[turquoisesea]

So I just donated blood today for the first time. I was fine for a little, I sat down had the water and pretzels they gave me, then walked over to class. After about 45 minutes I felt super dizzy and now I'm feeling pretty bad, really tired and sore and stuff.

I was really hoping donating blood wouldn't be a big deal - I've been worried about it but wanted to help out.

Just feeling like I shouldn't have done it because it's so close to finals. Has anyone done this before, does anyone have advice? I want to be feeling better again

[ECHOES]

It is suggested that you eat hearty before donating. Maybe you didn't eat too much before?

[Christina86]

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

So I just donated blood today for the first time. I was fine for a little, I sat down had the water and pretzels they gave me, then walked over to class. After about 45 minutes I felt super dizzy and now I'm feeling pretty bad, really tired and sore and stuff.

I was really hoping donating blood wouldn't be a big deal - I've been worried about it but wanted to help out.

Just feeling like I shouldn't have done it because it's so close to finals. Has anyone done this before, does anyone have advice? I want to be feeling better again

Yeah, after donating blood you really should go home and REST. Not go to class.

Eat something with sugars in it, preferably fruit juice. Eat something complex carby and something with some protein. Then drink lots of water since your body lost a lot when you donated blood.

You'll feel fluish for a day or two max, unless you're a really bad candidate for blood donation in which case it'll feel like being hit by a truck.

Also what ECHOES said: eat lots before donating. drink lots before donating. The first time I donated blood I almost passed out after they took the needle out when I was finished donating. Yours truly ate a burger an hour beforehand and that was it. That was dumb.

[lastyearisblank]

Drinking orange juice helps raise your blood sugar back to normal. If you are feeling woozy I have found it helps to take off as many layers a possible- a sweatshirt or a jacket will make it worse (something about veins expanding and blood pressure going down or some such). I also recommend coughing if you feel weak. When I gave blood I started seeing stars and the girl said to cough. It really works! It pumps the blood right back into your head so you don't pass out. One last thing would be hoping the person who got your blood was REALLY sick.

[salukigirl]

You can't really know it will affect you until you do it so....now you know! I have to have my blood drawn (usually 4 vials) at least once every 3 months to check kidney and liver function and it's never bothered me but I know some people feel sick just from LOOKING at a needle. I agree to just eat better, preferably carbs or some other complex sugars. Usually they give you chocolate afterwards? I've never seen one that gives pretzels. If you still want to but don't want this feelings again maybe take some fruit or juice with you for right afterwards.

Unfortunately I can't give blood :-/ Stupid epilepsy. I've always wanted to though. I'm glad you're doing it!

[turquoisesea]

Originally Posted by Christina86

You'll feel fluish for a day or two max, unless you're a really bad candidate for blood donation in which case it'll feel like being hit by a truck.

Yikes, I'm kind of right inbetween these two right now, woke up with a horrible headache

Christina, you mention fluish symptoms/feeling like getting hit by a truck. Should I call anyone if I'm feeling this way? I feel warm, really tired, sore, headache.

Thank you for all these responses I wish I had known better or they had told me. I had breakfast and a 'normal' sized lunch - which for me isn't much. On your advice I ate some good dinner last night - ordered out for it even. I'll try to keep eating good stuff, I guess it doesn't help that I'm RIGHT above the weight limit for donation so I'm pretty low weight and don't eat very big meals at all normally.


*really mad that I did this the week before something important for school - I thought it wouldn't be a problem (I have had blood taken for tests a lot before, for someone my age at least, and never had a problem) I REALLY wish I had eaten more beforehand now and that they had given me juice as well as water...

*packs some OJ and cookies just incase XD*

[turquoisesea]

As an update, feeling much better now - took resting a lot today but xD

[bebop]

always eat a good meal before donation and more than just water and pretzels afterwards hon. I hope you feel better very soon.

[Christina86]

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

Yikes, I'm kind of right inbetween these two right now, woke up with a horrible headache

Christina, you mention fluish symptoms/feeling like getting hit by a truck. Should I call anyone if I'm feeling this way? I feel warm, really tired, sore, headache.

They SAY that if you're feeling really crappy to call the blood donation place and say as such, since you might be sick and we don't want that stuff being passed along to a donor. But it was your first time donating, so it's normal for your body to be all like WHERE THE HECK IS MY BLOOD?!? and then to feel icky.

I had a nasty bruise the first time I donated on top of almost passing out... I then went home to bed. Still felt off the next day, but was better the day after. It takes a while for your body to reproduce red blood cells (which is what carries oxygen in your body) and white blood cells (which help fight diseases/illness) so yeah.

[Elana05]

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

As an update, feeling much better now - took resting a lot today but xD

YAY!!! Good to hear. Good for you for donating blood too.