Once a good side hustle, donating plasma is now too risky for me
It was once a quick and easy way for me to make money
Written by |
The first few years after I became chronically ill from a handful of rare diseases were rough — medically, emotionally, physically, and financially. There were many times I had to get creative just to make ends meet. But one lucrative money-making endeavor I used to do often is no longer an option due to my health issues and treatment.
In September 2020, I spent nearly two months in the intensive care unit, dying from multiorgan failure. I had a slew of other symptoms and was also on dialysis. It took five weeks to decode my symptoms and get a diagnosis. I’d developed atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), a disease that causes my immune system to attack and destroy my red blood cells. It also triggered thrombotic thrombocytopenia (TTP) for me. This condition causes large protein clumps to accumulate in my blood plasma, leading to the formation of small blood clots and, ultimately, organ damage.
I sustained a lot of permanent damage: uncontrolled hypertension, a hysterectomy to remove my destroyed uterus, permanent kidney damage, liver damage, and a stroke that affects my left eye. Between all that and ongoing anemia, edema, and the side effects of Soliris (eculizumab), my primary treatment, I found myself unable to work.
In a pinch
I’m no stranger to not having enough money. Every day leading up to my hospitalization, I was focused on making money. The grind, the hustle, whatever you want to call it — I was good at it. I had a number of little tricks to make money in a pinch: face painting at community events, selling bottled water, extreme couponing, selling things from around the house, and so on. But one easy way was by selling plasma.
Some facilities will pay to donate plasma for various medical treatments. Plasma centers pay a base amount and sometimes also pay bonuses on top of that. You can donate twice a week, and most places pay between $30 and $70 per session. But referrals, welcome bonuses, center contests, and specials can add another $100 to $300 in a month.
I had plasmapheresis several times while I was hospitalized, so someone’s donation helped save my life. But after I got sick, could I still donate plasma? It didn’t even cross my mind at first. I was too weak to walk down a sidewalk. Donating anything wouldn’t have been safe. But after I slowly regained some of my strength, I called my hematologist to ask.
A nurse returned my call and told me it wasn’t recommended, but then the doctor took the phone himself. Absolutely not, was his stern reply. My plasma contains proteins that trigger the aHUS reaction, making it dangerous for a recipient. Plus, Soliris raises the risk of infections or interactions with other autoimmune treatments. So much for that.
Donating plasma and blood may not be for me now, but I’ll continue to advocate for it and encourage others to donate. It saved my life when I was dying in 2020, and I am forever grateful.
Note: aHUS News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of aHUS News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to aHUS.
Leave a comment
Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published.