Donating blood

March 23, 2006

They wouldn't let me donate blood while I was taking morphine. They said

that I had to be off it for at least a week before they would have anything

to do with me. I am a desired donor as well being O-. I was just thinking

about donating again just the other day too. I think after I first saw this

email. Last time I went, they do this push thing with your blood and mine

came up short. Not sure what mine looks like anymore, but since I'm off the

morphine, I might look into it again. I am an avid donor as well. The only

thing that has been quite off in my blood has been my C - reactive protein

levels. Maybe I'll go down today and see if I can donate again. I really

need something to do. I've been knocking around this house like a lost

marble lately. I need to take advantage of my " break " from pain.

My wrist started to hurt bad yesterday, but I think that was tendonitis. At

least I hope that is what it was. It seems to be much better today. I ended

up in the hospital last Saturday night after having severe chest pain. They

said it wasn't anything that seemed to be an emergency. It was great feeling

like a hypochondriac for the first time! I usually end up staying a few

weeks whenever I go to the hospital. They thought it might be the scar

tissue on my heart and in my lungs from when I had pericarditis, pneumonia,

pleurisy and septic in September. Say that 10 times really fast! Anyway, I

just might do that today. I'll let you all know how it went. Take care and

God Bless you all!

Jackie

May 9, 2006

I heard that the Red Cross does not check for lyme in donated blood. I am

frantic because my dh tested positive for Lyme, and went behind my back

yesterday and donated, as he is in denial that he even has lyme. what do I do?

In a message dated 5/9/2006 9:51:57 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

aprow@... writes:

Jessie,

I know I donated blood at least 2 times and once for my very sick Mom when I

had Lyme and didn't know it. I would have felt so bad if my Mom had lived

and came down with what I now know to be Lyme.

I would hope they screen blood for Lyme Spirochetes - if they don't, they

should. It's all anyone who needs a blood transfusion can ask, really. I

think there are many things that people can get from a blood transfusion,

and I sure wouldn't want to give anyone lyme.

Back in 1983 when I was infected and gave blood, I know they didn't. Since I

ve been diagnosed, I've been told that they won't take my blood if I have

Lyme and there are so many out there that are misdiagnosed or just

undiagnosed, it could be spreading like a wildfire.

I would call the blood donation center and ask if they screen for lyme and

ask them to do so since you now know you have lyme but they may have people

coming in all the time with it undiagnosed. It really is their issue to

screen. I would hate for it to be an issue between your husband and yourself

It would probably be a real good idea if we call called and asked and helped

them become aware that it is spreading a miserable disease..

Probably would be a good deed to do for Lyme Disease Awareness Month!

Ann

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

May 9, 2006

Unfortunately, since there is no dependable blood test for lyme, how could they

screen blood donors' blood?

Ann Prow <aprow@...> wrote:

Jessie,

I know I donated blood at least 2 times and once for my very sick Mom when I

had Lyme and didn't know it. I would have felt so bad if my Mom had lived

and came down with what I now know to be Lyme.

I would hope they screen blood for Lyme Spirochetes - if they don't, they

should. It's all anyone who needs a blood transfusion can ask, really. I

think there are many things that people can get from a blood transfusion,

and I sure wouldn't want to give anyone lyme.

Back in 1983 when I was infected and gave blood, I know they didn't. Since I

ve been diagnosed, I've been told that they won't take my blood if I have

Lyme and there are so many out there that are misdiagnosed or just

undiagnosed, it could be spreading like a wildfire.

I would call the blood donation center and ask if they screen for lyme and

ask them to do so since you now know you have lyme but they may have people

coming in all the time with it undiagnosed. It really is their issue to

screen. I would hate for it to be an issue between your husband and yourself

It would probably be a real good idea if we call called and asked and helped

them become aware that it is spreading a miserable disease..

Probably would be a good deed to do for Lyme Disease Awareness Month!

