Is anyone giving blood?

[greaterexp]

I finally weigh enough to give blood and plan to set up an appointment.

Are you eligible to give? Are you considering it?

[agapepilgrim]

They don’t want my Ann blood said they could only use plasma anyways and since it takes vanity 3,sticks to hit the vein they told me not to come back. 😢

[agapepilgrim in reply to agapepilgrim]

I meantvAB- blood

[leapsnbounds in reply to agapepilgrim]

Don't feel bad. I would give blood often too and they basically told me no thank you years ago.

[jimeka]

They told me because I was anaemic I couldn’t give it, but I was on standby when my daughter was pregnant, in case she needed it, it’s nice to know that as mothers we still have our uses 😂

[rjoneslaw in reply to jimeka]

I'm anemic as well.

I was told if you have MS you couldn't give blood

[greaterexp in reply to rjoneslaw]

I've read that we can, and I've read that we can't. I'm going to clarify it when I call.

[leapsnbounds in reply to greaterexp]

Could you ask them the reason as well if the answer is no?

[greaterexp in reply to leapsnbounds]

I will let everyone know what I’m told when I can call. We are all curious!

[leapsnbounds in reply to rjoneslaw]

Me too.

[mrsmike9 in reply to jimeka]

I am also anaemic. Plus I read that Aubagio is one of the meds. you can't be on when giving. 2 strikes, I'm out!

[Peruzzot]

I'm anemic and was in Europe during the mad cow disease so I'm permanently banned from donating blood here in the US.

[elaineinqueens]

I donated 2 weeks ago. When I signed up for the appointment, there were choices of what kind of donation. I chose the red blood cells because it said it made 2 units that can be used by 2 people. There was a lot of problems because they said I was not hydrated enough, but they got it done. They said I had lot of platelets and next time I should donate that, but I would not be eligible again until summer.

[DM0329]

Hmmm. . .I thought folks with MS that were on a DMT were NOT permitted to donate blood? Did I miss something?

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to DM0329]

Depends on which DMT that you're on. When I was on Copaxone, it was deemed okay to donate blood. But now that I am on Ocrevus, I cannot. Check with your medical team, DM0329 and Keep Smiling

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

I was told that I could not donate blood because I am on Ocrevus, greaterexp Check with your healthcare professional for this as they would know best

[greaterexp in reply to carolek572]

I looked at the online criteria, but figure they have to fine tune because of health concerns and medications like DMTs. I’m calling before I set an appointment.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to greaterexp]

They know best, and you are so smart, charitable, and inspiring greaterexp

[greaterexp in reply to carolek572]

I can’t keep up with you.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to greaterexp]

I seriously doubt that, greaterexp and I have you bamboozled!

[greaterexp in reply to carolek572]

Ah, no, my dear!

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to greaterexp]

[2littletime]

I didn't think I was eligible because of meds, but now that I read all these posts, I will check with my doctor again. I am O-neg so I know if I can give, it is needed. Thanks for the info.

[pamgarner]

I think ms patients aren't eligible

[erash in reply to pamgarner]

Is that true? Why?

[pamgarner in reply to erash]

I was told the auto immune thing in our system

[elaineinqueens in reply to pamgarner]

I had checked with my neurologist and yes, MS patients can give blood. But it does depend upon which DMT you are on. I am on Copaxone, so she said it was okay. By the way I had also asked if I could be an organ donor and she said yes, so I checked that off on my license!

[greaterexp in reply to elaineinqueens]

I signed up today to give in May.

[pamgarner in reply to elaineinqueens]

thanks for the info i guess I misunderstood,i must have been on a med when i asked that i couldn't.

[StacyHayward]

I’m on too many meds. They tell me no.

[erash]

I still don’t meet the weight criteria...

I gave once when I was 20 yrs old

[leking1]

I gave many times when I was much younger...but they wouldn't take mine any more after the MS dx. They said it was both because I had MS and the meds that I took at the time. I don't weigh enough now, even if I didn't still have MS.

Good luck! Linda

[Turtlepie]

I gave blood 2 weeks before I started mavenclad. I told them I had MS and that was not a problem they said however that I could not give again till after I recover from taking the Mavenclad. I am AB+. And they really want my blood and plasma. I will tell you I didn't clear it with my doctors first but it was a last minute decision for me to do it also it was my very first time donating so I was nervous since it takes so many sticks to draw blood and start an iv.

[Lazy_dog_lover]

My sister donated last week. I am currently in the hospital for injuries from a car accident. As soon as the meds leave my system, I will go.

I don't know if whole blood, red cells or platelets are more needed. I can get paid for plasma, but they can never find a vein in my left arm.

Thank you for donating. Check their website for a list of meds that disqualifies you.

Peace.

[mrsmike9 in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

I hope you heal soon!!

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to mrsmike9]

Thank you. This will be a long ride. Right heel, both forearm bones, sternum, and ribs broken.

[mrsmike9 in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

Oh my! You're suffering from similar breaks as my friend who was hit a couple months ago. Owwww! You said only bones. I hope no internal injuries. Bones hurt a ton but time will heal them and it's not quite as scary as the internal injuries. Best wishes sent your way and I hope you heal thoroughly and quickly.

[greaterexp in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

Get better quickly!

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to greaterexp]

Thank you. This will be a long ride. Right heel, both forearm bones, sternum, and ribs broken.

[greaterexp in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

I’m so sorry.

[sashaming1]

I don't even consider it. But thanks to those who do.

[Goldilockssearching]

My BP is too low so it’s not advised but now sounds from the other responses that prob can’t anyway bc of Ocrevus and or MS 🤷‍♀️

[Hstrychick81]

I know it varies by location and medicine but when I was researching organ donation, I found out that many places won’t take MS blood because the recipient generally has no say over if they want it or not (unlike organs) and we’re still unsure of how MS is transmitted. But every place is different so ask 🙂

[ahrogers]

I used to lie about my weight when I was in my 20s because I knew they didn't have a scale there to check. One guy told me he knew I didn't weigh enough but since he couldn't prove it he took my blood. Over the years I have been turned away half of the time because my hemoglobin wasn't high enough. I was in Vegas about a year after I was diagnosed and they were having a blood drive. I asked about donating and they said no because of MS but it sounds like other donation centers might take it. Based on other posts I guess I am ineligible because I am on Ocrevus. I have A pos which is pretty common so I am not in big demand anyway. I should send my husband to donate though!

[greaterexp in reply to ahrogers]

My college microbiology instructor gave us an opportunity to boost our score by giving blood. I unfortunately gave the blood donor intake person my actual weight and was turned down. Rats!

[ahrogers in reply to greaterexp]

Shame, there should have been an alternative for those who couldn't give blood!!

[Dolf]

Is it true or just coincidence: are ms patients likely to be anaemic? And if so, does this also hold true for males? I am a male and have been anaemic for years. This all in spite of taking OTC iron supplements. My nephrologist has been puzzled by this.

[greaterexp in reply to Dolf]

That’s an interesting question. I won’t post the links I found, but there are many studies which have been done. Looks like there may be a link.

[TexasLawman]

Yes, and I do all the time.