Donating Blood After Surgery?

[Tigger&Belle]

I had my gallbladder out a month ago and want to donate blood...I don't see anything on the American Red Cross site about blood donation after surgery, so I assume there are no restrictions about it, but does anyone here know for sure? I don't want to get there and then find out I can't give.

I know, I know, I'm sure there is a number on the site that I can call, but you all are more fun. And you all can tell blood donation jokes.

 

[blue_river]

I had my gallbladder out a month ago and want to donate blood...I don't see anything on the American Red Cross site about blood donation after surgery, so I assume there are no restrictions about it, but does anyone here know for sure? I don't want to get there and then find out I can't give.

I know, I know, I'm sure there is a number on the site that I can call, but you all are more fun. And you all can tell blood donation jokes.

I have no idea Tig. The last two times I donated blood I fainted. The first time I was on my way back to work and passed right out on the elevator floor. Totally embarrassing.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I have no idea Tig. The last two times I donated blood I fainted. The first time I was on my way back to work and passed right out on the elevator floor. Totally embarrassing.

I only fainted once. I was in college and it was when I was still on the table, but I hadn't eaten breakfast and I'm sure barely made the weight limit.

I'm surprised that I don't have a problem now since my blood pressure is so low, but I'm fine. I usually go in with my DH and I like it when they start drawing our blood at the same time because we then race (EVERYTHING with me is a competition....well, most everything ). I usually finish in record time. Yes, I'm strange.

 

[blue_river]

I only fainted once. I was in college and it was when I was still on the table, but I hadn't eaten breakfast and I'm sure barely made the weight limit.

I'm surprised that I don't have a problem now since my blood pressure is so low, but I'm fine. I usually go in with my DH and I like it when they start drawing our blood at the same time because we then race (EVERYTHING with me is a competition....well, most everything ). I usually finish in record time. Yes, I'm strange.

okay...you said it, not me

 

[It's A Happy Day]

I had my gallbladder out a month ago and want to donate blood...I don't see anything on the American Red Cross site about blood donation after surgery, so I assume there are no restrictions about it, but does anyone here know for sure? I don't want to get there and then find out I can't give.

I know, I know, I'm sure there is a number on the site that I can call, but you all are more fun. And you all can tell blood donation jokes.

They do list 3 days after oral surgery so I would guess that other surgeries would also apply to that rule. It does list separately that if you were transfused you have to wait 12 months.

 

[Caropooh]

You would think there would be some sort of waiting period, but i don't see anything listed. I know there are restrictions to being on some medications, but even that doesn't have much listed. I would call the local blood center and find out.

 

[VickiV]

While the Red Cross may not have many guidelines, your doctor might. Call your doctor to see if it's ok.

There are limitations for different kinds of surgeries. I found that out through my doctor last year after a surgery.

Nice of you to think to donate blood. I have had two surgeries in a year and it has been comforting to know that blood was available if I needed it.

 

[FigmentGuy]

They do list 3 days after oral surgery so I would guess that other surgeries would also apply to that rule. It does list separately that if you were transfused you have to wait 12 months.

I'm a lab tech (we are the ones who crossmatch the units of blood for transfussion) and I think you will be fine. (lab techs also do all that labwork your doctor orders for your blood draws, swab cultures etc. Many think doctors do the lab work so I had to give us Med Techs a "plug" on the Disboards) LOL

"3 days post oral surgery" because your mouth is loaded with normal bacteria. Your mouth is very venous and opening any kind of a vein allows for bacteria to go flying into your blood stream. 3 days post oral surgery if your going to have a 'blood infection' it would of set in by then. So after 3 days your safe.

As far as your surgery is concerned if you were not transfused blood during your gall bladder removal then you will be fine. Upon receiving blood your body is exposed to many antigens of the donors blood. SO they dont want to take your blood an put it into somebody else until they know your transfusion didn't cause any hidden antibodies or diseases.

As long as you meet all the physical requirments, I think you will pass all the "did you, have you" questions just fine. Good luck on donating blood!!! I hope its painless. Your doing a great thing.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Thanks FigmentGuy! Donating is a piece of cake. And of course I get my cookies and bottle of water. I'm so easily impressed.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I had my gallbladder out a month ago and want to donate blood...I don't see anything on the American Red Cross site about blood donation after surgery, so I assume there are no restrictions about it, but does anyone here know for sure? I don't want to get there and then find out I can't give.

I know, I know, I'm sure there is a number on the site that I can call, but you all are more fun. And you all can tell blood donation jokes.

You have to wait post surgery to give blood. Also you can donate to the Red Cross on blood drive days so you would need to contact your local office.
Also in the future if you have to have surgery again (which I hope you don't) most hospitals allow you to donate your own blood before your procedue in case you would need to be transfused.

 

[Sir Real]

There are different waiting periods depending on the type of surgery. I had knee surgery last year and had to wait 3 months (Central Indiana Regional Blood Center rules) before they wouldallow me to donate again. I would think you'd have a similar wait time for your surgery. I would call them and ask.

 

[Princess89]

I had my gallbladder out a month ago and want to donate blood...I don't see anything on the American Red Cross site about blood donation after surgery, so I assume there are no restrictions about it, but does anyone here know for sure? I don't want to get there and then find out I can't give.

I know, I know, I'm sure there is a number on the site that I can call, but you all are more fun. And you all can tell blood donation jokes.

This is what I found about surgery

Surgery (all): can donate after healed and released from physician care.

And here is the site: http://www.bloodbook.com/donr-requir.html

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Hmmm, I guess I need to contact the Red Cross and my surgeon... Maybe I should bump my thread about my phone fears... I'm fine being stuck by a needle, and having them take my blood, but making a phone call, much less two of them? Crap on a cracker...how long will I procrastinate this one?

 

[FigmentGuy]

Hmmm, I guess I need to contact the Red Cross and my surgeon... Maybe I should bump my thread about my phone fears... I'm fine being stuck by a needle, and having them take my blood, but making a phone call, much less two of them? Crap on a cracker...how long will I procrastinate this one?

I have a huge fear of phone calls with strangers also. I get nervous calling the CRO. hehehehehe Its weird how a fears work out huh?

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I have a huge fear of phone calls with strangers also. I get nervous calling the CRO. hehehehehe Its weird how a fears work out huh?

Yes it is and just when I thought it was getting better it's going the other direction.

 

[FigmentGuy]

Yes it is and just when I thought it was getting better it's going the other direction.

I'm actually on the phone right now. Nervous. So while I get the "your call is important, please hold *jazz music here*" I just surf the boards at the same time to comfort me. LOL I guess its my security blanket?? I'm calling in regards to a $300 rebate. So I think its worth it. I just got off the phone. "the check should be mailed out with the next batch". I've only been watining since spring of 06. I want my monies!!!!!! (putting towards my park tickets for november) LOL

 

[Tigger&Belle]

One of the PMS thread people (I've never talked to her before) just called me and since I didn't have her number in my cell, her name didn't come up on the caller ID. I did answer the phone, BTW, but funny that she called right after I wrote what I did to you. Maybe she was reading the thread.

 

[tinaluis]

I had to wait six weeks after having a c-section in 2001. Don't know if the rules have changed since then.

 

[mickeyboat]

I had to wait until my stitches were out when I got a mole removed from my nose.

How's that for help?

I always donate at my local hospital. The blood is used there, and I can make an appointment.

Good luck with your phone call!

Denae

 

[mickeyfan2]

I usually go in with my DH and I like it when they start drawing our blood at the same time because we then race (EVERYTHING with me is a competition....well, most everything ). I usually finish in record time. Yes, I'm strange.

Do you race in everything that you do together?