Blood Donation Question

[FrankLeeMyDear]

There's a possibility that I have hemochromatosis. I'm in the process of having blood tests done, although the last 3 blood tests I've had (over a period of a year & half) show my iron levels increasing.

I know that one way to control the level of iron in my blood is via blood donation.

I wouldn't mind donating blood on a regular basis, but being a gay male makes that a little difficult. Also, would blood high in iron be acceptable when donated?

What other methods can be used for controlling iron in the blood? I've already cut down on my vitamin C intake since I've read that vitamin C helps with iron assimilation.

Could I be put on some type of medication? Is there a way a gay male can have blood removed without the hassle of blood donation (without having to lie about sexual orientation when donating?)

Thanks for any advice.

[Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC]

Some people with hemochromatosis undergo therapeutic phlebotomies to reduce the amount of iron in their blood. People with hemochromatosis can also avoid foods rich in iron such as shellfish and red meat. We recommend that you speak with your physician regarding appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation and forthcoming test results. You may also benefit from meeting with a medical geneticist. A medical geneticist can be found at the American College of Medical Genetics website. We wish you the best.

[FrankLeeMyDear]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the website you have recommended.

[FrankLeeMyDear]

Thanks for the advice.

I'm not embarrassed to state that I am gay.

However, being so, blood donation centers do not want my blood. The American Red Cross has this condition in place as a guideline for those who want to donate blood: If you "are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977" you are not to donate blood.

I would prefer not having to lie when donating blood so, if asked about my sexual orientation, I'd prefer stating that I am gay.

Of course, if I do have hemochromatosis, blood donation centers probably don't want my blood, either since there is too much iron in it.

Anyway - thanks for responding.

[mammo]

Hi, I have a friend who has this condition and he says they take blood from him routinely, but has never used the word "donate".  I doubt if you could donate blood with this condition, but I'm not a doctor.  I know I was once turned away fron donating blood because my iron was low.  So, maybe you can just ask your doctor where and under what circumstances you would be donating blood, and what your options are in this respect.  Unless you have another condition, being gay would have no bearing on this.  I also hope you are not embarrassed to say you are gay, because you shouldn't be.
Either way, if this is your only solution then I would think your doctor would have a way for you to donate annonymously.  Look at all the druggies, and such that donate blood, I'm sure they screen the blood closely any way.  Best of luck to you!