Self phlebotomy

[stargab]

Hi all,

Moved to a country where medical phlebotomy isn’t a thing and I can’t donate due to being on finasteride (and plenty of PED). My hematocrit just came in at 54. Not great not terrible but definitely not sustainable.

My only option seems to be self phlebotomy. I remember watching a video of a guy once using a blood pressure monitor as a tourniquet before blood letting. Was passed around this forum a lot. Does anyone know where I can find that video?

Any other tips/recommendations? On a range from partially stupid to total retard how stupid is it to embark on this?

 

[Biggerisbetternl]

Self phlebotomy sounds really intense. I wouldn't have the nerve to attempt something like that without proper training.

Just thinking now.. What would be the consequence of you donating blood and immediately after the drawing conveniently "remembering" that you are on meds?

 

[Wrangel7]

Some certified phlebotomy courses are quite cheap; same goes for the equipment.

 

[BigDadd7]

55 is fine.

 

[hellerhiwater]

55 is fine.

is 55 fine, or is it fine enough to avoid self phlebotomy if thats the only mitigation option

 

[Gonz0]

My wife has done it for me in the past when I’ve had accutane in my system. I don’t think I would have the balls to do it to myself, 16g is kinda daunting. You can order phlebotomy bags online, tape it to the leg of a chair……. But you really shouldn’t do this alone , idk what would happen if for some reason you passed out while giving yourself a phlebotomy but it probably wouldn’t be good. Maybe see if there’s a private phlebotomist service in your area, I’ve seen them advertised here in the states but idk if you need a dr note to use them.

 

[nullandvoid]

There's a few other self-phlebotomy threads. I've done it a lot. It's not my favorite task, and I would much rather get double reds taken. But I've had issues with BP in the past, especially with Red Cross, who goes out of their way to find ways to not take your blood then begs for it after they boot you out. Fortunately, another blood bank showed up a few years ago, and they only have a small twig up their ass instead of an entire branch. Anyway, search for those older threads. I've never had issues with even coming close to passing out. I have had issues where flow just stopped, forcing me to try again with the other arm. And once or twice I couldn't even get that other one to work right, so I had to try again a few days later. This shit all started with me being put on Red Cross permanent deferral (blacklist) because I was honest about testosterone (and it was doctor prescribed at the time). I had to appeal that all the way to the national director to get it removed. No health insurance or even a primary care doctor, so you just do what you have to do.

 

[SuperJew]

Hi all,

Moved to a country where medical phlebotomy isn’t a thing and I can’t donate due to being on finasteride (and plenty of PED). My hematocrit just came in at 54. Not great not terrible but definitely not sustainable.

My only option seems to be self phlebotomy. I remember watching a video of a guy once using a blood pressure monitor as a tourniquet before blood letting. Was passed around this forum a lot. Does anyone know where I can find that video?

Any other tips/recommendations? On a range from partially stupid to total retard how stupid is it to embark on this?

You could always donate and then call the next day and say you don't feel well. That's very common for guys using substances that might be hazardous to the receiver. Well, in the US it is.