HIV/Aids Infection After Transfusion

Unbelievable news from the CDC reports that an individual has been identified to have contracted HIV/Aids after a blood transfusion during a kidney transplant. The news saddens me for the recipient, but also angers me that the donor was NOT honest about his lifestyle or health during the blood screening process.

Follow the latest report from St. Louis Today: The only recorded case of HIV transmission from a blood transfusion in the last eight years has been linked to a Missouri blood donor, according to a federal report.

A man in his 40s donated contaminated blood at a Missouri blood center in June 2008, according to the report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The man's HIV positive status was not confirmed until after he donated blood a second time, in November 2008. The contaminated blood was destroyed and the man was prohibited from future donations.

In the meantime, investigators found that the man's blood from the first donation had been transfused into two patients. One patient in Arkansas died of heart disease two days after receiving a transfusion during a July 2008 surgery, and it is unknown whether the patient contracted HIV. The second patient, of Colorado, received a blood transfusion during a kidney transplant in August 2008 and later tested positive for HIV.

Lab results confirmed that the blood transfusion was the cause of the HIV infection in the kidney transplant patient. The last known case of HIV transmission from a blood transfusion was in 2002.

Before both blood donations, the Missouri man told health care workers that he did not have any risk factors for HIV. In a follow-up interview with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the man acknowledged having anonymous sexual affairs with men and women before his initial blood donation.

Men who have ever had sex with another man have been banned from donating blood since the early 1980s, a policy upheld in June by a federal review panel.

Health investigators determined that the man had donated blood during the window of time before HIV infection can be detected though screening. That window averages nine days for the tests used by U.S. blood banks.

The risk of contracting HIV from a blood transfusion is about 1 in 1.5 million, according to CDC estimates.

"Even the most sensitive screening technologies currently available cannot identify the presence of HIV infection during the first few days after infection," the report concludes. "Eligibility screening questions, if answered accurately, would have excluded the donor because of his sexual history. It is the responsibility of persons who donate blood to answer screening questionnaires accurately to ensure the safest blood supply possible."

I have been a supporter for quite some time that monogamous gay men should be entitled to donate, knowing that any issues with the donated blood would be appropriately screened and discarded if necessary. I continue to trust that screening process and fault the donor in this case for not citing the correct information.

I encourage donors to continue and I appeal to recipients that we all have signed the waiver and understand the risks at hand. The long term benefits do outweigh the risks. At least when I look into the eyes of my daughter, I know that I made the right choice - every time.

Linking Heart Disease and Blood Donation

As a blood recipient and an advocate for blood donation, I am always concerned about the general health of everyone, especially family members. During my reign as Mrs. Virginia International 2011, I will continue my efforts with an unwavering passion and commitment while continuing to support the national platform of Go Red for Women with the American Heart Association.

Some have already asked how are they even related. And quite simply, prior to donating blood, you must have your blood pressure checked (among other vital signs) and it can determine if you are or are not a healthy donor. In the larger picture, heart disease has had an unwelcome long-term relationship with my family.

My maternal grandfather, Pop Pop, underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery; Aunt Lenoire had a stroke at the age of 37; my mother regulates her blood pressure with medication; great-grandfather, Pop (pictured at right), had several strokes before passing - and the family list continues.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and it's a leading cause of heath issues in my family - Monitoring cholesterol, blood pressure, physical activity and overall health are important in daily life. Just like knowing the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke. Because we are aware of the signs, doesn't mean that you are - so here are the signals you should be aware of:

Heart Attack

-Chest discomfort(usually in the center of the chest lasting more than a few mins)
-Discomfort or pain in other areas of the upper body (arm(s), back, neck, jaw)
-Shortness of breath (with or without chest pain)
-Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back/jaw pain

Stroke

-Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially in one side of the body
-Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
-Sudden trouble seeing with one or both eyes
-Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
-Sudden severe headache with no known cause


It's important to note that these are just some of the warning signs, and you may or may not experience any one of these symptoms. They can be just as unique as the individual.

