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Giving Blood

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/18/2008 4:08 PM (GMT -7)
I've never asked my doctor this but do any of you know if it is a good idea for people with our condition to give blood, or is this a health threat?
Posted 8/18/2008 4:48 PM (GMT -7)
I gave blood last spring and did not have any problems. I told the nurse I had IBD and was currently under control with Canasa. I wouldn't do it if flaring of course.
Posted 8/18/2008 4:52 PM (GMT -7)
I believe they won't take it if you're on steroids, immunosuppressants or biologicals, but I'm not sure. Otherwise, if you're not anemic, it should be okay.
Posted 8/18/2008 6:05 PM (GMT -7)
I am currently on steroids. How does this affect the blood that you donate? If I am flaring and having ~10 bowel movements a day with some blood would you recommend still giving? Even at my worst (when I had to go the ER and had lots of blood in every BM) I have never been anemic, but am worried that if I do give blood I could potentially make myself anemic. Any more advice?
Posted 8/18/2008 6:11 PM (GMT -7)
I think blood donation was discussed in a thread last yr. The consensus was that IBDers should not donate & some members reported being told that definitively at the blood bank. It has to do with antibody profiles. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)
Posted 8/18/2008 6:25 PM (GMT -7)
The blood bank won't take your blood if you are on steroids. They don't want to transfuse someone having surgery or with a massive injury with blood that would make them more likely to get infections. Thus, no steroids, immunosuppressants or biologicals - for the sake of the potential recipients.
Posted 8/18/2008 6:41 PM (GMT -7)
Judy-- it wasn't because of the meds members were on. The gist of the thread was that IBDers have different antibody profiles than the general public and should not donate for that reason. I think Loneylane commented at the time-- so maybe she'll see this repeat topic & clarify. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])
Posted 8/18/2008 7:57 PM (GMT -7)
Yep, Old Hat is right. Some blood banks won't take IBDers even if they're in remission, others will take us only if we're in remission.

Here is a link to that old thread: https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=988776
Another site that says some banks do not accept IBDers: http://www.cbbsweb.org/enf/2002/donor_immunedis.html
Posted 8/19/2008 12:31 AM (GMT -7)
I have been told before i cant give blood because of my condition, i didnt even ask about the meds..no point if they already said no, right ?
Posted 8/19/2008 3:12 AM (GMT -7)
I too was told I could not give blood. They didn't even ask about my meds, just knowing I had UC was enough.

Posted 8/19/2008 4:18 AM (GMT -7)
I donate regularly.

The American Red Cross BLOOD DONATION ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES (http://www.redcross.org/services/biomed/0,1082,0_557_,00.html#chr) state:

"Chronic Illnesses
Most chronic illnesses are acceptable as long as you feel well, the condition is under good control, you have an adequate hemoglobin level and your temperature is normal when you come to donate, and you meet all other eligibility requirements."

The first time I donated, I told them that I have UC and they said that it was ok to donate.
Posted 8/19/2008 4:27 AM (GMT -7)
Last spring Bratcat was eligible to donate blood as long as she was not in a flare (she was confused ).  I called the phone number that was one of our old donor sheets and spoke directly to them. She was on asacol and 6-mp at the time and that was fine. The blood center did tell me that if she went and had trouble, to tell the donation site to call the main number to speak verify eligibility.
Posted 8/19/2008 5:01 AM (GMT -7)
That's very noble of you to want to donate blood. I can't donate unfortunately. :( Not because of UC but because of my rare blood type. Their reasoning is that if I was to get into an accident on the way home that not many blood banks have my type of blood if I was to need it. But call up your local center and see if they will take you if you truly want to give.
Posted 8/19/2008 5:25 AM (GMT -7)
Just wanted to say to those that donate....I think it is an amazing thing you are doing! My hubby has some crazy rare blood type and he gives as often as they allow him too. I am under the weight requirement so I don't give.
Posted 8/19/2008 6:07 AM (GMT -7)
Last time I tried to donate, they would not let me because of the UC. I've never tried since then.
Posted 8/19/2008 6:17 AM (GMT -7)
They stopped taking my blood before I was diagnosed with UC because of my arthritis medication.

Seems some blood banks are more cautious than others, eh?
Posted 8/19/2008 9:38 AM (GMT -7)
The bottom line is who would (knowlingly) want to be transfused with blood from a person who has questionable antibodies due to an incurable medical condition? / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)

Posted 8/19/2008 10:02 AM (GMT -7)
this is interesting information. . .I'm anemic so I got the big red NO and never even got to the "I have UC" questions. Good to know if by some miracle I do get the anemia under control that I still have to check because of the UC.
Posted 8/19/2008 4:22 PM (GMT -7)
Ya I don't think I can. Not only because of the meds but because I had a blood infusion about 2 years ago.They tend to frown upon people who are sick anyway. Besides its way more fun to be a vampire. *.*
Posted 8/19/2008 5:59 PM (GMT -7)
Oh Lord. I just remembered from reading this post that I did donate BEFORE--like 2 months before--being diagnosed. I do feel bad that someone might have received my blood. That was a year and half ago. I never realized this about giving blood. Interesting post!
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