donating blood - questions.....

Okay - I have a question. I know with our dietary changes that have happened since surgery - how do we know if we'd be okay to donate blood? With all that happened in the gulf after the Hurricanei'd like to help - and this is what they are saying the need through the Red Cross now. I used to be an avid donator as a pre-op but have heard we're not supposed to donate for 6 months after any surgical procedure....is that true as well? Thoughts please!!!! Dee Dee

Hey girl! I have read somewhere (and can't remember where) that we are not to give blood... period... Now this is just something stored in the back of my brain.... but I don't have any references on it. Maybe the nutrient thing makes are blood not very desirable I imagine a quick call to the red cross or doc's office would answer this question quickly. You know Dee Dee, you are a very kind, considerate lady... alot like myself Thanks for just being you!

Dee Dee, My surgeon told me long ago, that it has to do with us malabsorbing Iron????? Our blood would end up getting tossed... Cathy

Hi DeeDee, My surgeon told me that I was not to give blood, ever. I don't remember the whys but I like Cathy's answer. I sure understand wanting to do something though to help though. Bless you. Meso

Dee Dee, I agree with Barb and Cathy about not being able to donate blood ever again. The doctor's office told me at my pre-op appointment that we should never try to donate blood. I know with the devastation that has occurred, people want to do something. I hate to admit this, but when 9/11 occurred and when the tsunami occurred, I did not donate $$, but last night I donated $$ to the Red Cross and Salvation Army to go to the relief effort in Biloxi (have family that at least lived there). Also, I heard this morning that any $$ donated at Lowe's will be matched by their corporate office $:$ up to $1M. These types of donations are probably the best ways that we can help in the relief efforts. Norma

Dr Champion told me I could not donate, ever. It takes us too long to build our iron back up. I see people all of the time talking about donating plasma, though. Apparently they take the plasma out, and put the rest back in.

Dee Dee: I was a donor pre-op also and the dr told me I could give blood 1 yr after surgery. Hope that helps and keep up the good work Mary

I asked Dr. Hart about it a few months ago and he said I should probably wait until at least a year out (which I am now). I did give once not long after surgery, not thinking about it. My iron was okay at the time (they check it before you donate) and I don't remember having any ill effects at the time. I will probably try to give soon. I'm O positive, so they can use my blood for anyone. I used to give so often that I had a permanent hole in my right arm!! Anyway, it's something I do plan to get back to doing eventually. Ann in Duluth