The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Blood Donation
Posted by Suzy (Eugene, Or) on 12/01/2012
I do not want to open a can of worms here... Just wondering if anyone else has found relief from any problems by becoming a regular blood donor? I have been donating on a regular basis for more than 6 years. I have noticed a decline in the number of headaches I get. Also... I tend to run a little rich in iron in my blood so regular blood donation also keeps that in check. I do not have a lot of health problems- but I notice I feel more "Up" after donating. I realize many of the issues that people on this site would exclude them from blood donation, but among those who can and do what has your experience been?
Blood Donation
Posted by Mr. Ree (Nowhere) on 12/02/2012
Giving blood will lower your ferritin level which means iron level. This in turn will help with people with hepatitis c as the virus NEEDS iron to replicate. I know people who JUST give blood once a month and have NO problems with their dis-ease...
You may have hemochromatosis... Get checked please as this is an inherited problem that is easily treated with giving blood... Any one want further info on hep-c and iron, "Google" "Rousch hepatitis C" and read an amazing article about hepatitis c. This one will make you think...
Blood Donation
Posted by Martina (Londonderry) on 04/24/2015
My doc told me I couldn't donate blood cause there was to much iron in it.
Blood Donation
Posted by Cursed Viking (Fla) on 06/10/2016
I have hereditary hemochromatosis and the Dr wanted me to have blood removed. I was going to have to pay for them to throw it away. The American Red Cross will not take my blood, but other blood banks will. It has been FDA approved for donation for years, but the Red Cross still refuses. Shop around to find a place that will take it. You will feel better and so will the lucky person who gets your 'super blood'.
Blood Donation
Posted by Marina (Princeton, New Jersey) on 10/12/2016
My daughter has HH and she regularly gives blood at local Red Cross facility. She had a blood donor card, issued by Red Cross after they extensively tested her blood.
Blood Donation
Posted by Shawn (Colorado) on 01/16/2017
It would seem like a waste but because our blood is high in iron it can actually be toxic to some. Also, those that could take it, even if they have hemochromatosis, their bodies would reject it as a foreign body.
Blood donor organizations will not allow a person with hemochromatosis to donate as it is unusable to others. Doctors instead prescribe therapeutic phlebotomies. In which the blood is destroyed.
