Posted by 10derHeart on September 3, 2005, at 22:04:37
In reply to Well what do you know » 10derHeart, posted by messadivoce on September 3, 2005, at 18:47:23
> I get to the blood bank and get all the way to the part where they prick your finger to test your iron. My iron levels were too low this time, just barely below the borderline. I've been tested for anemia before, and I'm not anemic, but the FDA won't let blood banks take people with a certain level. The nurse told me that it's not unhealthy for me to be that low since I'm still in my child bearing years. It's just frustrating to not even be able to do THAT. Oh well, I'll take my multivitamins and try again in a few weeks.
That stinks, but I do know how you feel, as I wrote. It's even worse. I used to donate every month, when the military folks would join together with the ARC in a convenient location. Suddently it felt like a conspiracy. About 6-7 months ago, I show up, but because only the ARC is there (military guys apparently don't set up to collect with them *every* month...news to me) and get turned away due to their strict rules re: mad cow. (see better explanation below)
Fine. Next, I come back the follwong month, after calling to be sure the military folks are collecting, but we can't get my BP down low enough (think I was upset/depressed/anxious or something...) Go away. The next time I try, some youngster learning to insert the needle messed up and her repeated stabbing made me a bit dizzy, so they had me lay down and wouldn't agree to my pleas to have an experienced tech try again in the other arm! Dang it! Their rules, I know, they don't have time for people getting squeamish and having to regroup, but it was so frustrating!
{stamps foot} I have good blood, I do! They loved my previously - said my body pumps the blood out fast! Now, I'm a donor-failure :-(
> 10der, are you saying that the Air Force won't let you donate to the Red Cross,
No, no. <grin> As a retiree, the AF can't really tell me what to do with my body any more! The Armed Force Blood Program *will* accept my blood. The ARC has different, stricter eligibility rules for donors who've lived in Europe. Here's the rule:
"Travel Outside of U.S., Immigration:
Wait 12 months after travel in an area where malaria is found. Wait three years after moving to the United States after living in a country where malaria is found. ***Persons who have spent long periods of time in countries where "mad cow disease" is found are not eligible to donate. This requirement is related to concerns about variant Creutzfeld Jacob Disease (vCJD).***and....
At this time, the American Red Cross donor eligibility rules related to vCJD are as follows:
You are **not** eligible to donate if, since 1980, you:Spent a total time of three months or more in any of these countries: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Channel Islands, or
Spent a total time of **six months or more** in any combination of these countries: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azores, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Channel Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Island, Finland, France, **Germany,** Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira Islands, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands (Holland), Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Scotland, Slovak Republic (Slovakia), Slovenia, Spain, Svalbard, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City, Wales, Yugoslavia (includes Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia)
which comes from here
http://www.americanredcrossblood.org/are_you_eligible.html#cjd
>>When I go in, they ask me if I've traveled outside the US or Canada in the last 3 years. I think if you've been in the country for that long, you're ok.<<
Nope. That question should be just about traveling/less than six months. I lived in Germany for 3 years, so my blood is unacceptable :-(
> And BTW, I've missed you.
Aww, thanks. I feel so guilty for not emailing you. I read your posts re: ex-T and wedding planning and was just at a loss for words. Maybe my words are returning now..:-)
poster:10derHeart
thread:550310
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050903/msgs/550502.html