Heart disease is something that will continue to affect my family and we will continue to fight it through healthy living, education and medical advice. By treating heart disease as a family, we are ensuring that we will be around for generations to come and that everyone will benefit from the experiences.

Heart disease doesn't have to stop life in it's tracks if you are prepared and educated. Take the time to review your family history and ask your doctor about your risks. Your family needs you around for a long time and with a healthy heart, you can keep donating blood to keep me and many others around just as long.

INCEPT: Living with Sickle Cell

Third in a series of guest bloggers, today we have Tim Johnson, an active CME within Incept who is living with Sickle Cell Anemia. Join me as we take a glimpse into his life as a survivor working for the greater good of recruiting blood donors.


When it comes to donating blood, there is definitely an odd feeling for me on both sides of the equation.

On one side, I don't donate blood. So, initially, you would likely think about how I'm missing the opportunity to save up to three lives with each donation. You would be able to include the fact that out of the 36% eligible to donate, only 10% of the population actually does (with 4.5 million patients needing a blood transfusion every year). Why do I choose to not take time out of my day to save up to three lives - one of which may be a friend or family member? For me, it is, unfortunately, an easy answer: I was born deferred.

It's easy to sidestep feelings of guilt about not donating blood when you're ineligible. Then again, if I was eligible, I would be able to make a real impact in my community. In someone's family. In somebody's life. Naturally, when I became a blood donor recruiter at Incept, it was truly a wonderful experience and testimony to the donors we get to have conversations with on the phones.

I am blessed to have SC Disease (Sickle-Hemoglobin C Disease), as opposed to full-blown Sickle Cell Anemia. So while I still have Sickle Cell crises - a lowered immune system, quick onset dehydration, and increased susceptibility to any illness that requires healthy red blood cells to recover - I avoid having to go through blood and bone marrow transfusions that could keep me in the hospital for many months at a time (as many Sickle Cell patients do).

The medical society didn't start to begin checking for Sickle Cell in patients until 1996, so both my parents were unaware of my hereditary illness until 1989 when I had a seizure at 2 years old. I did have a nice run - a couple sickle cell crises in school from dehydration - and even made my way into the local paper when, as a 14-year-old boy in Jackson High school, I was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis. That led to my friends having to take a preventative pill, my girlfriend
having to receive a shot, and any visitors and hospital staff who came into my room to wear those cool, yellow contamination outfits. When my friends all started smoking cigarettes and got to be "cool," all I got was a lung biopsy - even though it did help me promptly quit.

I realized, as I got older, that I became less and less affected by my immune system and gained a better understanding of the disease (especially with September being Sickle Cell Awareness Month). Since there is currently no universal cure for SC Disease and since I was born with this illness, it really shaped my life and understanding of the different ways blood can affect the life of another.

When Rebecca Crosen spoke to me about sharing my experience with SC Disease, I jumped at the opportunity. I sought to communicate not only my side of the story, but also the importance of donating blood (for those who are healthy enough to donate). With Rebecca being a recipient and me, a donor born deferred, we both have amazing stories to tell. So until the next time, I will continue to support others afflicted with Sickle Cell Diseases and stress the importance of saving lives!

I still help to save lives each and every day as a blood donor recruiter, how do you save lives?

Tim Johnson
Incept

A Weekend of Fun and Purpose

This weekend, although not close to being over, has already been filled with powerful and invigorating events.

On Friday night, I had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer at the Teens With a Purpose (TWP) event being held in Norfolk, Virginia. TWP's mission is to provide young people with a platform to empower their peers to use their voices, their energy, and their abilities to demonstrate the power to effect personal change, improve the lives of others, and foster a more knowledgeable community that is more invested in both themselves and each other using the arts and through peer-led programs and events. Emphasize education on and prevent of the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Provide a nonjudgmental, safe, environment for self expression for all young people.

The evening was filled with awards, speeches and fundraisers including a live auction, conducted by Al Roker of NBC. The evening celebrate all of the efforts and accomplishments made by the teens and the adults. Congratulations to everyone!

