Attn: Anyone who has experienced blood clots (DVTs).

crystalstinson7
crystalstinson7 Posts: 101 Member
in Motivation and Support
Has anyone had DVTs and later donated blood? I had a DVT in my right leg and one in my left arm almost exactly a year ago. I was put on the blood thinner Xeralto for 6 months. I was taken off of it earlier this summer because the risk of bleeding out was greater than developing another DVT, according to my hematologist. Turns out that I have a genetic abnormality that, when combined with birth control pills, makes my chances of developing blood clots 16% greater than an average woman. My chances are only 2% greater without birth control pills. I haven't been on the pill for a year. No recurrence of blood clots so far!!!

Soooo ... If anyone has been in a similar spot, can you give me some advice about donating blood? Thanks!!

Replies

  • extraordinary_machine
    extraordinary_machine Posts: 3,028 Member
    I have Factor V Leiden, which is a genetic clotting disorder. I discovered it after developing a post-ankle surgery DVT.Is this what you have?

    Regardless, I am not allowed to donate blood, even though I'm not on meds for it--they told me that the increased chance of my blood clotting in the bag makes it too "risky" for me to donate.

    Sorry. :(
  • sisterlilbunny
    sisterlilbunny Posts: 686 Member
    I am allowed to give blood since (and of course I can't remember what clotting factor I have, something with thick blood) I haven't been on any type of anti-coagulant for a couple years now. Your best bet would be to call the red cross and ask them. Heck, they DQ'd me for accidentally sticking my finger with an insulin need used on my cat. They know their stuff. :)
  • pander101
    pander101 Posts: 677 Member
    I wouldn't risk it. Any blood abnormalities would just get tossed and you don't want to risk giving that to anyone else. They test the blood before giving it to anyone but I don't think you would be a suitable donor.
  • newhealthykim
    newhealthykim Posts: 192 Member
    Did your hemotologist say anything about being on a low dose aspirin (83 mg) once a day? I had all the genetic testing done (still paying for it and fighting with the doctor who didn't file right), and I only came up with a folic acid deficency. However, I'm still required to move around half way through an airplane flight for short flights and take a daily low dose aspirin for the rest of my life. I've been off of xeralto for 8 months now with no plans to go back. I haven't tried giving blood yet. We know what caused my DVT ankle though (sprained ankle + 12 hr. driving trip immobilized + birth control).
  • crystalstinson7
    crystalstinson7 Posts: 101 Member
    My genetic abnormality is some kind of number, like, A73745 (I mean, those aren't even close to the numbers, but it does start with an A ... lol). It doesn't have a "real" name. I wouldn't think there would be a risk of passing it on. It's not like I'm contagious. lol It's something you're born with. They're not even sure if my own daughter has it! I'm not really concerned about giving them contaminated blood in that sense, but I wasn't sure about the Xeralto. And I know I'm spelling that wrong. I always do!

    Thanks, guys!
  • crystalstinson7
    crystalstinson7 Posts: 101 Member
    FYI: I called the local blood center and was told the guidelines state that as long as the blood clot has been cleared up for 90 days and there have been no anti-coagulants taken within 90 days you're good to go! I had never planned on not asking someone official; I just wanted to get an idea before making that call. So, thank you for the responses, and if anyone else is in the same boat, that was my answer. But CALL for yourself just to be sure. :)

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