donating plasma does effect my immune system

[bigj]

will donating plasma lower my immune system

[Sherrylb68]

Why does my throat hurt after donating blood plasma

[A11iOop]

I donate because I naturally have the Anti-D, which helps make a drug (I wish I could have had when I was pregnant) that saves babies. In some women, their anti-bodies will attack the baby's blood if it is different than their own blood. The Anti-D prevents women from making these antibodies, because once made, you can never get rid of them (I know!). In one of my pregnancies, in order to save the baby, they experimented by doing plasmapheresis, which is what donating plasma is. They removed as many as my antibodies as they safely could, since they were attacking my baby's blood. After the plasmapheresis, my body said, 'Hey, what's going on here - I am low on antibodies!' and went into overdrive to catch up and I actually had more than when I started (even though immune globulin was used to reduce that effect). My thinking is that when, at least my body recognizes its antibodies are low, it will put the pedal to the metal and get the number of antibodies back up to fight whatever it thinks it needs to fight. Maybe it depends on how well your immune system is running and it might be different with each person. As a side-note, I came to this site to see what I could find on the subject, since I have had a very bad winter with sinusitis and now pneumonia - which I've never had. Last winter was bad, too, but I hadn't started donating then, either. What had changed is that my grandchildren came to live with me and my doctor says, without contest, that for the first two years, I will get everything they bring home - whether they get it or not, until my immune system is up to date with the latest stuff going around day cares, etc. Hope this helps someone.

[A11iOop]

I have noticed swelling in ankles after donating for a couple of months; however, it could also be from my diet, or my weight, or my age, or a recent reinjury of a torn tendon in my ankle (but why both ankles, then?). The swelling goes down when I eat healthy and am active. In addition, the swelling started when I reinjured a torn tendon in my ankle. There could be lots of contributing factors, but I am still working on figuring out which it is for me. I am betting it is my weight and diet so am working on those before I blame donating plasma. My ankle doctor did do heart and kidney tests to rule out any worries there, so if you haven't already, consult with your doctor.

[halfabrain]

The swelling is from lack of protein patients in the hospital that need immediate swelling taken down ie ascites, (that would be abdominal not peripheral but the same concept really) we give them albumen which is a protein and it pulls the fluid out of the interstitial spaces and back into the blood. . And yes reducing your suppressor cells and helper T cells and Igm is why we are getting sick. It makes me wonder why they are so concerned with your exposure to high risk?  My God this system will make you high risk. Think about it your more susceptible to infections you can no longer fight off or suppress due to the reduction of your much needed immune system. What ever you were exposed to and your body may have been fighting off fine, you may now expose  your self to and find your self with strep, thrush, EBV, aids! I bet long term donors are high risk for cancer our suppressor cells keeping that at bay in healthy individuals. Those  bastards check your protein and your hematacrit (red blood cells) each week but they never check your white blood cells or differential of them, components that they are also pulling out. Curious isn't it. I mean you know most of your red blood cells are going back in right, and increase consumption of protein will increase the amount in your blood but they glance past this other crucial element in your body.  Why??? That's my question in fact it isn't even brought up as a potential side effect yet I got sick right after the first two times as well the evidence is here in each persons testimony. My final question is why are they using lay people as medical staff?  They receive their training from the company. They have no former education all they know is what they are told,  and I seriously doubt they would employ someone with half a brain that might tell you the f'n truth. I'm agreeing with the other countries you probably shouldn't go past two times a month. Although other countries have drugs that CURE cancer and we refuse to use them in  our country so what the hell do they know right?

[Bluzgirl1]

I have been donating plasma off and on for a while, I have been going twice a week for over two months as they added bonus money for coming in. I am now experienced a swelling in my lower legs and feet. I have never had this before and my roommate who does not get saline, has it Too. So it must be something to do with the donating the plasma.

[PlasmaWorry]

More troubling: overseas you can only donate plasma twice every thirty days. Who wants to make a bet it's because they know something the FDA doesn't want us to? Perhaps that it isn't inherently safe to donate at such a high frequency of 6-8 times per month, contionously. With how much $$$ phara makes (over $1,000 per bottle), it makes complete sense this research went highly unnoticed. One has to worry about the longterm effects of reduced suppressor T cells and natural killer cells - the impacts of which could be far-reaching such as autoimmune disorders to cancer. All for the instant gratification of $25.