Ann

April 26, 2007

,

As near as I can tell, each and every blood donation situation is

different. Usually if you donate at the hospital you are having the

procedure in there is little or no fee and/or insurance covers. Outside

of that setting you can deal with another blood donor center (usually

at another hospital) or the Red Cross.

In my case a local hospital has an agreement to accept and process

blood for the city hospitals at a greater distance away. It took some

sleuthing and was alittle aggravating to figure it out...but it was

almost no cost to me and saved me a lot of travel time too.

The only thing that might be a factor is time...I think if you don't

donate at your surgery hospital there may not be enough time to do all

the processing they have to do....so be sure to check that too.

Take Care, Cam

January 14, 2008

Hey Doug,

Like Bee says, I doubt it was from the electrolyte drink. The

electrolytes actually help increase hydration and blood flow, not

decrease it, but you probably figured that out by now. " )

I just wanted to share a little fact about high blood pressure,

stress, and cortisol. Higher cortisol levels can cause mid-size

arteries (like those used for donating blood) to contract. This is a

stress response, that increases blood pressure. As stress responses

are meant to help your body deal with increased demands on it in times

of trouble, this is a good and natural reaction. And as your body is

starting to really fight candida now, with the aid of Bee's diet, its

only natural to see these response. I think its a sign that your body

is doing what it should.

And the fact that your blood wouldn't fill up the bag more than 25%, I

think was due to artery constriction. To donate blood it is helpful

to have both good blood vessel access and good blood pressure, and the

constriction of the vessel probably impacted vessel access.

Honestly, I am jealous of your blood pressure, mine has been low for

so long (due to adrenal fatigue) that when I actually start to get

high blood pressure from physical (like fighting an infection) or

emotional stress, I will consider myself very lucky! " )

Jecca

>

> I'm starting to think the problem with my blood flow yesterday was

> that I drank an electrolyte drink just prior to going to give blood.

> I believe the salt in the drink constricted my blood vessels. (I

> don't understand the process, though... my blood pressure was high

> normal [135/84], yet it wasn't pumping enough to fill up the bag

> more than 25%???)

January 14, 2008

Thanks JEcca... I'll try donating blood in a couple of months and we'll

see what happens. I'm starting to think it was just as much due to a

bad technician as it was my vessels being constricted (which they

were). However, later that night, my veins were popping out as normal

instead of nearly invisible as they were at the time of donation (I'm

usually pretty vascular).

Doug

August 23, 2009

I am VERY new to this group, but just read one of the articles recommended

in the welcoming letter, and it states: " Transmission [of Lyme] may also

occur via blood transfusion. " So it certainly sounds like, to be on the

safe side and not infect anybody, you should not donate blood.

August 23, 2009

My understanding is that people who test positive for Lyme should not

give blood for the rest of their lives. The stuff lurks everywhere,

and you never know if or when it's floating around in your bloodstream.

Really: would you want to be responsible for passing what you have on

to anyone else?

Sara

On Aug 23, 2009, at 12:48 PM, littlebitcrazy2@... wrote:

> I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my

> school has blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme

> disease if i can donate blood??

> any one help

> i know the question is random but thanks for your help

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> For free up to date information about Lyme disease and the known

> co-infections delivered to your email address see:

> Robynns_Lyme_List/

>

August 23, 2009

At the Lyme conference I attended in April the well known LLMDs there said

that

they feel that B. borrelia may not survive well in blood banks. However,

they were

unsure about babesia, if would survive well in blood banks or not. Note

that it was

all conjecture. I think most people with Lyme choose not to donate due to

being

afraid of passing their usually multitude of infections to others.

On Sun, Aug 23, 2009 at 12:48 PM, littlebitcrazy2@... <

littlebitcrazy2@...> wrote:

>

> I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my school has

> blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme disease if i can donate

> blood??

