As a Peer Health Coach with the IPPF, I am often reminded how fortunate that I am to be able to speak with so many individuals who lives have been affected in so many different ways from Pemphigus and Pemphigoid. I am able to take these collective experiences and pass them on to others in the form of recommendations, suggestions and advice. Even more amazing is the fact that the IPPF has four Peer Health Coaches doing this simultaneously!
This year your coaches have collectively worked with over 200 people answering questions, looking for physicians, helping with problems, providing educational information and providing peer support. Your coaches often discover fantastic “pearls” of information and have become great resources for all of us managing our conditions. To help pass along some of this great information we have created “Coaches Corner”, where your coaches can share knowledge about Pemphigus and Pemphigoid to help you improve.
Recently, I had some one ask me about being a blood donor which was something that I had done regularly prior to being diagnosed and had often wondered if I would be able to do it again. I found that according to the American Red Cross, you are not eligible to donate blood if you have some types of generalized autoimmune disease including systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis (Since Pemphigus is so rare it is not mentioned). They also provide the following guidelines:
- “To give blood for transfusion to another person, you must be healthy,
- be at least 17 years old,
- weigh at least 110 pounds,
- and not have donated blood in the last 56 days.”
“Healthy” means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, “healthy” also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control. Other aspects of each potential donor’s health history are discussed as part of the donation process before any blood is collected. Each donor receives a brief examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.”
So based on those guidelines, I would not recommend giving a blood donation unless it were for your own use. I would, however, check with the local blood collection agency you are considering just to make sure.
Although I was slightly disappointed with what I found because I was hoping that I would be able to give blood, the knowledge that I gained by doing a little research was helpful. I also found some satisfaction in knowing that I can donate blood to help with Pemphigus and Pemphigoid research. Perhaps that is the best way to donate blood as someday it may lead to a cure!
Thanks for all your support,
Marc Yale
IPPF Certified Peer Health Coach