Donating Plasma

[poundwise]

Re: Donating Plasma

I have a friend who was a single mom. She donated for YEARS and used the money for her daughters extras (new binder, clothes, expenses) so that her daughter never felt 'poor' or different.

(My friends DH died after a long illness and left a ton of medical bills that she had to pay)

The daughter graduated 3.9 gpa and is now at West Point.

She often counsels folks in financial trouble and will suggest this as an option.

She does have a couple of 'pocket scars' on the arms from the needles...but other than that, she didnt have problems that I am aware of.

Good luck!

I'm glad to hear that it worked so well for your friend.

I would like to point out, however, that the concern over scarring isn't the scarring of the flesh where the needle is inserted but the actual vein(s) itself. It is my understanding that is not a major risk and is only a concern at all if you overdo it, but I thought I'd mention it.

Having read this thread, I must admit that I've been reconsidering whether to do this or not. Even if I do it just 12 times total I can make about $300 here. I'll have to think it over some more. It's also nice to know that it does go to help someone else.

[Thrifty Ray]

Re: Donating Plasma

I'm glad to hear that it worked so well for your friend.

I would like to point out, however, that the concern over scarring isn't the scarring of the flesh where the needle is inserted but the actual vein(s) itself. It is my understanding that is not a major risk and is only a concern at all if you overdo it, but I thought I'd mention it.

Having read this thread, I must admit that I've been reconsidering whether to do this or not. Even if I do it just 12 times total I can make about $300 here. I'll have to think it over some more. It's also nice to know that it does go to help someone else.

I know for a FACT that needles in the arms can and WILL cause scarring on the veins. So thank you for pointing out that oversite!
(My mom is on dialysis so 2 needles each visit- 3x per week or 6 pokes each week...and has scarring of the artery that they use)

That said, my friend still ws successful for years with this means of earning a little extra...

But you do have to consider all aspects...(notice I did not say "I" had done it.. besides needlephobia....I am using other means to make extra...but it is also an option I keep in the back of my mind)

[lrjohnson]

Re: Donating Plasma

I was giving platelets, the reverse of plasma, for a while. It took 2 hours, and you could do it very frequently. I was doing it to volunteer my time without having to deal with a person. Comical, but true. Even though I don't like kids I managed to help a fair number with cancer. But I can't give since I went to Oaxaca....it's an "area of concern" if I remember right. Right when my old ban ends I go to Croatia, and I'm worried that might ban me for another year.

I'd consider doing this even for no money - giving blood, plasma, or platelets regularly. Especially those of us who think we do not have money available to give, and those, like me, who may not want to directly deal with people.

[lucasrd]

Re: Donating Plasma

My brother needed a platelet infusion a few years back or he would have died...thanks for donating

[Granny Sharon]

Selling Plasma

I have been a life-long blood and platelet donor; so selling plasma was not a big deal for me. Your first appointment is lengthy as you have to take a physical and answer dozens of health questions. No recent tattoos or piercings are allowed. You must have very good vein selection or you will be turned away. Make sure you drink lots of water as the donation process dehydrates you. I am usually thirsty when I get done and maybe this is a coencedence but I feel tired the rest of the day.After the first donation it only takes about 45 minutes. The money is decent. I made $100.00 my first week, that was with two donations. I will tell you my tax accountant has informed me this is a taxable income. You may be able to take off your milage. Always call first as sometimes there is a promotion or coupon being offered. I found a $80.00 coupon for first time donors.

[danstelter]

I tried it out 2 different times when money was short. I'd only do it in a fairly desperate situation where you really need the cash, and this might be one of those situations.

Everyone reacts a little differently, and yeah it's safe for the most part. For me, it just made my arm sore and after doing it for 3 months, both times I got a little sick. So, I had to quit, but the extra cash it provided really helped.

No, I won't do it anymore, but at the time it was a good idea I don't regret. See what they pay by you, and watch out for BS fees - the centers by me used a company for payment processing that looked to fee you every way they could.

You might react differently than I did and may never get sick. Good luck and if you choose to do it, hopefully it works out!