> any one help

> i know the question is random but thanks for your help

>

August 23, 2009

As soon as I was diagnosed with lyme disease, I called my local blood bank

because I had been a regular donor. They said I could donate when I was

symptom-free. I let them know that I would probably never truly know if I was

lyme free, but that is not their standard, Unfortunately. they don't understand

how serious lyme disease is because they still buy the standard of care that

states that chronic lyme does not exist.

I would never donate for the rest of my life because I don't want to infect

anyone else.

Kathleen

I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my school has

blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme disease if i can donate

blood?

August 23, 2009

When I first became diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome back in 1989 I knew

in my gut that I had something else - then Chronic EBV - I decided for myself

that if there was a chance even the smallest that I would not take that chance

and I have never given blood again - I am happy that I didn't - it's a bummer

not to be able to help others with giving blood especially if all your friends

are doing it - as my friends would get pins and be honored - I honor myself for

not passing this on to anyone -

So I would say I wouldn't chance it -

Diane

________________________________

From: kmpelley <kmpelley@...>

Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 8:34:14 PM

Subject: [ ] Re: Donating Blood

As soon as I was diagnosed with lyme disease, I called my local blood bank

because I had been a regular donor. They said I could donate when I was

symptom-free. I let them know that I would probably never truly know if I was

lyme free, but that is not their standard, Unfortunately. they don't understand

how serious lyme disease is because they still buy the standard of care that

states that chronic lyme does not exist.

I would never donate for the rest of my life because I don't want to infect

anyone else.

Kathleen

I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my school has

blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme disease if i can donate

blood?

August 24, 2009

Under no circumstances should anyone with suspected or confirmed Lyme donate

blood.?? There's growing concern that tick-borne infections will find their way

into the blood supply, since so many cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.??

Kim

[ ] Donating Blood

I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my school has

blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme disease if i can donate

blood??

any one help

i know the question is random but thanks for your help

August 24, 2009

I do think it's nuts that they don't exclude people with Lyme. But when I

mentioned this fact to my husband he popped off with, " Well, if I were going to

die without a blood transfusion, Lyme would be the least of my worries. "

I seem to remember reading something along the lines of " if you've had Lyme and

been treated, then you're okay " , but can't remember where. Obviously, they're

assuming that the treatment worked... and most anyone in this group is here

because they're still having problems.

Has anyone found out for sure about organ/tissue donation? I've been marked as a

donor on my driver's license for 25 years and don't know if Lymies are

considered viable donors. (I mean according to their protocols, not from a

Lymie's perspective.)

>

> When I first became diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome back in 1989 I

knew in my gut that I had something else - then Chronic EBV - I decided for

myself that if there was a chance even the smallest that I would not take that

chance and I have never given blood again - I am happy that I didn't - it's a

bummer not to be able to help others with giving blood especially if all your

friends are doing it - as my friends would get pins and be honored - I honor

myself for not passing this on to anyone -

> So I would say I wouldn't chance it -

> Diane

>

> ________________________________

> From: kmpelley <kmpelley@...>

>

> Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 8:34:14 PM

> Subject: [ ] Re: Donating Blood

>

> As soon as I was diagnosed with lyme disease, I called my local blood bank

because I had been a regular donor. They said I could donate when I was

symptom-free. I let them know that I would probably never truly know if I was

lyme free, but that is not their standard, Unfortunately. they don't understand

how serious lyme disease is because they still buy the standard of care that

states that chronic lyme does not exist.

>

> I would never donate for the rest of my life because I don't want to infect

anyone else.

>

> Kathleen

>

> I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my school has

blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme disease if i can donate

blood?

>

August 24, 2009

If I needed a blood transfussion...Lyme would NOT have been the least of my

worries. Actually, I think it is VERY scary to think of how much of the blood

in our supply is probably sick blood. The problem with getting a blood

transfussion that is tainted with lyme, when you are dying, is that you would

have no idea that it had lyme in it. You would probably think your problems

were related to whatever caused you to get the transfussion in the first place.

