Is Donating Blood Possible, Now?

I have been donating blood for a long time at the local blood bank. But, I haven't for a while, awaiting for my PM. Their screening is pretty tough when it comes to heart related problems, and such (lots of questions). I haven't checked if I can still donate. Does anyone do it post PM implant? Thanks.

5 Comments

Donate Blood

by Ripple - 2007-05-05 09:05:30

Hi StarWish,

While I haven't donated blood since getting my pacemaker, I would not expect it to keep me from doing so. The peacemaker is housed in an essentially non reactive metal, titanium, so it should not change your blood chemistry. BUT, some pacemaker recipients are given various medications, some of which, such as a hefty dose of blood thinner, could keep a person form being a donor. I would say you will have to check with the blood bank.

Good luck with your good intentions,

Rip

yes, you can!

by bambi - 2007-05-05 10:05:15

Hi Star Wish,
I have donated blood successfully twice since my pacemaker was implanted. However, I am not on any heart drugs. The pacemaker itself would not be a contraindication, but the drugs may be. It can't hurt to try.Good luck!
Bambi

Taken From the Red Cross web site.

by Stepford_Wife - 2007-05-05 11:05:53

Hi Star Wish.

This is what I was able to find:
If you have a pacemaker, you may donate, as long as your pulse is between 50 and 100 BPM, with no more than a small number of irregular beats, and you meet the other heart disease criteria.
You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.
If you are taking any blood thinners, you shouldn't donate, since you may have excessive bleeding where the needle was placed.
These guidelines were last revised 03/21/05. There may have been some changes to these criteria since the last revision date.
The most up to date eligibility information can be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross blood center nearest you.
I take coumadin, and wanted to donate, but was advised against it.
I respect your decision, it's for such a good cause. I wish you good luck.
Take care,
~ Dominique ~

Donate blood

by Vai - 2007-05-06 11:05:40

Talk to the attending physician or a competent technologist when you're at the blood bank. In my experience, the PM was not the problem but I was "ruled out" for the various heart medication (blood pressure maintainance, thinners, cholesterol management) prescribed. I would donate if I could. Yes, when I told them them I have afib as well, the response was an emphatic "no, thank you".

Donating blood

by winelover - 2007-05-07 05:05:52

I used to be a blood donor for many years - but after my pm the doctors at our local blood bank ruled that I could not give blood anymore, and I am not on any medication. This was 10 years ago. I asked again a few years later and got the same answer. They were afraid I would pass out and they felt their liability was too great - even though I am 0 negative and therefore have some "wanted" blood.
Maybe I should try again since it sounds like the rules might have changed since I asked the last time.

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My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.