ms and blood donation

[kimstvr]

I was recently dx in January with rr ms. I currently take Avonex weekly. Before my dx I was a blood donor. Once dx I was told that ppl with ms were on the the list of people unable to donate. In a conversation yesterday I was told this is no longer completely true but there is a good possibility I could still be turned away. Would any of you know the answer to this? And the reason ms would be on the list? Harmful to us or the recipient of the blood? Or does it have to do with modifying drug use? Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks to all & I hope you are all doing well!                              Kim  

[Momzilla]

Hey, Kim~

I wanted to look into that once you brought it up, because I, too, donate blood.  I have O+, which I understand nearly anyone can use.

According to the site I looked at, people with generalized autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus and multiple sclerosis are not eligible to donate, unfortunately.  It doesn't go on to say why not. THEN, I checked the NMSS site and found this out....

Change in Blood Donation Policy at American Red Cross

Until recently, people with MS were not permitted to donate blood at American Red Cross donation centers. The ban has now been lifted because no scientific evidence exists that MS is contagious or can be transmitted via blood. As of May, 2007, if other qualifications are met, blood from a person with MS may be donated to the American Red Cross.

You can check the website for more information.

YEA!

Feel well,

Zilla*