We are having a blood drive at work, and we need more donors. I am a newbie to RA and this message board. My next appointment with the Rheumatologist is the end of June. I take Plaquenil, Levapro, Celebrex as needed, Tramadol if needed, Lipitor and two blood pressure meds, along with Vitamin D, Calcium and some other joint supplement. I was told I need to have my blood tested every three months to check my blood counts because of the Plaquenil. Giving blood probably isn't such a good idea, right? Thanks for your insight.
6/ 7/10 5:31pm
Because of the classification of RA as an auto immune disorder, we are not allowed to give blood by the red cross standards.
I have a rare blood type and used to be a regular donor. Sadly we also cannot be an organ donor on our drivers license,either.
6/ 8/10 10:24pm
Eosinophil granulocyte.. they have something to do with white blood cells and the immune system and its response to infections such as colds. overactive probably.. hhhmmm RA and an overactive immune system? could be something to check out or research.
maybe they knew something no one was telling you at the time. Most of us have an elevated white blood cell count but they could have said something, geeeez.. lol
6/ 8/10 10:24pm
geez where did that font come from.. time to check the puter.
6/ 8/10 8:35am
In the UK organ transplant organisation doesn't mention auto immune diseases - they only say that they won't take HIV or CJD patients, and if you have a long term disease the doctors will assess based on your health at the time.
6/ 5/10 7:33pm
I stopped giving blood when I was put on Plaquenil, but I don't know if I can or not. I figured beter safe than sorry. I would like to know the answer to your question as well; I'm on sulfasalazine now.
The main reason I answered your question is to say that you probably shouldn't give blood anyway due to the blood pressure meds. It could be very dangerous to someone who already has low blood pressure. Though, I think your desire to
help others is wonderful; if only more healthy individuals cared enough.
I used to donate regularly, and the Red Cross sent me e-mails and flyers all the time. I had to call and ask that they stop sending them, because it made me feel sad that I could no longer donate and help others.
6/ 6/10 12:35am
Yes, I agree. It is sad that we probably won't be able to donate blood anymore. I remember my GP saying something about having to watch my blood counts while on Plaquenil. That is what promted my question when this blood drive came up. If I find out for sure, I will let you know. Thanks for your input!
6/ 6/10 8:27am
Hi this brought topic brought out a curiosity I experienced about 15 years ago. I tried to give blood, but was rejected. I tried three times over the course of a year and was finally banned from even trying. It was frustrating, the only thing I was told is that I had too many auto ammune markers. It wasn't long after before I began to experience hypo thyroid, then RA, and so on. At the time I couldn't get any one to talk to about why. Does anyone know if these blood tests have been an early warning?
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Wow! I did not know that. Thanks for the info, Roni. I do remember that years ago I almost didn't get hired in a hospital because of something showing up in my blood. At that time, they told me it was either an over reaction or an under reaction to an infection.....whatever that means. They also asked me if I had a lot of allergies.....something about esonophils in my blood. Oh, well, at least I know about donating blood now. Thanks again. V