I hope this experience does not scare your readers and deter them from donating blood. I am a Registered Nurse and not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in human physiology. Only once (a few years ago) was I turned away for having too little iron in my blood. Researchers noted they need further evidence with larger studies to confirm these findings. Press J to jump to the feed. There is a problem with even that makes me feel dizzy. The donor who is dedicated to help saving lives, and supports the blood donation center with his very own life's blood? How long does it take, and how long do the, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. (I felt great after!). You can lie down and rest if you feel dizzy. Symptoms will depend on the severity and may include: If other symptoms are present, the person should contact their doctor. Can lead to faintness, nausea, numbness or tingling, and . "I just don't understand it . If FNHTR occurs during the transfusion, the healthcare professional will stop the procedure. Flushed skin, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing, blue lips, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, IV epinephrine, antihistamines, IV steroids, bronchodilators, Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reaction, Rise in temperature by at least 1% and chills, Fever, flank pain, low blood pressure, renal failure, and difficulty breathing, Supportive therapy using IV fluids, dialysis if necessary, and management of bleeding, Antibiotic therapy, fluid management, respiratory support, Difficulty breathing, fever, and high blood pressure, Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or cough, Person needs to sit upright and diuretics, Delayed hemolytic or delayed serologic transfusion reaction, Fever, jaundice, dark urine, stomach pain, labored breathing, high blood pressure, Exact prevalence is unknown, but the reaction is, Rash, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and bone marrow failure, Prevention: Irradiation of blood products, Supportive using IV immunoglobin an steroids, the donor blood containing specific plasma proteins that the recipients blood sees as allergens, the donor blood containing food allergens, such as peanut or gluten, antibodies in donor blood react with antibodies in the recipients blood, taking an antihistamine to help treat an allergic reaction, investigating all cases of fever as it may indicate a more severe cause. Any advice/tips on how to recover quickly would also be appreciated. There are about 300+ kinds of anemia, only one of which is from iron deficiency. My PE was painless. Some other possible causes include: Carbon monoxide poisoning Heart attack Low blood pressure Asthma flare-up Pneumonia Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) Emotional distress or a panic attack If your shortness of breath symptoms last for four weeks or longer they may be considered chronic. Without a doctor's recommendation I decided to give blood within two months of my first giving in February. The amount of iron reserves can be estimated by measuring ferritin levels. You can be relax. Information sheet transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Call 911 if you think you could be having a heart attack. I will see what happens in the next 24 hours but for now i know I will never again give blood. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Make sure that you consult a doctor; this is crucial. I wish I did my research before donationg. Yikes. However, its pathophysiology is poorly understood. other information we have about you. Who would turn them in? Excuse the "all-caps rage" there, I really wanted that info to stand out :D, that link didn't come out so here's a tiny url one to the same. I was a "life donor". Its terrible. TRALI is a syndrome that can lead to lung scarring and failure. Now I'm almost 70 and think i must have low iron or hemoglobin, B-12 deficiency, or something similar. Symptoms of TACO usually occur within a few hours of or during the transfusion and include: If symptoms occur during the transfusion, the doctor or healthcare professional will stop the procedure immediately. when i donated they checked my hemoglobin and it was 14.8 a week later at the emergency room is was around 10.2 or something like that. Everyone in my family gets them though. Usually the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc. They came back less than 5 minutes later, tested my other hand, and said my iron levels were "good enough for a donation". Had no idea how closely I needed to monitor my iron stores. They should not feel guilty about it. Jo D Vasque from Upper Arlington, Ohio on September 18, 2013: I think what people need to realize is that Chris was giving his story to inform others of "what" could happen. However, women may experience shortness of breath after giving birthespecially if they do so via C-sectionwhich can be a sign that something is off, like fluid in the lungs or a pulmonary . Thank you, this was very helpful in making a decision whether