Vanderhoven - “…The GB simply talk out of their hats.”
Beth Sarim - “…Or they talk out of both sides of their mouths.”
You’re both wrong.😏
Stage 4 Cancer, Stem Cell Transplant and Blood Transfusions
by NJ501 31 Replies latest watchtower medical
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Vidiot
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BluesBrother
I do understand the dilemma. I have considered this question a a lot . I was offerer blood while in hospital but it was not at all urgent so I had no problem declining it. It is so hard when your close family are believing Witnesses. You think of the problem that you would be causing them . How would home life be afterwards? Is it worth it?
At my time of life , living with a wife who would be drawn into the consequences, who is also my carer for disability….. I seriously wonder if it would be worth sacrificing my happy home life for a few more years of living? Those extra years are going downhill anyway…..
Of course the situation would be totally different for other people and I would never tell anyone what to do. I am just pointing out that although the actual taking of blood would be a no-brainer , the consequences are more complicated.
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Beth Sarim
Vidiot,,,
Thanks for clarifying and clearing this up.
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joe134cd
I found giving blood to be particularly therapeutic in dealing with my JWisim. It was an outward sign of me closing the door in that chapter of my life. Id recommend it.
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Beth Sarim
Joe;
I never thought about doing that
May it's something left-over frm JW programming.😏
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blondie
I had a hard time wondering how I would handle this, I know I would take a blood transfusion if I saw its benefits to prolonging my life but I have a DNC (do not resuscitate) on my HC POA. I give blood every 8 weeks, and have for 15 years. I researched and found that the hemoglobin-based products the WTS is a conscience matter whether to take them, and were made out of expired human blood or animal blood, I realized how hypocritical the WTS was being in this matter. I do believe the WTS has clarified that jws cannot take hemoglobin-based products made with expired human blood or animal blood. Probably read my comments on here, maybe. Each person jw or non-jw has to make their own personal decision as to how they will choose to handle blood products. It is your life that is at risk. Also, I made sure I updated my HC-POA to reflect I accept blood transfusions, filed with my HMO, doctors/specialists I see, and the clinic I go to and had them acknowledge in writing that the new one is on file. Also, under the HIPAA laws in the US, keeping medical records out of the hands of people like elders, other jws, etc., is considered illegal, and can be a legal matter.
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Beth Sarim
Its just very difficult for me to go out and give blood.
Its just part of what's left over from cult programming.
If I was in the hospital,,,and my life depended on it,,,,,I would have no problem taking blood.
You see,,this is how this cult effs you up.
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blondie
Beth Sarim, I realized that I am willing to get shots, or use needles to administer my medication to myself, or others who cannot do it for themselves any more, Giving blood is a very organized process, I give at the local office of the Red Cross, some at blood drives (I can see that as a problem for ex-jws). No more often than every 8 weeks, but you can choose how often you want to give. Every time I give, they tell me how many people I help, my blood is "special" and is used for babies with special needs. I figure, someone has given, they too have needle anxiety like me, but still do it. I figure it would be hypocritical not to, if I would accept a transfusion. I like the idea that I am really helping people live longer, not like the lies I told people door to door.
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Beth Sarim
it's just part of the JW programming which is ingrained in me. Hard to deprogram.
Its like we grew up in JW lala land not having a choice.
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Slidin Fast
Hi, firstly, can I offer you my support in facing this horrible disease. I have had a brush with cancer myself so I know the mental turmoil that it caused me. Please don't let guilt and mental programming make it worse. One thing WT has right is that we are all imperfect. Nobody has a right to expect perfection from you even in holding to discredited mores. Don't expect it from yourself.
I have trained myself by eating black (blood) pudding. Nothing terrible happened, it was quite an unremarkable experience despite the clanging of taboos in my head.
This issue is very close to me since I have had two family members die as a direct consequence of this doctrine so the eating of blood had great symbolic resonance to me. This act of rebellion helped me free myself of the guilt and weight of expectation that I carried for decades. Having undergone operations recently I have discussed the blood issue and my (none) stance with surgeons and other staff explaining the threat of shunning if I willingly received blood.
Don't be held by that threat.