[PlasmaWorry]

This is troubling: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8053039

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

The possible effects of long-term plasma donation remain unknown, but it is important to investigate them so that donor safety is ensured. The purpose of this study was to determine if long-term plasma donation alters plasma proteins or lymphocyte phenotypes.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:

Two groups of long-term plasma donors, source plasma donors (n = 20) and Rh immune globulin plasma donors (n = 26), were compared with whole blood donors (n = 29) and nondonor controls (n = 30). Blood samples were obtained prior to donation. Serum protein, albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin levels were determined. In an assay using whole blood, lymphocyte phenotypes were characterized with a panel of single- and dual-labeled monoclonal antibodies and subsequent analysis by flow cytometry.
RESULTS:

As compared to the nondonor controls and/or whole blood donors, the mean values for serum protein, globulin, and IgG levels were lower in both plasma donor groups, with a significant negative correlation between donation frequency and serum protein values for the source plasma donors. Albumin levels were within normal ranges for both groups of plasma donors. No significant differences existed among the donor groups in total white cell counts, the percentage or absolute number of lymphocytes, T (CD3) cells, or helper T (CD4) cells. However, there were increased percentages of B (CD19) cells and decreased percentages of suppressor T (CD8+/CD11b+) cells and natural killer cells in both groups of plasma donors as compared to nondonor controls.
CONCLUSION:

Many plasma donors have low levels of serum protein, globulin, and IgG. In addition, they have increased percentages of B cells and decreased percentages of suppressor T and natural killer cells. The clinical significance of these findings warrants further investigation.

[corey13]

Anyone else get a weird, random rash on their arm or arms at the site they drew plasma from? I had decided to quit donating about 6 months ago and didn't really have any side-effects from it. Except now, I have a few bumps that have risen around the area where they poked me to draw my plasma and they're red and itchy. I am quite concerned considering I have  not been in so many months. If they don't go away within the next few days I will definitely be having some blood tests done. I am just curious if anyone else has had the same thing. (I did donate regularly, twice a week, for about a year).

[itsjusmeagain]

the swelling may be due to the salt water saline solution they use to replace your plasma. I can feel the puffiness in my face from it immediately after donating.

[itsjusmeagain]

the swelling may be due to the salt water saline solution they use to replace your plasma. I can feel the puffiness in my face from it immediately after donating.

[lifespirit_7]

I've recently experienced exactly what you mention:
I too have experienced swelling of my feet and ankles. I quit donating after my last session because not only did my feet and ankles swell but my whole body did and it's been about a week since I donated and the swelling has reduced down to just being my feet and ankles. It's been a slow healing process. The donation place tried to say it had to be something I'm doing or not doing. I beg to differ because I was completely healthy, eat organic, only drink water(lots) before I donated. Needless to say, I won't be donating anytime soon.

[lifespirit_7]

I too have experienced swelling of my feet and ankles. I quit donating after my last session because not only did my feet and ankles swell but my whole body did and it's been about a week since I donated and the swelling has reduced down to just being my feet and ankles. It's been a slow healing process. The donation place tried to say it had to be something I'm doing or not doing. I beg to differ because I was completely healthy, eat organic, only drink water(lots) before I donated. Needless to say, I won't be donating anytime soon.

[TheDizzler]

Worst case scenario that y'all are getting sick because of all the sick people that go in there saying they are healthy. When in actuality they are immediately smoking and drinking once they leave the plasma center. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking lowers your immune system so they come back sneezing and coughing all over the place. They in turn get the technicians sick and then they sneeze all over the place and your immune system is weak so POW - You get sick. Second case is some of y'all don't wash your hands before eating, eat healthy diets or get adequate amounts of rest and recovery. Exercise, eat clean and drink aquafina. Minimize alcohol intake and try to cut out the sugars then you should be ok.

[gnomesocks]

Nobody is discouraging.It is just obvious you are taking from your body what it needs to ward off getting sick and infection.ImYou can still be healthy and wind up sick after donating.I have been eating well, hydrated, active and dont smoke.I dinated twice a week for a month.I never get sick but now i have a rash on my side and my little toe is as big as my big toe.I am in exrreme pain and just got out of the e.r.If you are planning to donate, I wouldnt go twice a week.Im paying the price.Your body needs what is being taken out..

[wufpack]

I have been donating whole blood; plasma; and platelets fairly regularly since I was 18 and two friends nearly died in a car wreck. I learned then how important it is to donate to those sick or undergoing treatment. I am now 57 so from experience to say giving donations will weaken your immune system are misstatements and not scientifically supported. If you are donating plasma  twice a week for money, find a job. Once a week is okay but you risk dehydration donating that often. To all those who donate, on behalf of those sick and in true need, thank-you! What you do is truly life saving! To everyone else please quit scaring people unnecessarily. If it's not for you, fine. Volunteer at a shelter or food-bank but please do not discourage people from giving. One day it maybe you who is in need.      