You would probably not get treated or diagnossed for a long time - if ever! My

daughter was on her death bed from lyme - I would never want to complicate

someone's health issues with this disease. They would probably never get

diagnosed, thinking it was related to their primary health issues and they would

be fighting a dying battle anyway. I think we MUST educate the blood banks on

this issue.

-- In , " mamawolf33 " <vendetta33@...> wrote:

>

> I do think it's nuts that they don't exclude people with Lyme. But when I

mentioned this fact to my husband he popped off with, " Well, if I were going to

die without a blood transfusion, Lyme would be the least of my worries. "

>

> I seem to remember reading something along the lines of " if you've had Lyme

and been treated, then you're okay " , but can't remember where. Obviously,

they're assuming that the treatment worked... and most anyone in this group is

here because they're still having problems.

>

> Has anyone found out for sure about organ/tissue donation? I've been marked as

a donor on my driver's license for 25 years and don't know if Lymies are

considered viable donors. (I mean according to their protocols, not from a

Lymie's perspective.)

>

> >

> > When I first became diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome back in 1989 I

knew in my gut that I had something else - then Chronic EBV - I decided for

myself that if there was a chance even the smallest that I would not take that

chance and I have never given blood again - I am happy that I didn't - it's a

bummer not to be able to help others with giving blood especially if all your

friends are doing it - as my friends would get pins and be honored - I honor

myself for not passing this on to anyone -

> > So I would say I wouldn't chance it -

> > Diane

> >

> > ________________________________

> > From: kmpelley <kmpelley@>

> >

> > Sent: Sunday, August 23, 2009 8:34:14 PM

> > Subject: [ ] Re: Donating Blood

> >

> > As soon as I was diagnosed with lyme disease, I called my local blood bank

because I had been a regular donor. They said I could donate when I was

symptom-free. I let them know that I would probably never truly know if I was

lyme free, but that is not their standard, Unfortunately. they don't understand

how serious lyme disease is because they still buy the standard of care that

states that chronic lyme does not exist.

> >

> > I would never donate for the rest of my life because I don't want to infect

anyone else.

> >

> > Kathleen

> >

> > I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and my school has

blood drives and i was wondering if me having lyme disease if i can donate

blood?

> >

August 24, 2009

The red cross turned me down as a blood donor. There seemed to be a lot of

confusion about Lyme, and they seemed to differentiate between chronic and acute

Lyme. I was finally told that unless I had been off of antibiotics and symptom

free for a year they wouldn't take me. I was actually kind of relieved for two

reasons: one I am still so badly fatigued I was not eager to give blood, and two

I was afraid of being contagious. However I had let myself be talked into

going by a rather gung-ho friend. Turned out he was not able to give blood

either (for different reasons). But we managed to spend most of a day there

waiting and talking about it. At any rate the red cross is at least minimally

aware of the issue.

________________________________

From: mamawolf33 <vendetta33@...>

Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 10:45:35 AM

Subject: [ ] Re: Donating Blood

I do think it's nuts that they don't exclude people with Lyme. But when I

mentioned this fact to my husband he popped off with, " Well, if I were going to

die without a blood transfusion, Lyme would be the least of my worries. "

I seem to remember reading something along the lines of " if you've had Lyme and

been treated, then you're okay " , but can't remember where. Obviously, they're

assuming that the treatment worked... and most anyone in this group is here

because they're still having problems.

Has anyone found out for sure about organ/tissue donation? I've been marked as a

donor on my driver's license for 25 years and don't know if Lymies are

considered viable donors. (I mean according to their protocols, not from a

Lymie's perspective. )

August 24, 2009

You can, but please don't!!!!

> [ ] Donating Blood

>

> I was just diagnosed with lymes disease about a month ago and

> my school has blood drives and i was wondering if me having

> lyme disease if i can donate blood??

> any one help

> i know the question is random but thanks for your help

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> For free up to date information about Lyme disease and the known

> co-infections delivered to your email address see:

> Robynns_Lyme_List/

>

August 25, 2009

Just to be clear: he merely meant that being alive is better than being dead.

