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Donating blood

Posted , 9 users are following.

stephanie78397
stephanie78397

I just read that people with cfs can't donate blood. Does anyone know if this is true or not?

0 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

  • caitlin39841
    caitlin39841 stephanie78397

    Posted

    WOW, that's  new to me. if it's true, it shows how ignorant the general public and professionals are in respect of ME/CFS.  on the other hand, however, it might a consideration to those with ME/CFS as it's understood how depleted this cohort of people are. however, I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

  • KPD
    KPD stephanie78397

    Posted

    I've never heard that before, either. Most medical professionals do not even recognize CFS/ME as a physical disease here in the U.S. Most think it is emotional or psychological.  Maybe it is different in other parts of the country. KPD

  • wknight
    wknight stephanie78397

    Posted

    Check their web site and you cannot give blood with Cfs so save yourself a trip 
    • emily71446
      emily71446 stephanie78397

      Posted

      I think the reason why is because they don't fully understand the illness and what causes it. You also usually need to be fit and healthy to donate blood, hope this helps 

    • debi67304
      debi67304 emily71446

      Posted

      I was told this a long while ago,yes.I use that info when discussing M.E. with doubters. If it is all in the mind, then why might people be at risk from our blood ? I can only assume that their is more credence to it being viral damage and /or transmittable, than the N.I.C.E guidlines indicate.
    • stephanie78397
      stephanie78397 debi67304

      Posted

      Yes I've been reading a lot about it. It kinda makes me worried. I really hope its not transportable.

  • joanne71205
    joanne71205 stephanie78397

    Posted

    Yes, same in the U.K. I had to give up as soon as I was diagnosed with post viral fatigue. It is listed on NHS/Blood donation website as one of the conditions which precludes donation.
    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 joanne71205

      Posted

      Thanks for that info. Joanne. I wasn't aware of that.

      I gave up giving blood some time ago as I could never get my Hemoglobin above 10 and eventually they refused to take anymore blood from me.

    • KPD
      KPD joanne71205

      Posted

      Yes Joanne. Thanks for the information. This is news to me! I'd never read or heard of this before. KPD

  • susan556
    susan556 stephanie78397

    Posted

    Well see this on google and this was 2010!  Thing is if you cant give blood then arnt they admitting it could be transferable then ? or is is this just to protect the person with the cfs, Cant see the connection with how donating your blood would harm you, maybe its to much of a shock on the immune system or something?

    ME patients face UK ban on donating blood. Patients with ME will no longer be able to donate blood in the UK under new safety guidelines. Officials say the ban, starting on 1 November, is designed to protect the health of people with ME - also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.8 Oct 2010

     

  • stephanie78397
    stephanie78397

    Posted

    Thanks to everyone for your replies. I called our red cross and after being on hold for 10 mins and transferred to a couple different people they said I could if i didn't show symptoms. I wasn't looking to donate just thought it was "odd" that having something that most people think isn't real that they wouldn't allow our blood.

    Have a wonderful day to all!

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 stephanie78397

      Posted

      Stephanie: you had me in howls of laughter with comment: ''just thought it was "odd" that having something that most people think isn't real that they wouldn't allow our blood''.

       heck non- believers should be forced to have ME/CFS for just ONE day and they'd know how bldy. REAL it is.   LOL....................

    • susan556
      susan556 caitlin39841

      Posted

      Yes Caitlin, as you say none believers should be made to have  ME/CFS for just ONE day and they'd know how  painful and  real  it is.   LOL. especially some of those who work in the dwp and those assessors for the PIP who often fail to appreciate the severity of this horrible affliction and the way it makes us feel. im often told well you look really well! arrr

    • stephanie78397
      stephanie78397 susan556

      Posted

      So true! But for some reason I look "sick" the other day someone said I look like i have 2 black eyes. So then I get to hear how tired they are....i just want to SCREAM!!!!!!!I've learned to not say anything. Lol but they can donate blood when they are tired.

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 susan556

      Posted

      Susan, I suggest that last 2 groups of people you mention should have it for a year - wicked I know, but heck, when all your days are like an eternity in hell & they interrogate you and imply  ''you're not in much pain'', or/and your ''cognitive facility is OK'' and you lived a full and healthy life until this condition took over etc. etc think they may change their worn out tune rather quickly..

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