Cardiac patient changed his mind, and lived

by Marvin Shilmer 15 Replies latest jw friends

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  Phizzy

  I know they used to say that autologous blood transfusion was wrong, on the basis that it was stored, and not "poured out" as per the Old Testament.

  But I saw a quote on here that they realised some JW's would exercise their conscience and receive blood that was theirs "as part of the same medical procedure", I think they were actually referring to cell saving techniques in their mind, or kidney dialyses perhaps, but the words stood alone.

  Those words alone could be used to interpret the use of autologous blood transfusion as a conscience issue, it would only be a "no no" if, since publishing those words (the latest nooo Lite) they had published the directive on stored blood again, more Noo Lite.
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  Bubblegum Apotheosis

  Becareful Marvin,

  I was in one of the major hospitals eight years ago, and was doing the rounds (Clergy Priv). I stumbled upon a man inconsolable, tears he had accepted "Blood", it was not his proudest moment in life. I listened, did not judge and allowed him to tell me, what lead to his choice. He was bleeding to death from a stomach ulcer, the doctors told him "You are going to die, if you do not take blood!" he took the blood. Durning my eight days visiting, I checked repeatedly,worried about his emotional state and spiritual state. His heavy guilt and worrying how he betrayed Jehovah and the friends, is beyond description. He judged himself worthy of Gehenna and felt like a spiritual failure. I tried to avoid any personal judgement (I am not God) and focused on upbuilding conversations, tryiing to ameloriate this broken hearted man. One of the worst feelings there is, is wondering if you helped a crushed reed grow again. I hope the cardiac patient is not beating himself to pieces, while alone in thought.
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  Marvin Shilmer

  Justitia Themis,

  You write:

  “This quote from the article is interesting: "Two gave consent to an autologous transfusion of one unit each that had been taken preoperatively."

  “These two determined beforehand, under non-emergent circumstances, to go against the society's ban on recieving one's own previously stored blood.”

  What you quote from the article is the subject of my inquiry to its author. I wonder if “preoperative” is a typographical error for “perioperative”. Regardless, it could be the author is depicting hemodilution. But if so it is strange usage. Hopefully the author will return my email and answer the question.

  Marvin Shilmer

  http://marvinshilmer.blogspot.com
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  Marvin Shilmer

  Bubblegum Apotheosis,

  I am familiar with the observation you share, and Watchtower should be ashamed for convincing so many of Jehovah’s Witnesses that accepting transfusion of donor blood to save life is a sin. As my article states, and you have not contended against:

  -- There is no biblical tenet suggesting it improper to donate blood to help save life.

  -- There is no biblical tenet suggesting it improper to accept blood donated to save life.

  -- In particular, there is no biblical statement directly commenting on medical transfusion/transplantation of donor blood as though it is inappropriate.

  Do you disagree with any of the above?

  Marvin Shilmer

  http://marvinshilmer.blogspot.com
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  Bubblegum Apotheosis

  Marvin, your reasonable arguments are sound, to date, no real concrete explanation has been provided to me, why "Blood fractions" are different from any other "Blood Product". Your knowledge and expertise in this area, has opened my mind to other ideas, so who am I to judge?. I read one of your papers,and some Nordic Witness was tangling himself up, with his premise of why fractions are not blood, leaving the reader with more confusion.. I am going to read your blog posts again, to get a better footing on the subject. Thank you for taking your time, to make a difference, in the spirit of education and empowerment!
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  Justitia Themis

  Hopefully the author will return my email and answer the question.

  If you receive a reponse, would you please post it? My curiosity is piqued.