Hepatitis C prohibits blood donation
Dear Dr. Roach: Iama 70-year-old with O-negative blood type. When I was 40, the Red Cross notified me that antibodies of hepatitis C had been detected in my blood and they would no longer accept blood donations from me.
Following this discovery, I was lucky to enroll in a two-year study at my local Veterans Affairs hospital that tracked my antibody “copies.” My test results always showed “no detection.” I was told then that 7% to 15% of individuals who contract hepatitis C spontaneously get cured of the virus. I have always remained asymptomatic. Do you think the Red Cross would again accept donations of my blood?
B.P.
Answer: No, you can never give blood again if you tested positive for hepatitis C. The blood banks are very cautious to keep the blood supply as safe as possible.
You can, however, still be an organ donor (the organs are donated to a person living with hepatitis C). People of any age may be organ donors.
Dear Dr. Roach:
In December I had a bicycle accident. When they did a CT scan of my ribs, they discovered a large amount of urine that had overflowed my bladder. They removed over 7 pints with a catheter. It destroyed half my kidney function. I had taken Flomax for years and thought I was urinating sufficiently. One question I have is why none of my doctors had mentioned this possibility.
D.R.
Answer: There doesn’t need to be a complete blockage of urine to damage the kidneys: It’s the high pressure that damages the kidneys, and if it goes on long enough, the damage is permanent.
Medications like Flomax shrink the prostate and normally help relieve the pressure, but no medication is perfect. Surgery is still sometimes necessary. It is disturbing to hear you are having this symptom after surgery.
A periodic check of kidney function through blood testing is important, but I would recommend that your urologist look at whether you are completely emptying the bladder. A handheld sonogram done after you urinate can tell this instantly. See your surgeon promptly.