donating plasma does effect my immune system

[bigj]

will donating plasma lower my immune system

[PlateletGal]

To my understanding, no but you could also consult with the plasma center's Medical Director. I do know my mother had one patient who had donated plasma too often (twice a week?) and she was having health issues... I think it was from dehydration though.

[Scott0406]

since I have started dontating plasma, I have had a 104 degree fever, gastroenteritis, and tonsillitis.  This is all within 4 months, and prior to that i have not been sick since the 5th grade.  I am 22 years old.  Undoubtidy donating plasma lowers your immune system and there is nobody who could ever tell me differently.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

To donate plasma, you must be a healthy individual. Donors are screened for health problems that would put them at risk for serious complications from donors. If you are healthy enough to donate, your immune system is not affected. First-time donors, teenagers, and women are at a higher risk of a reaction. Donating plasma is a very safe procedure with minimal or no side effects.The body replaces the plasma removed during the donation process quickly. Current FDA Regulations state that the maximum frequency of donation is once in two days, and no more than two times in a seven day period. Possible side effects that can occur during donation include dizziness, fainting, nausea, convulsions, and shock. At the site of the needle stick, there may be blood leakage around the vein or bruising. It is important that you eat well and re-hydrate during this process. You can read more about this through this link: http://www.biolifeplasma.com/en/donating-plasma/faq.html

Take care and regards.

[marrensmom]

I am considering donating plasma, but I am concerned with the anti coagulating solution, or drug with which the rest of the blood is mixed.  I have lower blood pressure (106/71) and I have concerns about my blood getting too thin, and not coagulating well.  
-Karen

[Kyra1031]

Would anything serious happen to someone if they donated plasma 3 times a week every week?

[KeithMasavage]

I made the mistake of donating more than twice a week.  I got away with it because I lived in two states.  After giving plasma (whether 2, 3 or 4 times a week) I would always be extremely tired and run down.  

My rational behind this, while in retrospect I believe to be flawed, was that the FDA says once every 2 days.  And I believe they must build a significant safety factor into that.  I am a VERY healthy person, low body fat, good nutrition, never had a disease or major illness and I work out regularly.  Add to this the fact that they check you to see if your hematocrit and protein levels are acceptable, I figured that if there was a problem, they'd spot it and not allow me to give.

Then it go much worse!  After doing this for only 3 weeks, I started getting a sore throat.  No virus according to the doctors who checked me for flu and strep.  The a sinus infection began over 10 days ago.  It has progressively gotten worse and worse.  Now my body feels perpetually run down.  I'm so exhausted that some days I don't want to even move.

But worst of all, my tongue, lips and all over the inside of my mouth is swelling and covered with canker sores, lesions and painful spots.  I've been on a liquid diet for 3 days now because I can no longer chew solid food.  I don't have strep but have had a blisteringly sore throat now for over 10 days.

After talking to two doctors and the medical director at one of the centers, I believe that I encountered a simple sinus infection, but because I had depleted so much of the white blood cells during these procedures, I no longer have what I need to fight a simple infection.

To say the least, I've stopped giving plasma.  This is all very anecdotal to be sure, but giving plasma is the ONLY thing that has changed.  

It is very curious that they tell you that dizziness and nausea are about the only side effects when you go to all the plasma center web sites, and even general medical sites.  But they also won't allow you to give if you are sick, stating that you need your blood to help fight infections and healing.

I would caution everyone, don't give more than twice a week.  Trust me, your body will rebel if you do!  Doesn't matter how good of shape you are in.  And if you are in any way immuno compromised, DO NOT GIVE AT ALL.  Giving seriously depletes you of important goodies your body needs to fight infections.

If my theory is correct, now that I have quit giving (3 days ago), we'll see how quickly I bounce back and pray my stupidity didn't cause any permanent damage.  So much for Type A personalities!

Keith