yeah.

what i don't get is that they double the time between my donations, which effectively halves my donation back to single reds (sorta).

but i have asked, "what do you prefer? single donation every 8 weeks or doubles every 16" and they want doubles.

if i could give doubles every 8 weeks, I would prefer that.

no one has ever explained why the time needs to double for the recovery period for double reds. their own explanation implies that it would be fine to do every 8 weeks.

if you have read this far...

They say that within 24 hours or so, the NUMBER of red cells is quickly replenished, regardless of the amount taken, because the body is very good at making the cells. so, whether i give double reds or single, the next day, i am right back to normal with regard to count (number of red blood cells).

i was told then it is a bout a week for a red blood cell to mature.

if the number of cells is irrelevant, and both a double-red and single red donation are replenished and at full strength in a week, why 8 weeks to donate again, or 16 weeks for double reds?

they always clamor for donations, and then they don't permit what, it seems to me, donations when a person is back in full shape (blood-wise). shrug