I have MS and I was wondering...?!
Question: I was just diagnosed with MS. I had quite a lot of questions about it But most seem to have gotten answered. One thing I can't find an answer to. I like to give blood when I can. Can I still do that if I have MS? I feel stupid asking, but I'm uncertain. Thanks
Answers: I was just diagnosed with MS. I had quite a lot of questions about it But most seem to have gotten answered. One thing I can't find an answer to. I like to give blood when I can. Can I still do that if I have MS? I feel stupid asking, but I'm uncertain. Thanks
Hi, I've had MS for 15 years and so I can tell you yes, you can still give blood. MS is not a blood born disease and is also not contagious. I've given blood.
Good luck to you. If you have any more questions, I'm sure you already know about the National MS Society website www.nmss.com it is a useful tool for some information.
If you would like me to be part of your support system, I'm here for you. Feel free to email me any time.
You are not asking a stupid question.It's a very intelligent one.
What you need to do,is contact your local blood donation center and ask them if it ok for you do so.I admire your caring in wanting to donate blood.
I have 2 friends that have MS, and neither of them would be in any condition to give blood, admirable as it is, because of the weakened state of there bodies.
It may be better if you contact an MS support group and get the best advise from them.
Wish you well, and pray you get better.
Reader Question of the Week: Can I donate blood if I have MS?
Friday August 24, 2007
A. Yes. If you have multiple sclerosis you are eligible to donate blood, according to the American Red Cross.
I originally thought this was a very simple question when I first received it earlier this week. In fact, when I first looked into it, all the information pointed to an answer of "No, people with MS are not eligible to donate blood." The reason most often put forth was that it was to protect the health of the people with MS.
However, after a little digging, I found the latest guidelines, which were released on May 24, 2007. Since they did not mention MS as an exclusionary factor for being a blood donor, I called the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross (1-800-GIVE-LIFE) to confirm that MS had been taken off the list. I was told that people with MS could now donate blood if they met all of the other criteria.
Of course, it is important to mention any medications that you are taking to the nurse at the blood donation center, but none of the disease-modifying therapies or common symptom management meds are specifically listed as restricted. The person whom I spoke with at the National Headquarters said that any drug in question would be looked up on site.
Yes, You still can. Thank you for caring I was hospitalized about five years ago a need blood someone had donated I thank God for them. I wanted to get it from my family but the doctors said there was not time. Because it had to be tested and all.