Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Blood donor

Hi Shane,

That was not meant to make you feel silly at all. I was serious. Some people have a tendency to faint while having their blood drawn and it is nothing you have control over. It is like when the dr. knocks you knee with the little rubber hammer to test your reflex. Your leg will kick out as a reaction and you have no control over it. It is just the way it is. It has nothing to do with masculinity or control. And I was not trying to come across as making you feel silly. Sorry if that is how it sounded.
Also do try to eat before your blood test. It is possible that your blood sugar was on the low side and the blood loss just hit you wrong. All that aside you should try to warn the technician that you have fainted previous times and hope she lies you down. As I said before then you will not faint. And you will feel much better after the test is over. Just a suggestion. Try it next time and let me know how it goes. Take care.

Deborah

Deborah - I was just kidding. I'm happy to tell the world I fainted during a blood test.




Can't help but feel a little silly though. you know how us men are. I will have to be more prepared next time. I guess I'll be getting a few more blood tests in time to come.

Thanks for your advice.

Shane

Well, as for no meds in your system, I have to dissagree. I have still donated several times. I let them know what meds I am on and it hasn't ever been a problem, except for the fact I can't always donate because of low iron levels. I have never been rejected for any of the medications I have been on. Well, that's just my input.

Blessings all
Sarah

Oh I love the cartoon !!!

Sal

Hey, SarahJane, not sure if you've read the entire thread or not, so if I'm saying something you've already read, well, ignore me.

Anyway, the reason we aren't supposed to donate is actually because nobody knows what causes AS, and until they do, they're afraid we'll pass it on in the blood somehow. The meds are secondary to that, based on what I was told.



Hugs,

Kat

I have donated several times since I was diagnosed. I have been on Indocin, Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra ( not all and the same time) and have never been rejected. I am also anemic and have passed their test, I have no idea how. I have not donated in about six months since my dr told me I was anemic and put me on iron.

Hi Shari,

I think different countries have different rules they follow for donors. But what if the person who received you blood was allergic to the medications you are taking while donating? Or do they make a note of it and check allergies before giving it to someone? Just curious.

Hi! I have found this discussion most interesting. I have always believed that there wouldn't be a problem with organ donation. (I occasionally have a problem with giving blood cause I'm not very big and you have to weigh at least 120 lbs. and often I weigh less than that - especially now with all these new diet restrictions - you know the NFD no food diet) that goes along with the NSD and LSD...) I called the local blood bank here in Denver and am now waiting for a doctor to call me back with information. Apparently in the US, there are local restrictions and national restrictions. The woman that took my call did ask about medications...I'll let you know what the word is here when I get a call. I am going to be very disappointed if I find out that I'm on a no-take list. The thought of burying or cremating organs riles me.

Hi! I just got a phone call from a very nice doctor that explained that their particular blood clinic (Bonfils in Denver) will take AS blood but a person would need to let them know what medications they are on. Apparently the meds are a big problem because they interfere with platelet activity. Also if you are in a flare or have other organ damage they would probably discourage you if they thought that it would create a problem to your own health (I guess they try to cut back on people getting sicker while trying to help someone else get healthy). As for the organ donation, he said to go ahead and plan to donate. Family members could inform the hospital of drugs and diseases at the time. They probably have to do that anyway. Well, this is just one clinic in Denver but it made me feel hopeful at least. - McMom