Donating Plasma After Transplant

[Superteeth]

Hello. I am currently scheduled to have a 3,000 graft hair transplant with Dr. Arocha in Texas. I have heard nothing but good things about him and look forward to the results.

 

However, I am concerned because I donate plasma twice a week. I was wondering if donating plasma was possibly going to affect the chances that a graft will "take". I am not in the least concerned about the healing of the scar, it is not a priority since I always wear my hair long so the scar is always hidden. But seeing as how I'm spending a lot of money on this surgery, I don't want to do anything that will affect the percentage of the grafts that survive. Obviously I'll ask Dr. Arocha at the consultation, but wouldn't mind receiving some answers from any knowledgeable people prior to that date.Thanks in advance for any insight.

[gillenator]

My premonition would be that your surgeon will want you to hold off on the plasma donations for your upcoming procedure. The platelets and cells in the blood are integral in the healing process and you don't want your blood compromised as they feed and heal your newly implanted grafts.

[Superteeth]

You know, I got a response from the consultant who checked with the doctor for the answer. He said it's fine to continue donating before and after the transplant. I kind of leaned towards what you were saying, because it seems to make sense, but Dr. Arocha apparently thinks otherwise for some reason.

 

That said, a plasma donation returns your blood to you, and takes approximately 25% of your plasma (my calculation based on my weight and the volume they take). As it is regenerated fully in 48 hours, I don't think it will affect the grafts negatively to donate plasma.

 

I'll probably just not donate for the first ten days after the transplant because apparently all the grafts are fully anchored at ten days, and I would really only be worried about losing grafts because of a lack of nutrients reaching them or something.

[gillenator]

Wow!...am totally shocked by the reply you received but he's the doctor.

 

If it were me, I would still forego the donations unless they are critical related to a medical condition that you have.

 

I once had a condition that was diagnosed as Polycythemia and I needed therapeutic phlebotomy treatments because my blood was so enriched with red blood cells...I had no other options other than those treatments to thin out my blood.

[Superteeth]

Yup, and I quote: "If you were able to donate plasma before, you will be able to donate plasma later. This will have no impact on the transplants now or in the future. As per Dr. Arocha, the body recovers from this rather quickly and you can continue doing what you are doing."

 

"There are no contraindications, per Dr. Arocha and you can donate today."

 

I guess it's good to know the doctor doesn't think there's anything wrong with it, but again, I'll play it safe and not donate until probably 2 weeks after the surgery.

[gillenator]

Well one thing is for sure...it surely can't hurt you to wait and your blood will have nothing missing to replenish...

[Superteeth]

Well in that case, how long would you think would be safe to wait?

[gillenator]

Some cells replace daily some longer but if it were me, I would give it 2 weeks after surgery.

 

Once my phlebotomies pulled my hemoglobin down to 17, the doctor only did the treatments bi-weekly.

 

I know this is not the same reasons but he told me this was a more safe approach over the long term.

 

That was the opinion of my hematologist, a blood specialist in treating blood disorders.

 

Gotta sign off for now...see you next week...

[Al - Moderator]

I'll probably just not donate for the first ten days after the transplant because apparently all the grafts are fully anchored at ten days, and I would really only be worried about losing grafts because of a lack of nutrients reaching them or something.

 

I think you should also be asking the donation center if they have any policy of how long someone has to wait after having surgery before they can donate plasma.

[Superteeth]

I don't believe they do, it's certain prescription medications and blood transfusions that disqualify you. I wanted to know from the doctor because I wanted to see if the results are affected.