Donating Blood

Sentinel

There has been some discussion about what happens when someone of the JW persuasion is faced with "needing" blood. What is the story on "giving" blood? What is the feeling here? Just wondering.

Since 9-1-1, I've changed my thinking about lots of things. I'm now an "organ donor" on my driver's license; and I just recently donated my first pint of blood. I feel really good about both these decisions, and plan to donate blood again.

My mother is a strict JW, and doctors tell her that she must have open heart surgery to correct a leaking heart valve which has gotten very bad. Problem is she has a very low blood count right now, and of course will absolutely not take blood in any form. They won't operate unless her blood count is a certain level. Can she survive this operation without taking any blood?

I think she is being very hard-line with this "faith" of hers, but it's her life. She shuns me, but felt she could call me on the phone, just to let me know her health status. She spent four days in the hospital, and none of her x-JW children even knew until after she came home. She's 79, and lives 1,000 miles away from me.

nilfun

Sentinel, so nice to see you here. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, sounds like such a difficult situation to be dealing with. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, (((Sentinel)))

Elsewhere

As of 1998 I know for a fact that donating blood is a DFing offence. After someone told the elders that I made a donation they came knocking on my door and threatened to DF me.

I told them "ok" and then said that I wanted to DA myself... two hours later I left my letter on the porch of one of the elders that talked to me.

proudassmonkey

i can't donate right now b/c of a tattoo that i had done. but i think that it is important. i think that in order to hold life as sacred everything must be done in order to protect that life. and because of that i was giving every 8 weeks and on feb. 27 (a year from when my tattoo was done) i will be there to give again.

Sam Beli

Sentinel, JWs are selfish in the extreme when it comes to their blood policy. Informed JWs (those familiar with the WTS rules) will use 99% of all blood components (fractions) when faced with serious medical need. Yet those same JW policies require their adherents to refuse donation of one drop of blood to replace what they have so willingly taken from the public stores of blood.

What is equally pitiful is that JWs ignorant of the official policies will refuse to accept most if not all forms of blood. They too refuse to donate blood to help their fellow man.

Please accept my condolences regarding your mother. Perhaps, if she can talk with an informed JW, possibly an HLC member they can tell her what blood products she can accept. Meantime, if the surgical requirement is not immediate and with good medical management she may be able to take medications to help build up her hemoglobin and electrolytes.

All the best,

Sam

Sentinel

I just had a minute to check this post. Thanks everyone for using this means to communicate with me. It is so encouraging.

Sam: Some things never change, and it seems that some of the JW rules are like reading legal stuff--not really that easily understood for some folks. My mom always goes to "the brothers" for direction. She seldom makes decisions on her own. She is paranoid she will do something wrong. And, of course, she won't even discuss the subject with me. This is the saddest part for me.

Nilfun: Hello! Thanks for the kind words my friend. I'm at a good place in my life right now, having fought my way up and out of a horrible place; but still, when something like this comes up, its difficult to deal with. I knew if I came to the forum, my friends would see me and remember me. The encouragement here is like a hug for me. It does help so much, though I know what is occuring is out of my control.

Elsewhere: Hi Buddy! Well, you know, it feels good to stand up and do something good, something right, and something positive. We have let those "old judges" go and learned not to live with all those rediculous rules and regulations. Even the stigma of "disfellowshipping" can't mean anything unless we decide to carry that guilt and burden. They have no power over us anymore. (The sad thing is, they have power over my mom....)

Proudassmonkey: You are new since I've been off here awhile. Thanks for responding with such a positive statement. I learned that out of the 36 posible donors on the day I showed up, only 26 were actually allowed to donate. This was due to various strict restrictions in place. I'm glad you will be able to donate in the future, because to me it is showing real love to help other needy fellow human beings in this way.

Safe sex and being accountable for our personal activities will enable us to be able to share our lifegiving blood. I think perhaps lots of folks have never considered the consequences of engaging in some or all the "freedoms" and "choices" we have. So many people would really like to give their blood now, but have to be turned away. This is why the blood banks are in such low supply. It's in a critical situation now according to the American Red Cross .

Elsewhere

This thread inspired me to go and donate today....

I encourage everyone to donate too. You con go to the Red Cross or other locations. Check out http://www.donate-blood.com

Save a life with blood instead of the useless rags that JWs go around pedaling.

DJ

My husband was in an accident 7 years ago and he needed 23 red cell transfusions. I just wanted to thank you donors from my heart and my sweet husband's and our little kids.

(((((Sentinel)))))

Elsewhere

*** Stumbling through the door all woozy ***

OK... Finished!

proudassmonkey

elsewhere that is very awesome... not just awesome but awe inspiring. to say that this is the righ tthing to do and go and do it. there are so few ppl in the world who acctually do that. am i rambling? well ijust think that was great of you

i have worked at a blood bank in a nursing level so i know that it takes alot to donate. but everyone who does it is a hero. you are saving someone's life and YOU make a difference not in a small menial way in a HUGE way. i haven't needed a tranfusion but if i ever do i thank my lucky stars that there are ppl out there ready and willing. if you are a donor, i say thank you!!

melissa

Donating Blood

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