No longer able to donate blood

[KiwinLondon]

Hi,

I've just had an implantable loop recorder inserted to measure Long QT Syndrome. An unexpected consequence is that I'm no longer able to donate blood, which I've done for many years, and is important as I have a rare blood type. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[Vegart]

I am disappointed for you, KiwinLondon, because I, too, am no longer allowed to donate blood, having had a Coronary Artery Bypass Operation. I would have like to have been able to carry on till I had reached 70.

[ChoochSiesta in reply to Vegart]

Were you given any reasons? Are there concerns about your blood or the effects on you?

[Alison_L]

I was told it was because of the raft of drugs I’m taking 😢

[Vegart]

The UK Blood & Transplant Service did not give to me an explanation. I think that it could be because during the operation I was given an infusion of platelets, and my blood was channeled through a machine, with all the risks of contamination.

[fishonabike]

nowadays there are so many reasons for excluding potential donors that the service is having increasing problem recruiting donors - but this is necessary to prevent the risk of recipients suffering late effects which might or might not be fully understood now

remember all the people with haemophilia who were given blood products years ago and later developed HIV, Hepatitis C etc - many died as a result others suffered lifelong problems

celebrate the fact that you have been able to do so much for others when you could

[Beatles1956]

I had to stop giving when I was put on Losartan many years ago. Disappointing, as I had been a donor for many years.☹️

[KiwinLondon]

Thanks everyone for the kind replies. I've contacted them this morning to confirm their decision. I'm not on any medication and it was minor surgery which according to their website shouldn't make me ineligible to donate. Thanks again, everyone.

[Pyowacket]

I also have long qt and routinely donated as my blood is CMV negative, so good for premature babies and transplant patients. I spoke to the blood donor helpline, and it is the medication that stopped me from donating.

[KiwinLondon in reply to Pyowacket]

Thanks for the rely, I donate as I'm a rare blood type (B-), and am not on meds so would like to continue as well.