Re: Blood donation question

[Guest guest]

,

I have been curious about this topic (whether those with AIH can

donate blood) as well. I have been a faithful blood donor for

years. I checked online as well, but I can not find any information.

I would think that since AIH is not a virus it would be alright, but

then the drugs we take may eliminate us as donors. Does

anyone know the answer to this question?

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

These were my thoughts exactly! I just read something, however, that

said the prescence of autoantibodies was also a problem and this was

the explanation for Lupus patients not giving blood. Can anyone

confirm this? Of course, the drugs may also be a problem I am A-,

which is not that common, so I like to donate. However, I haven't

given in couple of years.

> ,

>

> I have been curious about this topic (whether those with AIH can

> donate blood) as well. I have been a faithful blood donor for

> years. I checked online as well, but I can not find any

information.

> I would think that since AIH is not a virus it would be alright,

but

> then the drugs we take may eliminate us as donors. Does

> anyone know the answer to this question?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Re: I am A-,

> which is not that common, so I like to donate. However, I

haven't

> given in couple of years.

>

>

,

I am B- (which is also not common) so I like to donate when I

can, too. I think I have donated nearly two gallons over the years.

Not much compared to many, but it makes me feel good to know

that I have helped others in need. My last donation was in June

(dx Nov/01). I guess I should try to find the phone number of the

blood service and call them.

[Guest guest]

,

I don't believe people with AIH can be blood donors since their disease is a form of hepatitis. Also the medications you are taking can prohibit you from being a blood donor. Before my transplant, I was told by my gastro that I could not be a blood donor, and of course, since transplant I would still be restricted because I am on immunosuppression medication.

Bonnie P.

AIH and post transplant

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/2/02 7:36:20 AM Pacific Standard Time, BonManPat@... writes:

I don't believe people with AIH can be blood donors since their disease is a form of hepatitis.

I don't understand this statement - can you explain? Hepatitis just means liver irritation.

Harper

[Guest guest]

I don't understand this either, Harper. Liver inflammation shouldn't

rule one out in and of itself. Having a viral form of hepatitis is

quite a different story. However, it does sound like the medication,

at the very least, may. This makes sense. Thanks to everyone for

the responses. I'll let you know if I get any more info.

> In a message dated 2/2/02 7:36:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,

BonManPat@a...

> writes:

>

>

> > I don't believe people with AIH can be blood donors since their

disease is a

> > form of hepatitis.

>

> I don't understand this statement - can you explain? Hepatitis

just means

> liver irritation.

> Harper

[Guest guest]

I have asked my Dr's this question, and was told that no I could not donate blood, if not because of the disease itself but also all the medications running through my blood.

Kimberlee*

========Original Message======== Subj: [ ] Blood donation question Date: 2/1/02 8:21:40 PM Eastern Standard Time From:    rthornton@... (rthorntous)

Reply-to:   

To:   

Hi guys,

Does anyone know if people with AIH can donate blood?  I have seen some references to other autoimmune diseases, specifically Lupus and MS, stating that they should not...but wasn't sure if that extends to all other autoimmune diseases.  Did a bit of research, but haven't run across anything more at this point.  I will ask the doc next time I am there, just thought one of you may know!

Ok, so it isn't snowing...but we did have some sleet...Houston ain't so balmy today!

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

> Hi guys,

>

> Does anyone know if people with AIH can donate blood?

>

> Thanks,

>

>

,

I have been doing some more searching on this question.

Online, I sent an e-mail to the American Assoc. of Blood Banks

<aabb.org> and got the following response:

" You will need to contact your local blood center and ask for their

policy on this. Some blood collection facilities defer people with

autoimmune diseases, it all depends on the individual facility's

policies. "

Kate

AABB Public Relations

I took my research a step further and called my local blood

center (United Blood Services) and got a response from them

today. My local blood bank will accept AIH donors if they have a

letter from their doctor stating that (a) that the AIH is non-viral,

( liver enzymes are normal, © what the present treatment

plan includes, and (d) are asymptomatic (i.e. no jaundice, etc.).

She said that taking prednisone would not exclude me from

donating blood.

It is good to know that we will not be turned away with AIH if we

meet their criteria. If you are serious about being a blood donor, I

would suggest that you check into your local blood bank's policy.

Good luck.

[Guest guest]

> ,

>

> I have been curious about this topic (whether those with AIH can

> donate blood) as well. I have been a faithful blood donor for

> years. I checked online as well, but I can not find any

information.

> I would think that since AIH is not a virus it would be alright,

but

> then the drugs we take may eliminate us as donors. Does

> anyone know the answer to this question?

>

>

I asked my dr. this question, he asked if I had ever given blood, I

said no, he said, then you don't need to. He didn't tell me I

couldn't! This probably doesn't help, but it's all the answer I have.

LaurieM

[Guest guest]

Ursula,

Thanks for the clarification....I think I will donate both!

Kim (Mom to - CVID)

Re: Blood Donation Question

> don't worry about feeling guilty. Actually plasma is the source

> of IVIG and

> from what I've been told donating whole blood actually produces

> very little

> IgG. So the plasma centers are the ones that provide much of the

> productneeded to produce the different brands. To me though

> considering how many

> of these patients have to have surgery and how sometimes you need

> bloodgiven during surgery it can't hurt to encourage people to

> donate blood.

> It's just better touted as needed for their " disease " than for their

> " treatment " .

>

> Ursula Holleman

> mom to (11 yrs old) and Macey (9 yr. old with CVID, Diabetes

> Insipidus, colonic inertia)

> http://members.cox.net/maceyh

>

> Immune Deficiency Foundation - Peer Contact for GA

> http://www.primaryimmune.org

>

> /

>

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