It is horrible how tainted our blood supply is, though we'll never know how bad.

Looking at some of the people going into the local Plasma donation center, I

actually get creeped out. Since they pay for plasma, there's less altruism

involved.

DOES anyone know about organ donation protocols in regards to Lyme? I'd hope

they've got more stringent criteria than the blood folks...

> >

> > I do think it's nuts that they don't exclude people with Lyme. But when I

mentioned this fact to my husband he popped off with, " Well, if I were going to

die without a blood transfusion, Lyme would be the least of my worries. "

> >

August 26, 2009

Actually, some of the people going into plasma centers may look sketchy, but

they have to pass A LOT of strict guidelines and tests to donate. Both me,

my husband, and best friend donated twice a week for about six months this

year. Money has been very tight for our family, and it has literally been

paying the bills. My husband still goes, but I stopped just before my tick

bite, as I was pregnant. I recently lost the baby (and have Lyme) so I can't

donate anymore. We were in there a lot, and saw first hand all the strict

guidelines. They do a complete physical ever six months. They also do random

blood tests that screen for a number of different things. They also monitor

temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and two other factors in your blood that

they test for EVERY time you go to donate. My friend had been deferred many

times because her pulse was too high. I had been deferred for low blood

pressure that doesn't meet the criteria to donate. I've also seen them turn

people away who looked pretty dirty, and just overall lacked hygiene. And

they also need your SS number for identification, although the money you

receive is not taxable. They also require two proofs of residency, so that

they don't have random people from out of town donating. It also keeps the

homeless from being able to donate also.So you may see sketchy people going

into plasma donation centers, but I doubt they are able to donate. The

centers are businesses that make money and pay you money for your " product, "

but they are strictly regulated by the FDA and other organizations. They do

take strict care in who they let donate.

August 26, 2009

-We may not look sick but we know damn well we are and sould NOT donate our

blood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Merlyn

-- In , Norrick <Little3Duck@...> wrote:

>

> Actually, some of the people going into plasma centers may look sketchy, but

> they have to pass A LOT of strict guidelines and tests to donate. Both me,

> my husband, and best friend donated twice a week for about six months this

> year. Money has been very tight for our family, and it has literally been

> paying the bills. My husband still goes, but I stopped just before my tick

> bite, as I was pregnant. I recently lost the baby (and have Lyme) so I can't

> donate anymore. We were in there a lot, and saw first hand all the strict

> guidelines. They do a complete physical ever six months. They also do random

> blood tests that screen for a number of different things. They also monitor

> temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and two other factors in your blood that

> they test for EVERY time you go to donate. My friend had been deferred many

> times because her pulse was too high. I had been deferred for low blood

> pressure that doesn't meet the criteria to donate. I've also seen them turn

> people away who looked pretty dirty, and just overall lacked hygiene. And

> they also need your SS number for identification, although the money you

> receive is not taxable. They also require two proofs of residency, so that

> they don't have random people from out of town donating. It also keeps the

> homeless from being able to donate also.So you may see sketchy people going

> into plasma donation centers, but I doubt they are able to donate. The

> centers are businesses that make money and pay you money for your " product, "

> but they are strictly regulated by the FDA and other organizations. They do

> take strict care in who they let donate.

>

August 28, 2009

I didn't mean to offend, .

I was referring to the folks I met when I was down-and-out, managing a motel in

a seedy neighborhood. The people who were donating plasma (at least, the ones

who told me they were) were quite obviously doing hard drugs. When I was a

teenager, my pot-head cousin donated all the time to get money for the pot.

These people were not merely attempting, but managing to donate regularly.

As with those Lyme disease, it seems that people doing drugs can skirt those

strict guidelines and do it anyway. From my personal observations, not just a

quick judgement.

At any rate, that did sound like a blanket statement, and I apologize; I really

didn't mean it that way. If it weren't for Lyme, I'd probably try it myself...

our finances are pretty damn screwed.