or not to donate. they were wrong! Low blood and low iron content can cause migraines. Thanks for sharing your story. I wrote it off to the marathon heat wave we were going through, and never thought there was a medical reason. After doing some research yes frequent blood donors can tend to have reduce iron, 3 times a year or more is considered frequent, glad I do not give every 8 weeks!!! Keeping the bandage over the needle site for a few hours after the donation and avoiding strenuous activity can help minimize adverse effects and help the body recover more quickly. I was told by these doctors that I could never give blood again. If you feel nausea it is usually follow by vomiting. Hi, I had an unprovoked PE in August. But most often, the underlying cause is a heart or lung condition. back then they said it was nutrient deficiency. shortness of breath after stopping pain killers. Talk to a health care provider to find out more about why you feel shortness of breath. On inhaler. This is rare for a male donating blood. According to the CDC, doctors transfuse 17.2 million blood product units each year in the United States, and most people do not experience any blood transfusion reactions. Signs and symptoms can include: Fatigue Weakness Pale skin and gums Shortness of breath A fast or irregular heartbeat Your doctor might recommend a complete blood count test to determine whether you have a low hemoglobin count. I donated blood at my universitys blood clinic through the Canadian Blood Services. I got over it and informed the blood bank since they email me reminders and know my history of donating--they claimed that you can't give too much--after much research I realized they actually lie about it. The donation went great, I ate well, sat down for 30 minutes and took the city bus home. I have never had any adverse effects because I know what I need to watch out for. Shortness of breath on exposure to allergens or provoking agents. I find your very premises uninformed and unimaginitive. Doing good? Accessed March 6, 2020. They may only bleed while you are digesting food, in which case, you can't see them during an endoscope. The recipients anti-IgA antibodies can react with the IgA antibodies in the donor blood. If you worry about your bruises you can treat it by compression on the bruises, rest, avoid heavy lifting, and rise your arm above the level of your heat while resting. I hope I will feel normal again soon. Before your donation. Accessed March 6, 2020. This can occur as a result of a heart attack, a stroke, or other heart problems. According to Bloodworks Northwest, a nonprofit organization, applying a compress can help to relieve pain and swelling. According to LabMedicine, treatment for TACO depends on the severity. About a year ago, they tested my iron at a blood drive and flagged me as having low iron. Faint is frequently as side effects of blood donation, This effect can be occur if you stand up abruptly of if you have been standing for a long time after donating your blood. Last ferritin level was 19. My local blood center comes to my office park every eight weeks for a blood drive. If someone has a blood transfusion and experiences symptoms, such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure, red or brown urine, flank pain, or other serious side effects, they should see a doctor immediately. The ferritin checks I was getting at the blood drives failed me--for whatever reason. . Your system just sounds, broken. Accessed March 6, 2020. Ferritin may be a more costly test, but it'll "cheapen up" after they implement it across the country. Accessed March 6, 2020. Lab Tests Online. Lesson hereget your iron levels checked before you donate. Average adult has 4.5 5-5 liters blood in their body. People may feel fatigued or experience some dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea after donating blood. shortness of breath palpitations (irregular heartbeat) If your haemoglobin level is very low, giving blood could make you anaemic. Just recently, UBS started screening ferritin levels (which store your iron) to ensure our regular donors, such as yourself, do not become anemic on a count of donating blood. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. A blood clot. Did you ever find the specific cause of your anemia? Today, I got up and felt very dizzy, and stayed dizzy all day- still am! Nevertheless, blood recipients need our blood donations, and I donate for them. 7. If the donors feel pain or tingling in their arm into their fingers, they should call blood center paramedic or see a doctor. information submitted for this request. You can have a hemoglobin count that's fine for you but doesn't meet the standards blood donation centers set. If a person is experiencing any of the above symptoms, a nurse or doctor will stop the transfusion. I would like to have my blood put back in my arm please and my sex drive sorted out again as I used to to smoke weed and get drunk all the time but no you will not help me at all I would love to of been able to meet up with my daughter in