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I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATION OF MY NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT ANTIBODY CARD

14 replies

user1494283706 · 20/12/2017 20:11

During one of my pregnancies, the foetus stopped growing, and I eventually miscarried. Because the embryo died two weeks before I started bleeding, I was informed during a scan that I was having a missed- miscarriage.

A few months later I once again became pregnant but was shocked to be informed that my missed-miscarriage had affected my blood and chances were that my body would destroy the foetus! I was horrified. Shock Fortunately, my daughter is a fighter and now five. Star

However, I was unable to carry through further pregnancies, and after three additional miscarriages Sad I gave up extending my family and concentrated on my miracle child. Halo

During the early pregnancy, I was told that the blood of the dead foetus had come in contact with my blood and that I need to carry an NHS Blood and Transplant Antibody Card with me all the time since the change in my blood is for life. Hmm That I could during the pregnancy or both my child and I could after birth need blood transfusions. Fortunately, we didn't. Smile

Five years later, I am still confused. Confused
Group: A RhD positive
Antibodies: Anti-Cw
But what does it really mean?
Can I still donate blood?
What about if I am involved in an accident and need a blood transfusion?
Do I need to show my card when I attend general surgery?
Do I need to tell my Fitness and Gymnastics centres?
Should I carry a Blood Alert bracelet?
What about my child could her blood have been contaminated too resulting in complications when she becomes a woman and wants to start her own family?

Can any of you enlighten me, please?

Thank you.

[santa] Glitterball Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all. Glitterball [santa]

OP posts:
Pinkywoo · 21/12/2017 10:48

Bumping for you because I've never heard of this, and it sounds very worrying, hope your daughter turns out to be fine.

chocolateiamydrug · 21/12/2017 11:05

Don't you have a doctor who could explain it to you - supposed haematology issued the card? It sounds quite complex. It's not really for internet strangers to clarify.

LetsSplashMummy · 21/12/2017 11:43

You are carrying a card as your blood group has changed, so the records need to be correct. You are not contaminated or diseased in any way.

A bloodgroup is a combination of cells and antibodies against cells from the other groups - that is why we match blood for a transfusion. You have developed antibodies to "cw" from exposure to the first foetus, in the same way you make antibodies to pathogens. It is you who is at risk, if you are transfused with the wrong blood and your immune system will mount a response to it. It isn't that different that ensuring people are matched for the general blood groups before a transfusion, you are only different as your group is rare and has changed. You won't need to inform people in sports groups as you aren't contagious or ill in any way, just in a slightly different group.

When you daughter starts a family it is important to find out the blood groups she is in (testing for anti-cw isn't routine), and her husband, but not until then. It isn't a disease, just a complication. You should talk to your doctor and specialist as it sounds like you think there is something wrong with you, which is completely understandable, but it is more a compatibility than something "wrong," does that make sense? Talk to your doctor, they will be happy to put your mind at ease and probably upset you worried so long. Take care.

user1494283706 · 21/12/2017 20:42

@chocolateiamydrug My GP hasn't got a clue. Maybe some of 'the internet strangers' know about Anti-Cw. Just because you can not help doesn't mean you have to refrain me from asking others.

OP posts:
user1494283706 · 21/12/2017 20:52

@LetsSplashMummy Thank you for your reply. It is very helpful.
I do not think I have a disease. Smile My apology if I gave this impression.
I was just wondering if I should carry an alert bracelet and notify my gym, leisure centre, job and close ones that I have a rare blood type group to prevent complication if I need a blood transfusion in the event of an incident or of major surgery.

OP posts:
beanhunter · 21/12/2017 20:54

You don’t have a rare blood group. You have developed an antibody. It’s standard practice that anyone with an antibody carries a card. You can develop antibodies through pregnancy or through transfusion.
There is no significance for pregnancy for your daughter in the future. It’s you that has the antibody and antibodies aren’t something that can be passed on.

GentlyGentlyOhDear · 21/12/2017 20:59

I have a related question if the blood experts are around - in my second pregnancy I had to have fortnightly blood tests as they spotted anti-c (think it was small c) antibodies in my blood. I was never given a card or anything and am now wondering if I should have been? I had the baby and forgot all about it to be honest. I'm blood group A-

VivaLeBeaver · 21/12/2017 21:06

It means that yes it can cause problems in a pregnancy, more likely that any baby develops complications such as hydrops.

It means that should you need a blood transfusion you need blood which is CW negative. As well as been the correct blood group. So if you were having routine surgery they would probably pre order blood for you to ensure they had some available. I think in an emergency you could still have o neg.

VivaLeBeaver · 21/12/2017 21:09

I wasn’t sure how much blood is normally cw negative and googled, from this conversation it looks like 98% of transfused blood is cw negative anyway, so they shouldn’t struggle getting anynfor you if you need it.

www.pathlabtalk.com/forum/index.php?/topic/3974-anti-cw/

VivaLeBeaver · 21/12/2017 21:11

gently, yes it’s good practice for people to be given an antibody card. Might be worth asking your GP.

user1494283706 · 21/12/2017 21:43

@beanhunter I used the term 'rare' as used by @LetsSplashMummy Smile
Thank you for clarifying the following: 'There is no significance for pregnancy for your daughter in the future. It’s you that has the antibody and antibodies aren’t something that can be passed on.'

OP posts:
user1494283706 · 21/12/2017 21:46

@VivaLeBeaver Thank you!!! Smile

OP posts:
GentlyGentlyOhDear · 21/12/2017 21:55

Thanks Viva, I'll ask my GP about it. Sorry for jumping on your thread user

user1494283706 · 22/12/2017 22:37

@GentlyGentlyOhDear no problem! ;-)

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