Donating Blood with Sjogren's Syndrome

[Polly.....Pants]

Q. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Sundrome more than 10 years ago. It is
manageable most of the time, although there are times when I am so fatigued
after work that I go right to bed. In the past I have always donated blood,
but now I am suddenly wondering if I should continue to and if I can
possibly pass this problem on through my blood and cause someone else to get
Sjogren's Syndrome through a blood transmission.

A. There is no evidence that Sjogren's Syndrome is caused by any
transmission agent from a blood transfusion. HOWEVER, yuor blood may have
abnormal antibodies, and you should therefore inform blood bank personnel of
your medical history. They may choose to use your blood for research
purposes rather than for infusion into another person's bloodstream.
Steven Carsons, M.D.

Note: I am in agreement with Dr. Carsons. Since we don't have a definitive
answer to this important question at this time, it is my personal belief
that any one of us, who suffers from any autoimmune condition and wishes to
donate blood, should notify blood bank personnel of any and all autoimmune
issues--even if they do not request that particular information!!!

[Amelia Yaussy]

Ms. Pants -

> Steven Carsons, M.D. <------Who he?

Amie

[Polly.....Pants]

Good question, Amie. Dr. Carsons is a member of the Sjogren's Syndrome
Foundation's Medical & Scientific Advisory Board. (By the way, this reprint
came from the May 2001 issue of the SSF's The Moisture Seekers Newsletter.
They do not have a prohibition against distribution.)

"Amelia Yaussy" <aya...@forcemail.com> wrote in message
news:puRO6.157800$BB5.2...@typhoon.columbus.rr.com...