I don’t know but it is a Really Good question! The last time I tried to donate they wouldnt let me because I had had "Yuppie Flu" in the 90's! But I think it is a great question for your Dr.!!!

Well the head cardiologist unapproved me today. He wants to wait until our next appointment. Oh well, I tried. I'll be patient and a good patient.

My guess is no to donating blood but like Janine said, ask your doctor.

Sam,

Yes, being anemic is an issue. With less blood volume, you have fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen to the other cells of your body. This may cause hypoxia and other complicatons.

The situation in England may have been related to Mad Cow Disease I would think. Haven't heard about that in a while.

I am going to respectfully challenge my cardiologist when I see him on Friday. I have to stop taking my blood thinners a few days ahead of dental and some other medical procedures, so why can't I stop a few days ahead to donate blood?

I am also on a diuretic, so again there is the blood volume issue. But again, why can't I skip my diuretic that morning?

I am willing to take a chance. If it doesn't work for me then I won't attempt it again. Sometimes we need to think outside of the box.

John,

I tried but because of blood thinners they said NO. I am also anemic and not sure if that comes into play. Years past they would not let me because of being stationed in England and something to do with eating meat over there. That took over 45 years for them to lift and allow folk to donate. It is a noble thing to do and had always given blood while on active duty but that was a long time ago.