So, my hematocrit was high at my last blood test. I had read somewhere that, if you were out of the country in the last 6 months they wouldn't allow you to donate blood. I was in Costa Rica about 7 months (now) ago. So I scheduled myself to donate blood today. Showed up and did the questions. Well, since Costa Rica is a malaria area, I have to wait 12 months! But that's not my question.

I saw something which indicated they won't take blood from someone who's ever been on coumadin in their life. I had read you were ok after a short time. I was on coumadin over 20 years ago for blood clots. Anyone else heard anything like this?

It would be a problem as, for the last week, I've experienced symptoms of high hematocrit--mainly headaches (I rarely get headaches). Also, because I have already had blood clots in my leg more than once in my life, I'm concerned about the blood clot potential.

Any suggestions?