Bloodless medicine v Blood Transfusions

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

I completely respect the choice of those who reject blood and blood products but as a health care professional, these have been my most difficult cases to deal with because I feel like I have failed them by not giving blood and thus not having *done everything* (in my eyes) to save them They may not have survived but I will never know if it could have made a difference.

Thank you for sharing your insight on the medical profession Michelle . I'm not sure how much comfort it will bring, but I assure you - anyone who refuses blood from a religious standpoint will absolutely NOT blame you if the worst happens. Believe me, my decisions are made ONLY after prayerful consideration, and ONLY once I am at peace with the knowledge that my stand may one day cost me my life. At the moment, whatever the outcome, I would be extremely greatful that you had even tried bloodless medicine, as the vast majority of surgeons and doctors still completely refuse.

Starrysky, MD and Zaidie - thanks for your insights as well I think this is an interesting topic that people don't generally consider until it's too late, KWIM?

Another question: What are your thoughts on vaccinations/antivenom that is cultured in human/animal blood?

[paradise lost]

I give and would recieve blood. I'm on the bone marrow donation register also, though it'd be unlikely for me to be called on for a non-family-member as bone marrow is so hard to match.

During my brother's birth (placenta praevia, 31 weeks) my mother lost an estimated 80% of her blood volume in around 15minutes. She was given blood and survived. I was born 3 years later and thus owe my life to blood donation. One could not (and as far as i know still cannot) survive 80% blood volume loss. One of my closest friends had a very difficult birth 3 years ago and suffered repeated haematoma's and recieved 15 units of blood in the first 4 days after the birth. I don't know if she'd have lived without the blood, but she was certainly extremely ill.

I know a person who works in a lab searching for an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, an i know they use blood in their work because she is often anaemic (they use their OWN blood for certain parts of the assay). She feels her work is valuable enough to make her own life uncomfortable for it. I would tend to agree with her i suppose.

It's a shame there aren't widespread JW doctors who will treat bloodlessly. I can understand that especially in the UK blood medicine is effective and quick in most cases when compared to bloodless and they just don't have the money to train or research alternative answers for questions they have already answered adequately (if not perfectly). Since Jews do not need a doctor for a circumcision, you would hope that JW's would be able to access more specific medical care.

It is likely i a a poor person to ask though. After watching various family members ail and die and nursing my mother through several major surgeries, chemo, radio, and then holding her hand as she died (ironically, for this thread, of slow internal bleeding from a tumour eating into the vena cava) my attitude to illness is to pull out every stop, to fight every step, to do anything and everything to alleviate, prevent or cure illness. My attitude is that death lies ahead of me, opting out of unnecessary suffering en route is a no-brainer.

Bx

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

That's the thing, Bec - I've seen people suffer and receive blood then suffer some more because of it. If there were artificial blood, a fluid that would transport oxygen and be processed by the liver and kidneys and move out of the system as new blood was made by the body, that would be a LOT better than having the blood donor system. Which is why I wouldn't receive another's blood voluntarily: I don't want their illnesses!

It can be done, if only there's a push for it. Which there isn't at the moment.

[Olive]

i also recieved a blood transfusion after my DD2 birth, 2 units due to PPH, i greatfully excepted it as im not sure how i would have coped post birth had i not! i was extremely fatigued. i also continued to see my TCM and have accupunture and herbs for a few weeks post birth in order to increase my blood supply. if i were you then perhaps look into either storing your own blood or seeing a TCM before and after birth

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

On the contrary Bx - I'm interested in EVERYONES opinions, not just the ones that agree with mine I think I understand your view, and I think the difference between us is that I'm not afraid to die, KWIM? I believe that I will come back in time anyway, so I'm not in fear of my life ending, whether its at 102 or tomorrow. Correct me if I'm wrong

AJP - I'm glad it worked for you, that sounds scary! IRT storing my blood for future use, this is something that is also prohibited from my religious standpoint, as it becomes a broken circuit - whereas I would accept dialysis or a cell saver, as the circuit is simply made a bit longer, but not broken at any time, KWIM?

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

It can be done, if only there's a push for it. Which there isn't at the moment.

Exactly Lady Zaidie - very well put!