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Donating platelets or whole blood.
I’m wondering if anyone has continued to donate platelets while taking prednisone and being treated for PMR. My gut tells me it’s probably not a great idea right now, however, the Red Cross is telling me it’s perfectly fine. I’m curious if anyone has continued to donate, and how they felt afterwards. Same question for whole blood. I’m thinking platelets might be too taxing on the body at this time, so maybe I could donate whole blood instead. Thanks!
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I wouldn't even consider it personally but if you really want to donate I would suggest you ask your PCP and Rheumy for input before making your decision.
Per my AI tool both PMR and prednisone are on the deferral rules used by US Blood Centers. So I'm not sure why the Red Cross is telling you it's ok.
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7 ReactionsGood question! I was mulling over that idea recently as I used to donate. But I just figured taking prednisone & methotrexate would be a big no. But I didn’t actually ask the professionals who would know. Curious
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2 Reactions@jabrown0407 I meant to ask my Rheumy at my last appointment. The Red Cross is relentless when it comes to recruiting platelet donors. The gal who called me got her supervisor to clarify that giving platelets was alright when on prednisone for PMR. After speaking with the supervisor, I felt even less convinced she knew what she was talking about. I'll get to the bottom of it. Thanks for your input.
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2 Reactions@kare1 Took a shot there might be some other platelet donors out there who might know something. I will definitely speak with my rheumatologist and see what he has to say. I just saw him but will post in a few months what he advises. Red Cross does good work, but I suspect their end game may influence the advice they give. Thanks!
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3 Reactions@franklinlala
@franklinlala Please use google or an AI tool to ask about blood donations and PMR/prednisone. The answer should be a clear no or it's low risk or it's not acceptable.
I personally would not want to pass PMR on to someone else who is in need of blood products for another condition. Since they know so little about PMR I could not go forward and donate even if I wanted to and even if they say it is no risk.
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1 ReactionI recently asked my rheumatologist if it is ok to donate whole blood while on prednisone. She said it was ok and that it should not precipitate a flare.
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1 ReactionThanks you for sharing that information. I didn’t consider it causing a flare. I was, however, concerned about the blood being acceptable while taking prednisone. Appreciate your comments!