David Lehkamp, Blood Recipient
"I was born with a spinal defect known as Spina Bifida. Lifelong paralysis brings with it various health issues from time to time. In the last months of 2010, doctors were treating me for a large amount of fluid on my heart. I eventually had to have the fluid removed surgically, and spent a week in the hospital before being released on New Year’s Eve. I was free, but felt horrible. I spent the next twelve days feeling sick, and wondering why I wasn’t getting any better. I comforted myself with the belief that it was just a matter of recuperating from the heart procedures, and that I’d eventually feel even better than before.
I was wrong.
On the morning of January 12, 2011, I was in bed, preparing for my normal morning routine. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, until the moment I sat up to transfer into my wheelchair. Instantly, I knew something wasn’t right. I had a feeling, all over my body, which I had never felt before. I was tingling, and felt an odd thickness in my head. It was like being stuck in a bad dream, from which there is no way to awaken. I somehow managed to get into the chair, with my father’s help; but my condition didn't improve. I just stared at my father, blankly. I was in the room, but I wasn't “there.” I said, “I think I need to go to the hospital."
He said, "You want to go by car?" He could see that I was about to pass out.
I said, "No, by ambulance, I think."
The paramedics arrived and brought me into the living room, where a stretcher awaited. They tried repeatedly, but could not get a blood pressure, pulse or oxygen level – yet, I was still conscious. By the time we reached The Christ Hospital, my hemoglobin level had fallen to 4.9 from a normal of about 15. My BP was bottoming out around 54/36. It was clear that I was losing blood rapidly. One doctor said I had lost three quarters of my blood volume. Everyone we spoke to was amazed that I had even made it to the hospital.
They began pumping four units of blood into me, while trying to find the “leak.” There was no sign of internal bleeding coming from anywhere. Finally, the next day, a scope found two duodenal ulcers, one of which had apparently damaged an underlying blood vessel and caused the bleeding.
By the time I was released, a week later, I had received a total of five units of blood. This time, I was feeling pretty good – not perfect – but I felt some sort of inner strength, which I hadn't felt in a long time.
My condition improved dramatically, over the next several weeks. Now, two months later, I feel good – better than I have in months – maybe longer. The hematologist is going to watch me for a while, but the latest tests show my hemoglobin level is almost normal, and the fluid on my heart has virtually disappeared.
They say that, had I not received five units of (the right type of) blood quickly enough, I would have passed away that morning. I would like to ask everyone to make the small effort it takes to donate blood. The Hoxworth staff makes you very comfortable, and it doesn’t take a lot of time out of your day.
This one simple act of humanity could help to save the life of someone you’ll never meet. Or maybe it helps to save a friend – a relative – even you! Please join the many heroic blood donors who are saving lives every day. If you can’t come to Hoxworth, perhaps Hoxworth will be coming to you, with one of their many blood drives. It stings for a second…but feels good for a lifetime."
-David Lehkamp
