Jehovah's Witnesses! Help!?

Question

My aunt is a JW and is currently in the hospital. My mom just called me and told me that her red cells are dropping and if she doesnt take a blood transfusion that she will die within 3 weeks. I know there is a blood substitute of sorts that they can use, however she is on Medicad and Im not sure they cover it. Either way, I would love to get some information about this alternative as she doesnt have much time left. Thanks!

Request: This question is not a forum for debate about this religious practice, I am looking for information for my aunt. Thanks for respecting that :)

Tiger, 1. because this is a constantly active forum (if I waited for Health it would take at least 24 hours to get "something") 2. Because many JWs are on here and would be very knowledgeable about my request. Not sure why you felt the need to chime in.

I am sickened by some of these posts and Ive only received 4. What is wrong with you people? I mean seriously, what is wrong with you? This isnt some troll post, my aunt may die! Disgusting.

Thank you so much Nunn and Danny for your prayers :)

Just to clarify, again...my question is not stating that I want to change her mind at all, I merely want information on the alternatives to blood transfusions that JWs support.

Answer 1

Then why did you come to the Religon section. You belong in Health

Answer 2

The posters who've provided information about working within the JW structure are the ones to follow on this one. Sadly, now is not the time to try to convince your aunt she's wrong. Save her life first, if possible. Be productive.

But also be informed....

Answer 3

Here is a link to one of the articles that talks about bloodless medicine.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20000108/diagram_01.htm

Erythropoietin also known as EPO, stimulates the production of red blood cells. Also, older people tend to have a harder time absorbing Vitamin B12 which is vital for red blood health. B12 shots can be given to help with that.
Here is a link that discusses B12 deficiency.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/prnanmia/prnanmia_what.html

As was mentioned, the Hospital Liaison Committee (HLC) needs to be notified, if they haven't been already. If she is in an area where the doctors are unfamiliar with bloodless treatment, the HLC can get in contact with doctors who will be able to help your aunt. But it is good for you to be informed so that you can ask questions.

The mom of a friend of mine was in the hospital because her blood count was very low. Even though they were giving her iron and EPO, her count was still not going up like it should, so my friend asked the Doctors if they were also giving her B12. They had overlooked B12. As soon as they started giving her the combination of B12, iron and EPO, her blood count came right up. While there is no guarantee this treatment would work for your aunt, I am just trying to stress the importance of being educated regarding your health care as well as the care of your loved ones, and not being afraid to ask questions.

Answer 4

Some Witnesses have accepted injections of a drug called erythropoietin also known as EPO because it can hasten red blood cell production and so may relieve a physician of a feeling that a blood transfusion might be needed.

Answer 5

What does your Aunt want done about her medical treatment?Have you talked to her has your mom? I think your mom is just frantic and worried for your aunt, but did you know that more people have died from having blood transfusions than people who have not taken blood transfusions, I was in hospital 4 years ago and they wanted to give me a blood transfusion saying I would die if I didn't have it, but I'm here to tell the story, and In my job I knew a 92 year old woman who was given a blood transfusion and shortly afterward she died yet they said she needed a blood transfusion! I do respect your worries, but my advice is don't panic just talk to your aunt ask her what she wants to do, how she wants it handled, ask her for information about her elders in her congregation and contact them for her, they will certainly help you find out much more information than I can give to you here, I'm sure your aunt is a very fortunate woman that you and your mother would worry so much about her! I will also certainly pray for you and your family to cope with this situation and that your aunt comes through this experience in good health (Numbers6:24-26)I would realy like to commend you and your mother for your caring attitude about your aunt, and I have a great feeling that all will work out well for you all, God willing(i speak truth)

Answer 6

im sorry i dont know the answer for you. but im sure there is a hospital sumwhere that can help her. alot of dr.s have been working with the Jehovah Witnesses to work without blood.
and there have been alot of successfulness come out of it.


ill pray for her tonight before i go to bed.




Acts 15:28, 29 says "28 For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to YOU, except these necessary things, 29 to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If YOU carefully keep yourselves from these things, YOU will prosper. Good health to YOU!”

Genesis 9:3-4 says "3 Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for YOU. As in the case of green vegetation, I do give it all to YOU. 4 Only flesh with its soul—its blood—YOU must not eat."

and if you are wondering any other questions about the non blood tranfusions, why dont you ask your aunt. i am sure she would love to explain.

Answer 7

Try contacting the elders in her congregation or call the local branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer 8

I am a Jehovahs Witness. Alternatives are:

I am only in my early teens so you have to ask the doc's what they like are ...

Non- Plasma Blood Expanders
Saline Solution
Ringer's Solution
Dextran


HOPE I HELPED

Answer 9

The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses has two different programs which liaise with local hospitals:
1. Hospital Information Services (with local elder committees trained to work with medical professionals); and
2. Pastoral Services (with local elder committees trained to offer "shepherding" services directly to patients who request it)

The questioner can contact these specially trained Jehovah's Witness elders from either or both program through either a local congregation's phone listing or through the "chaplain office" (or similar) of most major hospitals in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It is likely that the questioner will have to leave contact information, and await a return call.

Learn more:
http://jw-media.org/medical/medical_care.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/medical_care_and_blood.htm

Blood
http://watchtower.org/e/hb/
http://watchtower.org/e/vcnb/
http://jw-media.org/edu_videos/vcnb_e.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/vcnr/
http://jw-media.org/edu_videos/vcnr_e.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/vcae/
http://jw-media.org/edu_videos/vcae_e.htm
http://jw-media.org/vnr/2253636331/734353.htm

Answer 10

The Witnesses have a liason, Elders who work with the Drs. and the hospitals. Why don't you get in touch with her congregation and the Elders will help take care of this.
I'm not doubting you, however your aunt more than likely has already taken care of this situation. We are all aware of these types of situations and have our medical cards prepared and the patents usually make arrangements with those involved.

Answer 11

i will add my prayers to yours. i hope a JW answers your question very soon. ignore the trolls, not worth you bothering. May the Lord send His angels to help you in this hour of need and grant your aunty the grace to accept whatever may eventuate.

God bless