.

True for you or not ?

[meadish_sweetball]

I have looked into this quite a bit as I have a good friend who eats according to D'Adamo's advice and is very happy with the results.

It should be noted that D'Adamo's theory has not undergone due scientific testing, and genetic research suggests that A is the original blood group, not O as Adamo claims.

His critics further argue that since his books and dietary supplements have sold so well, he should long ago have had or been able to muster up the financial means required to sponsor proper clinical trials if he had wished to do so. Nobody else has taken up on proper testing of the ideas either, which suggests few mainstream doctors put much faith in his system.

Obviously, some people just take this to be a part of the 'pharmaceutical company conspiracy'.

To the uninitiated eye, it all looks quite scientific. He claims the diet is based on empirics, but still has not published any conclusive evidence to back this up, apart from plenty of claims to tests having been made.

I agree with the critics that if you do not publish your trials openly, including methods used, number of participants and conclusions, and allow this material to be peer-reviewed by experts, you can not call your methods scientific. If something really works, it will stand up to being openly presented and criticised.

If your health is normal it will generally not be dangerous to try eating according to his advice though, so anybody so inclined can do it and see for him or herself if it has any merit.

[mcgriffith]

"Type A

The Cultivator: Settled, visionary, analytical.

Strengths: Adapts well to dietary and environmental variety. System preserves and metabolizes nutrients efficiently.

Weaknesses: Unable to digest and metabolise meat protein easily. Vulnerable immune system, open to microbial invasion."

I KNEW I shouldn't have eaten those delectible ribs at Salsa Kitchen last night! I will be losing my VISIONARY status...

(Ah Yes, he's a legend in his own mind )

[Crow Boy]

"Type A

The Cultivator: Settled, visionary, analytical.

Strengths: Adapts well to dietary and environmental variety. System preserves and metabolizes nutrients efficiently.

Weaknesses: Unable to digest and metabolise meat protein easily. Vulnerable immune system, open to microbial invasion."

I KNEW I shouldn't have eaten those delectible ribs at Salsa Kitchen last night! I will be losing my VISIONARY status...

(Ah Yes, he's a legend in his own mind )

Being a visionary just means you see things like after that sixth large bottle of beer down at the Peak

As a type Opos I think it is interesting

Type O

The Hunter Strong, self-reliant, leader

Strengths: Hardy digestive tract. Strong immune system. Natural defences against infections. System designed for efficient metabolism and preservation of nutrients.

Weaknesses: Intolerant to new dietary and environmental conditions. Tendency towards an overactive immune system.

I spent a couple of years as a vegan, contracted candida which is caused by the gut flora going into overdrive. I got very sick as a result and had to go onto a diet without any yeast products ie no bread, yoghurt, or ALCOHOL no pulses (peas, beans) no dairy (milk, cheese), minimal carbohydrate and no fats, butter, margerine, or oils. Basically for nearly 2 years my diet comprised of grilled or steamed chicken or turkey (organic) with steamed vegetables. I was still sick and then decided bugrit' and went back to my natural omnivorous diet. Within a couple of months my body had sorted itself out and I have had no problems since. I don't have a meat heavy diet and rarely (but love) a good bit of beef which is good for me. I stick to a wide array of foods but I find Thai is was suits me most unless I have too much coconut milk.

CB

Edited June 4, 2007 by Crow Boy