Giving Blood

[kyra2004]

donating for you

I donated blood for my daughter. Usually like everyone else had said they dont advise you to donate your own blood. But myself and my family donated for my daughter. I felt better knowing that she was getting my blood and not a strangers. The doctor just has to write you a prescription and state how many units will be needed and then your family can contact the special donations office at your local blood bank to donate.

[Jacque's Mom]

I am donating...

Dr. Boachie wants me to donate. My surgery is December 7th so I donated my first this past Monday and have two more to go 11/15 and 11/22. It was a bit of a process finding the vein. After the blood pressure cuff was put on, it worked better, but it took forever. I don't mind donating but the vitamens that I have to take from now until the day before surgery really upsets my stomach. All the medications I'm on have zero side effects, but these vitamens do a job on me. I hope I don't need the transfusions, even though I am paying close to $450 for the processing. I would imagine it goes into the blood bank? Best of luck to all, LYNN

[golfnut]

It seems odd that you have to pay $450 for the processing. If you don't need your own blood, wouldn't it just go into the blood bank? I guess I'll see what Dr. Lenke says on Wed. I'm sure hoping that I don't have to donate my own blood. Dr. Lenke's nurse talked about setting up a schedule for donating, but I'm hoping that's because she thinks I want to donate.

[jennilynn]

Fees to donate

My daughter's daughter wants her to donate once; and then her dad and I do so as well. He said he'll use hers first, then ours.

The blood bank can only use the blood within 28 days of donation. Several days waste during the processing of it... I know if insurance doesn't cover it in San Diego, they charge $325 for her to donate for herself. I can have up to 10 people donate for her and it's a $55 charge for our "file" set up fee. I think they charge because it's not for the "general use"; and they have to cover their lab testing fees in case the blood can't be used by the "expiration date" after her surgery. Here's to hoping she won't need it!

Surgery is 12/13, she's 12 and scared!!

[Susie*Bee]

Why do you have to pay? I did mine through the American Red Cross and there was no charge... That seems really strange that there would be a processing fee. And that seems really steep!

And no, I know it doesn't go into the blood bank. It's for your use only.

[LaurieAnne]

Hi all,

Originally I was hoping I could donate my own blood for surgery but Dr. Lenke basically said "No" without saying that exact word. In his opinion a MAJOR contributing factor to infection is people donating their own blood because it wears down the immune system and your body's reserves leaving you vulnerable. He said he truly believes this is why he hasn't had a patient develop an infection in a very long time. Once he explained that I felt better about getting donations from others though I would still prefer it be from my family members if possible. Just something to think about ~ hope it helps

[fashionista]

Dr. Boachie wants me to donate. My surgery is December 7th so I donated my first this past Monday and have two more to go 11/15 and 11/22. It was a bit of a process finding the vein. After the blood pressure cuff was put on, it worked better, but it took forever. I don't mind donating but the vitamens that I have to take from now until the day before surgery really upsets my stomach. All the medications I'm on have zero side effects, but these vitamens do a job on me. I hope I don't need the transfusions, even though I am paying close to $450 for the processing. I would imagine it goes into the blood bank? Best of luck to all, LYNN

What are the vitamins and which brand are you taking? I'm thinking to donate my own blood as well.

[jrnyc]

hi jennilynn
your poor little girl...i feel so bad for her!

i am sure she'll be fine, but would expect she's really scared...it is such a scary prospect!

just in case the surgeon's reassurances aren't enough...you could ask for a hospital social worker or psychologist for her to talk to, just to have a place to express her fears, other than to her mother...

she will be in my thoughts and prayers until she's recovered, playing and running and just being a child again...

best regards
jess

[Jacque's Mom]

What are the vitamins and which brand are you taking? I'm thinking to donate my own blood as well.
_______________________________________________
This is what I'm taking, per Dr. Boachie's instructions:
1. Ferrous Sulfate - 325 mg. - 3 x's day
2. Vitamin C - 250 mg. - 3 x's day
3. Folic Acid - 1 mg. - once daily (was by prescription)

My stomach has gotten used to them. I started taking the vitamins on 11/4, since I had to start taking them five days prior to my first donation. I was instructed to go to the New York Blood Center and being charged $147.80 per unit. My veins are so small that it takes a while to find it and also slow donating. Other than that, I've had no problem at all.

Good luck! LYNN

[KathK]

Vitamin C?

Hi Lynn,
Were you instructed to stop taking vitamin C two weeks prior to your surgery? I was told to stop vitamin C for two weeks prior to surgery as it can increase bleeding. It was a bit tricky as C is added to many drinks like Propel and even the iced green tea that I drank. I cut back to just water, coffee, and milk.

[backissues]

What about the general vitamins that include vitamin C? Should I stop taking those as well because they have vitamin C? Did anyone say anything about that?

I haven't been to my pre-op yet so I don't know what the drs will say.

[KathK]

Hi Irene,

My instructions were to stop "vitamins E & C or multivitamins" two weeks prior to surgery. (I just went and looked at the instruction sheet .) It also said to stop iron supplements.

[Jacque's Mom]

KathyK - this is what the note from Dr. Boachie's reads:

"These medications should begin five days before the first appointment and please continue taking all of them until the day of your surgery".

I'm wondering why there is such a difference between surgeons. I'm curious to know if anyone that had Dr. Boachie as their surgeon had the same or different instructions. Thanks, LYNN

[golfnut]

I just saw Dr. Lenke and Kelly today for my pre-op testing and neither said anything about stopping Vitamin C or multi vitamins. I guess I'll call about it since Dr. Lenke is Kathy's surgeon. I drink O.J. and take Juice Plus pills which have vitamin C. I also take a multi-vitamin.

[golfnut]

After talking to Dr. Lenke today, he feels that the blood bank is as safe as any blood a family member would donate. He does not allow his patients to donate for themselves. My husband was going to donate, but we've just decided to use the blood bank. When I am well recovered from this surgery, I feel like I should donate whenever Red Cross comes to town. I have in the past, but it's been a long time.