can i donate blood??

hi all i'm thinking about giving blood as i'm a rare blood type but wondered if i can because of the crohns?

I'm not on any meds.

Should be able to, as long as you're in reasonably good health, not anaemic, etc. But the only people who can really tell you are the ones who work at your local blood donation centre. Tell 'em you have Crohn's, not on any meds, and see what they say.

I looked into giving blood here in Ontario and found out that one of the screener questions asked is "do you have Crohn's disease?" When I phoned Canadian Blood Services' information line I was told that they ask because giving blood can "set off" someone with Crohn's (although I'm not sure if that means it can start a full-blown flare). I don't recall unfortunately whether they expressly prohibit it, or whether they just advise against giving blood.

In any case, calling the centre you're considering going to should clear up any questions.

thanks everyone i called someone today and they just said no.

I gave blood in Hawaii, but only after all the people at the blood drive had a mini conference on whether or not it was allowed.

I've tried to give blood in Canada several times and they always say no.

Maybe it's because they don't know what causes CD, so maybe they are just hedging their bets and refusing our blood just in case it can be transmitted through blood???

They might take yours because it's rare, but they'll definitely pass on my O+!

I gave blood for the longest time, we had drives at work and I'd go in and give, and ask if it was ok with Crohn's, but then I asked my GI and she said NO!!! Same as what someone said, it's not safe for someone with potential bleeding risks to give blood.

I have a pact with my dad, should he ever need blood, I'll give it to him, and I'll take his should I ever need it :) Don't know how well that would work in reality, but since we're A-related, and B-same blood type, in theory it works. Hopefully he or I will never need to recieve blood and will never have to find out. (fingers crossed!)

I was told by local blood bank that due to our D we are often dehdrayted which leads to more concentrated RBC - not an ideal donation.

If someone who has Crohn's donates blood and it ends up in someone who also has Crohn's there is a chance of it making their condition worse temporarily and may be why certain blood foundations refuse blood from people diagnosed with Crohn's.

The other factors which may affect your ability to donate blood are:
- Major surgery within the previous 12 months (Some are 18 months depending on blood foundation)
- Any form of blood transfusion within the previous 12 months
- Medications that you are on
- Current health status of your body, if you 'look' ill they have the right and ability to refuse donation

Looking into it I am not eligible for blood donation for another 8 months because I have been on an new post-trial anti-convulsant drug. You have said your not on any meds but have you been on any in the past, perhaps for a different reason?

Post Edited (PlyPencil) : 6/14/2012 2:29:19 PM (GMT-6)

I was allowed (American Red Cross), but tried during a flare and it was a huge mess. They dug around for several minutes, trying to find a vein. I almost passed out. They finally gave up and told me I could try again next time. However, being on Remicade, Imuran and Lialda, I'm thinking maybe I should just pass.