I just had a horrible thought today. They think I have had Lyme Disease for awhile. I never knew I was bit, no rash, etc. I have donated blood a number of times. I have not donated blood this year, but donated 2 times in 2009. Anyone know if they are able to track where your blood went to have people tested? Should I report it? I dread the thought that I gave this nightmare to other people.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Yes, I have given blood. It's unfortunate that we were not aware of the disease and how we unknowingly passed our gift of blood to an unsuspecting individual.
with the blood shortage that we have been having over the years and especially in summer months; your donation has most likely been given to a patient. even if you reported it, I seriously don't think the blood bank or hospitals would track it or acknowledge that lyme could possibly be passed on to another person.
All I can say is, from this time on ...please don't donate.
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
I have had the same thought a lot lately, particularly since I also have Babesia and Bartonella. I know they can trace it. They keep records of who got your blood.
Should we report it?
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
The most serious threat of all the lyme infections being passed through the blood is babesia.
Posted by LA (Member # 26353) on :
I was only tested for Lyme so far I think. I don't know if I have any secondary infections. I think I am going to give the Red Cross a call tomorrow and see what they say. I would hope they could call the recipient and suggest they get tested. At least, it will put my mind at rest knowing I did what I could to notify them.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would not report it. Not that I would want to hide it.. but who knows what would happen legally?? If someone could ease my fears on that one, I might consider reporting it.. but it was a LONG time ago!!
I gave blood about 35 yrs ago. (I had Lyme and babesia then.) They messed up the nerve in my arm, so I was never willing to do it again! I wouldn't let any tech even touch that arm's veins for about 25 yrs following.
I'm now glad it happened, or I might have continued giving blood!!!
----PS... I certainly did NOT know I had Lyme & Co when I donated blood. It took 42 yrs for me to be diagnosed.
[ 06-21-2010, 06:03 PM: Message edited by: Lymetoo ]
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
I wouldn't report it either. Think of all the ppl with Fibro and other illnesses that give blood everyday and many of them actually have LD and don't even know it.
Its the responsibility of the medical industry to take care of the blood supply. If they choose not to, which they do, then its on them, not you.
At least now you know so you won't give blood again.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
I donated blood platelets to cancer patients quite a number of times prior to diagnosis.
I went undiagnosed for 10 years. That's why.
Posted by applewine (Member # 26220) on :
I've never donated blood in my life. I guess its a good thing I didn't anytime in the last 5 or 6 years.
Posted by LA (Member # 26353) on :
I called the Red Cross and spoke to a counselor. She said Lyme isn't known to pass through the blood. Not sure I buy that, but I feel I did what my conscious was telling me to do by calling. They did not take any of my information or anything. She said once I am done treatment and symptom free, I can donate again. I am just at the beginning of the treatment road. I will worry about whether or not to donate again at a later date.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by LA: [QB] I called the Red Cross and spoke to a counselor. She said Lyme isn't known to pass through the blood.
Is she NUTS or what??
Do NOT donate!!
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
If you have babesiosis, you are never to donate again.
Try calling the Red Cross and ask them about babesiosis. I have seen on LymeNet where people have posted the Red Cross policy regarding this disease--no blood donations for life.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I was a Donor Service Manager for 2 years! You can not donate. Please! There is no question in the medical questionaire about lyme disease, and even if you tell them you had/have lyme and co.with the exception of Babs. it will be dismissed, and you will continue to pass on to others.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Ok... lymetoo I just opened your link and saw the newest criteria for coinfection. Do you know if it is on the medical guestionaire?