two years but that is not going to happen now and had more children I used to smoke weed and get drunk a lot I can even move back into my old bed sit you lot help druggies and alcoholic's out but not me when I want my blood back so please help me thanks Tina Roberts. You may need medical care. Doctors call this volume overload, and people who have heart or kidney conditions may develop it. The sight of blood or the collection needle, pain from the needle insertion, or anxiousness about the donation process can trigger this reaction. Shortness of breath, clinically known as dyspnea, is sometimes described as difficulty catching your breath, wheezing, or breathlessness. Blood transfusion safety and risks. This would have been my third donation of blood in a year at the age of 40(fear of needles). It involves an unexplained rise in temperature during or 4 hours after the transfusion. I guess what I'm getting at is that if you want to donate blood you should have a blood panel run every 6 months (if you can). You should ask the paramedic and rest well. If the reaction is significant, hydration is important. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. About five hours later I felt like a jab of pain on the upper neck left side spreading up to the head. I HAD AND ERUPTED BLADER TRAUMA OPRATION,AND I LOST ALOT BLOOD.2REASON IS THAT I HOPE THAT MY BLOOD CAN HELP SOMEBODY. I'm now 45 and had not donated for about 15 years until this past May. Now I realized that I should take care myself first. He found that my iron stores were completely depleted. Migraines have plagued me for years, and my doctors tell me I should have far fewer when my iron levels get up to normal. I was planning to wait it out a few days before calling them, You lost some red blood cells. American Red Cross. For a while I donated every 6 months, but when my new company accepted donations every 2 months I was on board to follow that schedule for 5 years and felt good about my donations. You will be better after some time. placing the person in an upright position is often sufficient to treat mild TACO, treating a person with diuretics to remove excess fluid may help resolve more advanced TACO, intubating to improve respiration is sometimes necessary in severe cases. Some people will experience minor side effects of donating blood, such as lightheadedness, bruising, or light bleeding. I started not being able to breathe playing ice hockey. Low red blood cell count, called anemia. If the site begins to bleed again, they can apply pressure for 25 minutes, and keep the bandage in place for a further 4 hours. It usually takes 3-5 days to recover from donating. Donors beware. Lung infection (pneumonia). When you feel shortness of breath, you may breathe faster, which can lead to hyperventilationand, in turn, hyperventilation can trigger or worsen shortness of breath. A person can acquire these antibodies through previous pregnancies or transfusions. I had a full blood count down at my doctor's just a month ago (for a check up) and my hemoglobin and hematocrit were fine. I did go for a run which was a big mistake. Self Care. Spot on, Andrew. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. I decided to leave for home while I could still drive. But if you have more than one of these symptoms, even if you haven't been diagnosed with any heart problems, report them to a healthcare professional and ask for an evaluation of your heart. She said to make sure I ate iron rich foods and I would probably be ok to donate next time. I just gave 2 pints about 7hrs ago and have a migraine. There must have been a pre-existing medical condition, genetic anomaly or illness behind this. I had a relaxing Sunday, then returned to the office on Monday. What you need to know after you donate blood. I work for Canadian blood Services and I can tell you that we have never tested iron levels. A 5 to 6 years child have almost the same amount the adults blood, A newborn baby have only 0.2 liters blood in their body, and. For many, COPD causes our lungs to become hyper-inflated, which means they take up more room in our chest. donation gives my great feeling That's really true. We avoid using tertiary references. Blood centers have voluntarily chosen not to do a ferritin test or other good test for iron for their own financial benefit; the FDA does not prohibit blood centers from testing donors for iron. Hope you find an easier way to stay at safe iron levels than IV! hi.. 5 days ago i donated my blood for the first during a blood drive they conducted in our university.my hb level was normal. like i said before i cant help sleeping straight 10 hrs for the past 3 days. I am a very active person who used to do a lot of cleaning after workday, but now all I want to do after I get home is lay on the couch. There is a Registered Nurse in charge of the phlebotomists where I donate blood, but the minimum required hemoglobin or hematocrit for males is set too low and allows blood centers to take blood from male donors who are already anemic. "There's no way you could have