Re: Transfusion issues/Positive antigens

[Guest guest]

Shandi,

Can you donate for yourself? Or are you anemic or have some other

contraindication?

Not an MD

On Sat, Jun 14, 2008 at 9:51 AM, S. Pruitt <seriouslysanibel@...> wrote:

> I had to go in yesterday to have a test and screen done for my upcoming TKR,

> so I could crossmatch against my mother who would donate blood for me. As

> soon as I got home the lab called stating that my screen was positive for

> antigens/antibodies and they had to ask about my history of medication,

> transfusions, and childbirth.

>

> Has anyone had to deal with this? My research showed that rheumatological

> diseases can trigger these problems as well. This means with a positive test

> that it will be harder to match blood products to me. They were to check

> against 45 different antigens to pinpoint the positive antigen.

>

> Shandi

[Guest guest]

- I do have anemia. The past month I have taken vitamins/supplements to

boost it, but still too low to donate for myself. Since my TKRs have been moved

up by 2 weeks Plavix will not help. When I had previously given blood (through

Red Cross volunteer donations) I passed out...my body doesn't like it...I am

fine with needles and such.

I have put off TKRs because I was afraid of transfusions. My mother and I have

the same blood type, but it is a matter of matching the screens. If she is

negative for the antigen I am positive for, then things are ok.

BTW , every time I see your name I smile...I have a sweet orange kitty named

Orangina... for short.

Shandi

> I had to go in yesterday to have a test and screen done for my upcoming TKR,

> so I could crossmatch against my mother who would donate blood for me. As

> soon as I got home the lab called stating that my screen was positive for

> antigens/antibodies and they had to ask about my history of medication,

> transfusions, and childbirth.

>

> Has anyone had to deal with this? My research showed that rheumatological

> diseases can trigger these problems as well. This means with a positive test

> that it will be harder to match blood products to me. They were to check

> against 45 different antigens to pinpoint the positive antigen.

>

> Shandi

[Guest guest]

I hope your mother's blood will work, Shandi.

Funny about the kitty. Unlike Orangina, I don't have orange hair. I'm

probably not as sweet either.

The best of luck to you with the TKR. Please let us know how you do.

Not an MD

On Sat, Jun 14, 2008 at 10:56 AM, S. Pruitt <seriouslysanibel@...> wrote:

> - I do have anemia. The past month I have taken vitamins/supplements to

> boost it, but still too low to donate for myself. Since my TKRs have been

> moved up by 2 weeks Plavix will not help. When I had previously given blood

> (through Red Cross volunteer donations) I passed out...my body doesn't like

> it...I am fine with needles and such.

>

> I have put off TKRs because I was afraid of transfusions. My mother and I

> have the same blood type, but it is a matter of matching the screens. If she

> is negative for the antigen I am positive for, then things are ok.

>

> BTW , every time I see your name I smile...I have a sweet orange kitty

> named Orangina... for short.

>

> Shandi

[Guest guest]

My daughter has sickle cell anemia and has required blood

transfusions before. All it means is that the more antigens and

antibodies you have the harder it is to match you with donor blood.

It also increases the risk the transfusion reaction.

With each transfusion you develop antibodies. Some people have never

received blood products but have many antibodies and antigens...its

means you have been exposed to many different things triggering the

development of the antibodies and antigens.

I would see if you can not find a match...then see if you can either

self donate or use one of the synthetic blood products if you need

blood.

Toni

--- In , " S. Pruitt " <seriouslysanibel@...>

wrote:

>

> I had to go in yesterday to have a test and screen done for my

upcoming TKR, so I could crossmatch against my mother who would

donate blood for me. As soon as I got home the lab called stating

that my screen was positive for antigens/antibodies and they had to

ask about my history of medication, transfusions, and childbirth.

>

> Has anyone had to deal with this? My research showed that

rheumatological diseases can trigger these problems as well. This

means with a positive test that it will be harder to match blood

products to me. They were to check against 45 different antigens to

pinpoint the positive antigen.

>

> Shandi

>