[Christina86]

So today (yesterday now, officially) I donated blood for the first time.

Took me about seven minutes, and at the end after the needle came out I apparently turned white as a sheet and they had my feet in the air to get blood to my head.

Anyways, I just wanted to know if there were any other blood donors out there who can give me some advice as to how to feel the best right now. I'm supposed to "take it easy" for a few days... but any advice about stuff I should be doing? (Drinking water or juice etc.)

[bebop]

juice is good for that hon. they normally give juice and cookies after you donate. I have never donated. too chicken

[(JD)]

Good for you for doing this! I remember my first time in this too, and went on to be a 3+ gallon donor. I was anxious, but since my friendly boss was there giving too (he dragged me into it ) I was fine. We kibbitz.

Yes, hydration is very important. I would make sure to have a big drink of water or something before going to give. Keep drinking as much as you can afterwards. (Don't believe anyone who says you can only have 1 of their free drinks and cookies...sit and take as much as you need. I always needed the same amount of fluid as I lost.

If you feel a bit uneasy (stomach) during giving blood, ask for something to nibble on or drink. Sometimes the anxiety causes a person to not breathe deeply, to hold their breath etc and that will also make you feel lightheaded by itself. Holding your breath added to the fluid loss can do a double whammy on you.

You might also get your iron levels checked (by numbers) as you may have been good enough to give, but need to raise your levels for day to day anyway.

Try taking a magazine or book to read to keep your mind off the whole idea and sterile settings.

I am so proud of you! I found out I am CMV negative, and so they needed my blood for preemies. It always spurred me on to do it again and again. Maybe if you talk to the nurse or helper as you give, about what all it's used for, they always know the current greatest need etc, that will help motivate you too, and help you recover faster?

[ECHOES]

Did you eat well before donating? My first time I didn't know I was supposed to and hadn't had anything at all. Luckily they asked and I told them; they sent me across the street to a restaurant before allowing me to donate.

[mysteri]

I agree, drink as much as you can before and after. It is lack of volume in your system that makes you faint. I have fainted twice after giving blood and neither time was it because I am squeamish (I am an ICU nurse). I was just busy and didn't take in the fluids that I should have. That doesn't stop me though, I still try to give whenever I can. The two incidents were 10 years apart so it isn't like it is a common problem for me.

[Christina86]

Liquids, check!

My friends wouldn't let me donate unless I ate something... problem is, I probably didn't eat enough. Had enough juice and sugary food right after and then my friend and I (who pushed me there in my wheelchair because wheeling elevates my pulse) went for burgers.

Still feel a little off today, but nothing compared to yesterday. Slept it off really...

Next time they come to my university, I'm definetely going again!

Thanks everyone. Hopefully next time we don't have a repeat of Christina almost passing out.

[(JD)]

You might need to have your feet elevated more, when giving?

[Christina86]

I would do that... but with my disability, I have no feeling in my feet at all, and bad enough blood flow in my lower legs... but it might be something to consider I suppose. It might help so that way they aren't all freaking out about me being pale and ghosty.

[(JD)]

Yes, I probably should have said for you to discuss how to keep better blood flow while donating. You may need more time sitting after donating, before moving around. Maybe just lowering your head a little bit will help.

BTW I read recently (this year?) that they've found that doing arm exercising provides diabetics the same good circulation in their feet as if they were doing leg exercises. I don't know, maybe you could move your non-donating arm around a bit to help? Like I said, talk to them about this! TC

[Danialla]

Congratulations on your 1st blood donation, feels pretty good doesn't it?

Definitely drink lots of fluid before and after donating, and an extra donut doesn't hurt either...

I used to give blood every 56 days at the same location and around the same time of day. There was a group of us who always seemed to show up at the same time and we all became good friends.

I was a young stay at home mother of 4 at the time and always told people that I was willing to subject myself to a bit of pain to have some adult conversation.

I no longer can give blood due to having a dura patch placed in my brain (long story) but I remain friends with many of the people I saw every 56 days for so long.

Congratulations again, that was a very nice thing to do.