Question:
Should I donate a unit of blood before surgery to have it available for myself?

I am about a month away from surgery. Can I have blood taken now so it will be available for me after surgery? Will it affect my blood count to much before I go in for surgery?    — pokergirl59 (posted on June 20, 2001)

June 20, 2001
My DR had me donate a pint 2 weeks before and then again the Friday before my surgery on Wed. It was just for a precaution, I did not use any of it, but it did not hurt my counts either. Ask your Dr's opinion. Good Luck.
   — Sue B.

June 20, 2001
Ask your doctor. Mine said he would rather have the blood inside my body than sitting on the shelf in a plastic bag.
   — georgiacarol