[hindsight911]

Donating plasma will not cause a cold.  Germs and viruses cause colds.  Being in a largely occupied building with constantly changing people greatly increases your chances of picking up a cold or virus.  Unless they clean the whole building with bleach every hour, there will always be airbourne molecules.  Frequent hand washing and covering your face when coughing or sneezing will reduce your chances.  Proper diet and hydration is also key.  People say that they are healthy, but most don't properly analysis themselves.  Proper exercise, drinking over 100oz of water a day, eating over 25g of protein, and consuminig over 2000 calories per day for women/ 2500 for men will reduce any likelihood that you will have any side effects from plasma donation.

Another factor not mentioned is the insertion length of the needle stick.  If the needle is inserted too deep, it can restrict blood flow and cause the vein and artery to work harder which can cause fatigue and passing out.  The blood should flow with little hand pumping to the machine.  If you have a constant need to pump your fist to keep pressuse, then the needle is too deep or your veins and artery can't keep up.  Poor circulation and/or lack of exercise are common causes other than depth of the needle.

[Cstocks1986]

Can donating plasma cause permanent bruises in you arms??

[danielknight]

Low body fat is your problem, you need a healthy amount of saturated fat in your diet and THE "BAD" kind of cholesterol, which isn't bad at all. You need vitamin c to protect you from it clogging your heart, that "bad" cholesterol prevents poisoning from bacteria and infection from viruses. See Weston D. Price and look up cholesterol myth too.

[moneymaker865]

I have got a cold after only donating twice. I've decided after I go a couple more times I probably won't go anymore if I keep getting sick. Sick such as sore throat, sore ears, and spitting up stuff (& I'm convinced it wasn't just any normal cold) I don't know but we'll see after I donate a couple more times! I just find it funny that I have not been sick in a while but I was quick to get sick in as little as a week after donating PLASMA twice in one week. & yes I admit I donate for the money at the moment. But if I have to be sick to get money, I'll be broke the rest of my life! I wanted to help save lives but I can't put mine in danger doing so.  As far as the csl plasma center I went to, they were great and very clean. However there was a problem my second visit regarding the needle slipping out of my vein (which was due to it not being put in my arm right) they wiggled it around trying to find my vein again and still could not fix it. They ended up resticking me in my other arm and then there machine clotted my blood so it wasn't flowing properly so my session got cut short but I was one cycle away from being finished so I still got paid the money for the amount of plasma that was suitable for my weight. Oh what a day, I was donating for well over two hours (this doesn't include checking in and being checked
by a nurse.  Make sure you drink lots of water the day before you go, it's proven to make you session easier and make your blood flow faster so that your not in there forever!  Oh and one more thing, make sure you don't drink more than one glass of water the day you go. I was in session for atleast 45mins and as I was reading a book trying to take my mind off the fact that I really had to urinate, it was like everything slowed down and the time dragged by. I was so ready to get done so I could go visit the little lady's room!
-Knoxville, TN

[TabRo]

I donate frequently and low blood pressure will prevent you from donating. They are very particular about who donates and simple things will keep you from donating that day including blood pressure, iron and protein levels, and even temperature.

[StarrPoetress]

I have been looking up about teeth too. My teeth feel like they are numb and loose and going to fall out after I donate. It isn't every time but almost. Hmmm hit me up if you hear or see anything please. my email is ***@****

[Dakota9]

I'm broken out in hives..... not unbearable, but bad enough it wakes me up at night. Plan to buy some benadryl to help the itching....

I have chronic Hep B, with a high viral load..... otherwise healthy. A specialty company that  searches for hep B patients sought me out to donate, as the use my plasma for test kits to train healthcare providers how to read test results...... It's a good thing, but here's the deal....... I GET $400.00 per donation... yes four hundred dollars, US currency........... I'm a single parent that works 7 days a week at two jobs, and i made $ 800.00 last week, but now covered in hives.......... I have a dilemma. For that kind of money, I can live with itchy skin, as long as I'm not further damaging myself.....

Thinking once a week might be best.... I'll try that for a while and see if that is any better.

I can only donate until my viral load goes down, as i'm currently on meds for that, so I'm going to ride this train while I can, perhaps a few months, i'm just hoping I'm not wreaking myself........

[Cory1]

Laurie is correct. If you drink plenty of water and have a protein based snack before you donate, you will be fine. I am an avid plasma donor and the only real side effect I have had is lightheadedness every once in a while

[jaraek]

I have been donating plasma for over 3 years now , i have had a few bad days as far as donating , couldnt because temp was too low or my hermatic level to low , but other than that being my issue i dont see myself getting sicker any more often then normal , i do know if i am coming down with something its better i take a break from donating in order to recover faster.