Newspaper:
Observer Reporter

Link:
http://tinyurl.com/4fdye

Date:
April 5, 2005



Uncompromising beliefs their lifeblood

BY TERRI T. JOHNSON, Staff writer
ttjohnso@observer-reporter.com



For many, the thought of having major surgery is frightening, but for others the possibility of needing a blood transfusion goes against their personal or religious beliefs. The fear of contracting a life-threatening disease, such as HIV or hepatitis C, is a major concern for others.

To address these issues, Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh has a Center for Bloodless Surgery, which opened in 1998 and is growing in popularity.

"Our hospital is the only one in Western Pennsylvania with a formalized program," said Deborah Tatro, the center's coordinator. The center is for patients who do not want a blood transfusion for religious reasons, or because of personal convictions or contamination concerns.

Charles Crowe, 69, of Washington, is one of those patients. As a Jehovah's Witness, Crowe has a strong religious conviction not to receive any form of blood product through transfusion. He bases his belief on Scriptures that "the life of the soul is in the blood and you must not eat it" or take it back into the body.

Crowe had mitral valve replacement surgery at AGH more than a year ago. During surgery, he lost only about a teacup of blood with surgeons relying on a heart-lung machine to circulate his blood. That process, Crowe said, is acceptable as the machine acts as an extension of his system and the blood is not removed, stored and returned.

"They made me feel very comfortable," Crowe said Wednesday. "I'd like to see other hospitals around do that kind of surgery where they don't need any blood. With the liaison group at AGH, you feel more comfortable."

The hospital sees about 200 patients a year with blood concerns, Tatro said, and not all are for religious reasons. The recent outbreak of West Nile virus has many questioning the safety of blood products, Tatro said.

"We've consulted with patients who were concerned because a family member may have contracted Hep C," Tatro said. "We're seeing an upswing in patients with those concerns."

There is no additional charge for the service.

"We hopefully see the patient prior to the day of surgery. If they have a conviction that under no circumstances, even if it means life or death, they don't want a transfusion, we go over some of the alternatives to blood transfusion, such as the use of drugs to build up a patient's supply of red blood cells, or the use of equipment to recirculate the blood," Tatro said.

The center works as a referral service by recommending physicians who are familiar with blood management.

Crowe said he objects to having his own blood withdrawn and stored. He does not object to taking medications or to having his blood drawn for testing. His beliefs are based solely on his religion and he said he always signs a waiver before a procedure indicating he does not wish to receive blood products.

Rheumatic fever damaged his heart in 1956, shortly before he turned 21. He was bedridden for more than a month.

In the fall of 1963, he began his conversion to a Jehovah's Witness.

Over the years, Crowe married his sweetheart Helen, fathered seven children and eventually retired from Brockway Glass. But he always battled heart problems, including surgery in Texas in the 1970s.

When he required additional surgery last year, he went to AGH.

"I'll always go there, if it's available, unless I'm in a crisis mode," Crowe said. "It really takes a lot of the pressure off of you."

Tatro said patients have the right to make informed decisions about their health care.

"We respect that," Tatro said. "This is just another area of medical care that should be addressed."

For more information, call the Center for Bloodless Surgery at 412-359-8787 or 877-284-2100.