This free slideshow design personalized with Smilebox

The following morning found me up early and on the road to Richmond to assist in the Richmond Heart Walk and Go Red. What a great day for a heart healthy walk! There were hundreds, if not a thousand or more, walkers ready to take on the 3 mile course and fight for heart health.

I was able to spend the day with Jessica, Miss Pre-teen Virginia International. She is such a delight and it was fun to see her interact and educate others about being heart healthy by simply having fun and staying active.

Collage made with Smilebox

Get out and get moving so that you can be heart healthy! To find out more, visit the American Heart Association link on the right.

A Dream Come True

Yes, I have been slightly delinquent in posting. But all for good reason! As long time readers are aware, in addition to being passionate about blood donors, I have an interest in pageants and love to watch, compete, judge, critque, etc... This time, I have some fabulous news to share.

After 8 years of competing in the International Pageant System, and 5 attempts at a state title, I can finally say - I am Mrs. Virginia Internaitonal 2011. It was a weekend of interesting events, quirky moments, and one dream come true.

Without highlighting some of the hysterical moments enjoy a few photos from the evneing!

This photo collage personalized with Smilebox

Why is my hair falling out - again?

So, one of the issues of living with different forms of Anemia, is that they both create their own individual issues that sometimes, are just embarrassing or irritating, to say the least.

One of the not-so-fun side-effects of Iron Deficiency Anemia is that I regularly lose my hair and my finger nails just do not grow. While I admit that I do have extremely thick hair and that losing it isn't always a bad thing, there are times when I look at my bathroom floor or the drain has to be cleaned out yet again, that I think, how much more can I lose?

So, here is the technical info on why: Because hair is a non-essential tissue’ for nutrient supply, it is often the first tissue to show sign of internal disturbance but the last to recover. If all other pathology is within acceptable parameters, hair growth phasing should stabilise within 2-6 months of commencing treatment. When this occurs the rate of hair fall would reduce, followed by a prolonged anagen (growth) phase of the new hair.

As a continuously growing & metabolically-active tissue, hair requires high levels of available nutrients for hair cell DNA synthesis & development. In terms of nutrient supply however, hair is a ‘non-essential’ tissue – receiving its full nutrient supply only after vital tissues have been accommodated. In women of menstruating age when iron levels are frequently less than optimal or who are Iron Deficient, this essential mineral is often a common cause for hair loss.

Several years ago, I slowly made the change to short hair. I had long blond hair and while I was use to it and loved it, it began falling out in clumps and I just couldn't manage it any longer. I made the progression from long to short and blond to brunette (natural!) for the simple reason that with shorter hair, if it's in a falling out stage, I would not notice it as much (at least until I looked at the bathroom floor).

Regular management of the anemia limits the hair loss, however, there is a regular cycle that I go through every 4 to 6 months where at least 30% of my hair will fall out. Blessed with thick hair and some styling skills you may not notice, but I notice.

Will more transfusions help this? Unlikely, it's a long-term side-effect that will continue. With proper management through medicine, it will decrease, but it will never go away. That's difficult to swallow for this bonafide glamour-girl, but I am grateful to be here and I can deal with it - with a smile.

Blood Transfusions for Breast Cancer Patients

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and like many of us, my family has been touched by the disease. While it's a survivor's story, it's still a story and battle with breast cancer. Still vigilant with check ups and still living each day, Aunt Julie, is a testimony to advances in treatment and the power of prayer.

During the fight with breast cancer, many women (and yes, there are men) require multiple blood transfusions during their course of treatment. Every two seconds, someone needs blood, and cancer patients may require frequent blood transfusions because aggressive treatment often destroys healthy blood cells along with diseased ones. Red blood cell transfusions to fight anemia and platelet transfusions to control bleeding are often needed.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 207,090 women and 1,970 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with cancer of the breast during their lifetime. At this time, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment.

