Donating blood?

With all of the medications we are on, can we donate blood? Especially remicade patients - that drug is put right into your bloodstream. So does that mean you cannot give blood?

Just a random question as my coworkers are currently talking about it, lol.

I couldn't give blood in the past because I was under 115lbs and then when I gained weight they wouldn't take my blood because I have a rare blood type (AB- with RH-factor)...this was several years ago btw and their methods and guidelines have changed with rare blood types.....and now that I am on 6mp they definately won't take my blood! lol So I just gave up. But if I am not mistaken, if you are on only maintenance meds such as Asacol, Colazal, Pentasa etc that they will take your blood. But you can go to the red cross website to see the exact specifics of what they will and will not accept.

I have given blood a ton since being diagnosed. None of my meds were listed on the sheet they make you read so I doubt its a problem. If you are still curious about it though I'm sure the Red Cross has info about it on their website.

I never have been able to donate blood. My veins are too small.

I've given a lot of blood to the toilet though.

Years ago I went to donate blood just for myself because I was having surgery and they said I could not donate because I have ulcerative colitis and there is always the inflammation process going on, but why I couldn't donate it for my own surgery I was unclear, other than maybe the blood gets more toxins over time...thought that was interesting, that was here in California...Molly

I'm too skinny and anemic to give blood. I doubt they would want mine.

I have been suffering with UC for years, I've been in a flare for almost 3 yrs they can't get it under control! But What am I missing, why would you want to give blood when you have this disease, I feel so unwell that the last thing I feel like doing is having blood taken even for more tests! Would you want someone's blood who had this disease??

Interesting old post. I'm always getting poked with needles for blood monitoring of 6mp, and my regular remicade infusions. Enough needles as it is, so no, I wouldn't donate my blood. It's mine an I'm keeping it

It's so odd for me to see my old posts lol but it hasn't changed. Unless I did I body swap???? Meds have changed but my blood hasn't. Either way, unless I was anemic, I would still love to give blood but unless the guidelines have changed, they still wouldn't take my blood due to Remicade.

Canadian blood services specifically lists crohns as making a person ineligible (doesn't give specific reading) but makes no mention of UC. I'd be curious to hear their reason for exclusion? I figure since I'm "indeterminant" I wouldn't be accepted.

Eph said...
I've donated every 56 days for 25 years. Only turned away once when I was in a bad flare and my iron level was low.

interesting - i was a pretty regular giver until uc - or was it when i went vegan and couldn't eat the tuna & cheese sandwiches ? and still can't eat them now cuz of the gluten thing - grrrrr

guess maybe i should see what the current menu looks like -

irregardless, i'm surprised you could give Eph man - good for you -

don't know anymore SN - it's been a very long time since i gave a pint of my finest brew - guess it's time to find out -

Yeah, lots of people can't really donate, can they? And it's not their fault.
I had a wretched time getting an endoscopy just because they couldn't get a vein. They kept slapping my arm and hand and I hated that. Two weeks later and I still have the slightest bruise on my right arm and pain in my left hand.
Also, I'm anemic too and can't donate.