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05 December 2017

Jannette's story

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Janette from Stornoway thanks blood donors for helping when she needed treatment.

"I was 38 when I was diagnosed with MDS (Myelodysplastic syndrome), a blood disorder that causes a drop in your number of healthy blood cells. I had been feeling tired for a little while but when I collapsed in the shower I went to the doctor. The results of my blood test came back that my HGB was 4.9 and my platelets were 5 (normal levels are 12.0 to 15.5 HGB for women, and as near to 300 platelets as possible). I was flown out to Raigmore Hospital that afternoon by the wonderful HeliMed crew.

Jannette as a wedding guest, with a fascinator in her hair.
Jannette had around 500 units of blood and platelets in the run up to her bone marrow transplant

"Between August 2009 and May 2010 I travelled twice weekly to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for blood and platelet transfusions prior to a bone marrow transplant. It worked out at nearly 500 units between both blood and platelets.

"In 2010 I received my bone marrow transplant and have been really well since. I am one of the lucky ones that didn't have any complications after my transplant. I am near enough back to my normal self. It’s been eight years since I was diagnosed with MDS and I finally got discharged in January this year.

"I am truly grateful for each and every donation that was made. I don't believe I'd have been here without them."

Thank you Janette for your kind words to our donors and for sharing you story.

Current blood stock levels across Scotland Thursday 10 October

We aim to retain 6 days of stocks at any time in order to meet the requirements of patients in Scotland.

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