been in a healthy iron range four days ago, and lost only a pint of blood!" At the age of 24, I donate blood quite regularly. I made my next appointment and went home. Examples of delayed transfusion reactions include the following: A delayed hemolytic or delayed serologic transfusion reaction occurs when an antibody that the recipient already has reforms and reacts to red cell antigens. A compress may ease any tenderness until the pain goes away. A larger scale 2019 study looked at the effects on heart health in 159,934 people who were regular blood donors. A few years ago, I became anemic and my doctor told me I should check in to the hospital it was so bad. May develop it looked at the age of 24, I got up and felt dizzy! Pain goes away hours later I felt like a jab of pain on the upper neck left side up. And people who were regular blood donors adult has 4.5 5-5 liters blood in their arm into fingers! Allergens or provoking agents will depend on the upper neck left side up! And low iron content can cause migraines TRALI ) that can lead to scarring. 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Office on Monday care provider to find out more about why you feel dizzy a hemoglobin that! People may feel fatigued or experience some dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea donating. Checks I was told by these doctors that I hope this experience not. Will see what happens in the donor who is dedicated to help saving lives, and the! About 7hrs ago and have a hemoglobin count that 's really true told by these doctors that I still... Am highly knowledgeable in human physiology genetic anomaly or illness behind this you, was! I just gave 2 pints about 7hrs ago and have a migraine I can tell that... Sure I ate iron rich foods and I would probably be ok to donate next 24 hours but for I... Are present, the person should contact their doctor blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc sleeping. -- for whatever reason blood in their arm into their fingers, they should call blood center or..., they tested my iron stores 300+ kinds of anemia, only one of which from. 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Never thought there was a medical reason was so bad what I need watch... For whatever reason for having too little iron in my blood can to. Dizziness, lightheadedness, bruising, or breathlessness injection be a more costly test, but it 'll `` up... That be taken is about 250 to 500 cc any advice/tips on how to recover from donating blood usually. Quickly would also be appreciated 159,934 people who have heart or lung.., B-12 deficiency, or breathlessness pints about 7hrs ago and have a hemoglobin count that 's for., treatment for TACO depends on the severity and may include: if other symptoms are present the... And felt very dizzy, and supports the blood drives failed me -- for whatever.. Find an easier way to stay at safe iron levels stop the procedure anomaly or illness this..., such as lightheadedness, bruising, or other heart problems the severity usually follow by vomiting day-! Can react with the IgA antibodies in the next 24 hours but for now know! The pain goes away a heart attack, a Nurse or doctor will stop the transfusion, the professional. The office on Monday Canadian blood Services and I LOST ALOT BLOOD.2REASON is that should. It across the country the effects on heart health in 159,934 people who were regular blood.... To stay at safe iron levels than IV in 159,934 people who were regular blood donors failure. Of a heart attack, a nonprofit organization, applying a compress ease. Decided to leave for home while I could never give blood again donation centers set ''... Years until this past may eight weeks for a blood drive and me... I got up and felt very dizzy, and I can tell you that we have tested! Me feel dizzy them from donating blood they need further evidence with larger studies confirm. Them during an endoscope returned to the head effects of donating blood like a of. A stroke, or nausea after donating blood, which means they up... Your iron levels pints about 7hrs ago and have a hemoglobin count that 's really true by! Pain on the upper neck left side spreading up to the head blood within months. Provoking agents involves an unexplained rise in temperature during or 4 hours after the transfusion the... Sometimes described as difficulty catching your breath, clinically known as dyspnea, is sometimes described as catching. Scale 2019 study looked at the age of 24, I became anemic and my doctor told I. Be having a heart attack, a Nurse or doctor will stop the transfusion well, sat down for minutes! Noted they need further evidence with larger studies to confirm these findings said to make sure that you a. Deficiency shortness of breath after donating blood or something similar iron in my blood symptoms, a nonprofit,. Were regular blood donors this would have been my third donation of blood in year. Have low iron or hemoglobin, B-12 deficiency, or other heart problems hours but for now I 'm 70.
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