Giving blood today can aid cancer patients in their recovery. Organizing a blood drive is also a thoughtful way of honoring or remembering someone affected by cancer. Over the years, hundreds of these dedicated blood drives have been held by loved ones and hosted by employers, business organizations, community groups, and schools.

Being that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and because you have women in your life that you love, this is a great time to donate blood to honor their lives.

Latest "It's Hip 2 Give" News

It's been a whirlwind of an October and it's just begun - or at least I think it did! Yes, I have kept busy and traveling and it seems as if that will be ramping up in the next few months leading up to National Blood Donor Month in January.

I am currently working with several organizations on some statewide legislation on honoring Virginia's Blood Donors in January - should be an exciting venture if it passes (and I will offer more details once they are hammered out).

Be on the look-out for some VERY EXCITING news in the next week or two...shhhh I can't tell you yet, but it's an opportunity to reach more donors and save more lives!!

Thanks for keeping up with It's Hip 2 Give and for helping to save lives, one pint at a time!

Cycling: Blood Doping through Transfusions

No, I haven't decided to become an avid cyclist (even though my mother is, bless her heart) but I have taken an interest in the recent news of professional cyclists using blood transfusions as a way to improve their energy levels (among other things).

It's being reported that different cyclists have tested positive for a plastic residue that is specifically found in the bags used during a blood transfusion. I wondered why in the world would anyone knowingly choose to have a transfusion if their LIFE didn't depend on it. So I had to educate myself as to the reasons why and really didn't find any valid reason.

There are two possible types of transfusion: homologous and autologous. In a homologous transfusion, RBCs from a compatible donor are harvested, concentrated and then transfused into the athlete’s circulation prior to endurance competitions. In an autologous transfusion, the athlete's own RBCs are harvested well in advance of competition and then re-introduced before a critical event. For some time after the harvesting the athlete may be anemic.

So why run the risk of being anemic, even for a while, after donating for an autologous transfusion? Because with the infusion of the new cells into the blood stream, there is increased energy, awareness and ability - even if only for a short term.

Is the win worth the risk of infection or death? NO Is the win worth losing your job/passion? NO

When there are so many people in this world that need transfusions just to live and these (alleged) individuals are doing transfusions just for a win, I find it disrespectful, immature and quite frankly - selfish.

And now, I'll step back from my soap box and hope that everyone continues to donate for those that want to win at life and not a race.

High Blood Pressure and Donating

Routine donor screening involves many questions regarding your long-term health and lifestyle. You also receive a "mini" physical that includes a check of your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure will you be deferred? Well, that's a loaded question.

If your blood pressure in under control and within the limits set in the donation guidelines then YES you will be able to donate that day. If your blood pressure is high and not regulated by a physician, then usually, you will receive a deferral and a recommendation to visit your physician.

In some instances, high blood pressure will disqualify a person from donating blood. If, however, the blood pressure is elevated but not extremely high, a person will be eligible to donate his/her blood. The guideline established by the Red Cross is that a person is ineligible to donate if their systolic blood pressure is over 180 or their diastolic blood pressure is over 100. Those who fall outside of these guidelines are ineligible to donate blood. Those with low blood pressure can donate, as long as their low blood pressure reading is consistent with their normal blood pressure.

People with extremely high blood pressure generally have underlying conditions which affect their blood pressure or are affected by it. They also tend to be on strong medication to regulate their blood pressure. Because of this, people with extremely high blood pressure may be at more risk of complications from donating blood than other people. Blood donation is intended to save lives, not to put them at risk. Because of this, even though many people with high blood pressure could donate without harming themselves, the regulations are enforced to help keep donors safe and to eliminate the chances of anyone being harmed by donating their blood.

To ensure that you are in optimal health for donating blood, be sure to live a healthy lifestyle - exercise your mind, body and soul and be prepared to save lives with just one hour of your time. To learn more about your heart health, be sure to visit www.americanheart.org and find out what is considered normal blood pressure for you and for your ability to save lives through blood donation.