PDA

View Full Version : Question for the adults about donating blood


Lifeisgood
01-06-2012, 11:46 PM
Hi Everyone,
Back in the day before I had chronic UTI's and had to cath, I used to donate blood regularly. Then when I went on prophylactic antibiotics, I was told I could not donate because the antibiotics could mask certain infections and they would not know for sure if my blood was safe to give to someone else. Well, I am off antibiotics and doing well. I would love to start donating again, but now that I cath, there is always bacteria in my urine (even when I feel well). Does anyone else who caths and has bacteria in their urine as a result donate blood? I am particularly interested in hearing from Americans because each country has their own standards, but I am open to hearing from people outside the US too!

misty
01-07-2012, 02:59 AM
I donate blood regularly. Everyone at the place I donate knows I cath too, because I'm a patient there. It seems to be no big deal.

jellolegs23
01-07-2012, 03:35 AM
As long as you are not on any current treatment for infections or have any other medical conditions that affect the quality of your blood then I see no reason why you can't donate.

Dodger67
01-07-2012, 08:00 AM
Just tell them all the meds you are on then as long as you are healthy there should be no problem. I donated my 50th unit just before my heart valve problem showed up, as I'm now on warfarin for life I'm no longer allowed to give blood.

Lifeisgood
01-07-2012, 06:55 PM
Thanks guys! You all rock! :)

angel
01-08-2012, 02:49 AM
I have always been willing to donate blood however I haven't been allowed to. Apparently you must weigh at least 110 pounds. I don't. I can only assume at my size I can't spare a pint of blood. No other reason really makes any sense.

Angel