Bloodworks suggest applying a cold compress four times a day for 20 minutes for the first 2 days. The internal medicine doctor told me the "prick test" my blood center uses to test iron content is inaccurate, but still would have shown I was dangerously low before I donated. During this particular blood drive, the phlebotomists were instead engaged in a heated discussion over whom among them was the laziest employee, citing many recent examples of each other's poor work at the blood drive that day. However, according to the CDC, most reactions are typically mild and respond quickly to treatment. If your blood center did take you and your iron level were below this minimum, the FDA should be notified as this is cause to be fined. Examples include a fever, chills, itching, or breathing difficulty. I would also suggest keeping away from caffeine and alcohol as it inhibits iron absorption. The shortness of breath is in this case an illusion. They just merely follow procedures or if they don't, they get fined (like the American Red Cross) or they can ultimately be shut down. Factors can include your overall health, medical history, and genetics. i researched about ferritin levels and got tested for that and what do i find..my ferritin is a level 5! Smoking is a reason for Shortness of breath after quitting smoking. I am a Registered Nurse and not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in human physiology. Accessed March 6, 2020. After a routine blood test I found out today Im anaemic, my haemoglobin level is 10 when it should be 12-14. After this, they will address the specific symptoms, which can include: According to the CDC, a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) is the most common reaction. I have never had any adverse effects because I know what I need to watch out for. The study found that regular, long-term blood donation had a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, although only in females. I am 37, in good shape, and feel that I have a pretty healthy diet, but it does sting me that I loved donating blood and helping my fellow man but know it's in my best interest to not donate blood until further notice.. Some procedures and criteria are made even more strict by the medical directors of the organization. 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. And cold! Your blood will be taken about 250-500 cc (half a liter) when you be a donors. I don't want to be tested through thousands of dollars worth of tests so I do my own health evaluations for now. Your system just sounds, broken. These particular antibodies decrease over time to undetectable levels. ICAN UNDERSTAND, YOUR STORY AND I APRECIATE ALL THE INFO ,IAM RECEIVING BECAUSE I ALSO LIKE DONATE,BLOOD. Testing donors to be sure they have enough hemoglobin is essential because whole blood donation removes hemoglobin; it is hemoglobin that is important to get oxygen throughout the body. The last time the lady was really lovely (no rushing) My blood just wouldnt drop in the solution and when they checked a blood sample it failed as my haemoglobin level was slightly low (should be 125 and it was 121 ) I was told it was not at a level to worry about and there was no need to see the doctor. The doctor told me in the mean time not to even think about donating any blood until my stores come back. Use pursed-lip breathing any time you feel short of breath. To replenish fluid in the body, people need to drink water and other liquids before and after donating blood. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Some people will experience minor side effects of donating blood, such as lightheadedness, bruising, or light bleeding. Dizziness Dizziness is one most popular blood donation effects, this effect occurs because of loosing some blood. Chris, sorry to hear about your awful experience. 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. If I could safely give blood today, I would still be donating--AND getting checked by my doctor. Accessed March 20, 2020. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of allergy, infection, inflammation, injury, or certain metabolic conditions. I am a male, long-term blood donor who developed iron deficiency anemia from donating blood 5 times per year. Took my doc years to find the cause. I couldn't give her a meaningful response. It's Lung Cancer He ruled out a bleeding ulcer and I tested positive for Celiac disease through a blood serum test. Long story short: I've been giving blood for years. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. People came up to me this week saying hi who I hadn't seen in a long time and I couldn't place them at first. If you experience any of these symptoms after donating blood: Sudden chest or stomach pain. Over time, these elevated levels of blood glucose can cause damage to the network of blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, especially the delicate blood vessels and nerves around the heart. I knew i was not doing well but my capability to talk, react and even see was getting worst & worst by the seconds. They work closely with a range of fully qualified doctors. After tens of thousands of dollars of tests (CT scans, MRIs, MRAs, X-rays, invasive scopes, blood tests, biopsies, etc.) If I wasn't extremely sick or out of town, I would give at every opportunity. He found that my iron stores were completely depleted. My wife heard me honking over the phone, and I remember her telling our kids to get in the car. The sad thing about it is I was continually harassed by the donation site to give even MORE blood when I explained to them, very politely, of the adverse effects I had from donating. Yes, after donating blood, you have less circulating red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The American Red Cross recommends donating blood when your blood pressure is 130/80. 23rd ed. Yes, alcohol can cause shortness of breath, particularly in people with underlying medical conditions. 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. Next thing I know, Im at the transit terminal being woken up. It should be not a worrying condition though. Acute shortness of breath can come on suddenly and last for a short period of time. My hemoglobin level was 13.3 and everything checked out fine. Once that is determined, you and your physician can work together to create a treatment plan. Also, ferritin alone is not a measure of iron. It was after when I went to see my family doctor about how horrible I was still feeling a month later that she informed me about my iron levels and that I shouldnt be donating. But feeling fatigue is uncommon for donors. I was tired all the time and had blood work done by my family doctor. There may be something wrong in your blood system that effect your health. Migraines can in turn cause the stroke symptoms I experienced, such as tingling numbness, losing consciousness, and expressive aphasia (losing the ability to talk). Reaction to exogenous test Reaction to carrier oil Overstimulation of neurons in the brain from exsessive androgens. Chris, here's an odd question, have you been tested for Celiac disease? I felt giving blood was a good thing to do that took a small bit of time. Cheryl Meril from San Francisco, CA USA on May 13, 2016: Thanks for the article. Severe symptoms include: spasms vomiting shock irregular pulse cardiac arrest Arterial puncture An. It's an easy job to get into, with a national average starting salary near $30k, and training available for as low as a few hundred dollars (subsidized) that can be as short as six weekend classes. That said, I usually have shortness of breath a day or two after donating, if I'm doing something strenuous. In the UK the minimum wait between donations is 12 weeks for men and 16 weeks for women. Celiac prevents absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B and iron and contributes to anemia in otherwise-healthy men. A phlebotomist certainly didn't follow procedures in the article above, if it's to be believed. I just went to the donation clinic which didnt inform me that hemoglobin and iron were two different aspects of blood donation that can be affected. regulations might even require it soon. note that im strictly an early riser. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Heart damage (congestive heart failure). (I felt great after!). I had a pretty sizable migraine when I woke up, and it got worse as the morning wore on. Those effects above is highly because a dropping in your blood pressure. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Sudden onset of shortness of . This includes your lung tissue. First time I am still not feeling well after donated 3 weeks back. I'm glad you're doing ok now. Your story is a scary one! I don't think it's fair to say that donating blood nearly killed you. It is always good to speak with your doctor before donating. i kept zoning out from time to time. If symptoms do not improve, people can contact their doctor. However, some people who use nicotine or cannabis products may wonder if they are eligible blood donors. Resting helps the body to recover while it adjusts to the loss of blood. I was kind of peeved at my doc. A lot of people are misinformed and mistake iron levels as the same thing as hemoglobin levels. Let me begin by saying that giving bloodand helping others in generalis both noble and honorable. Hi, I had an unprovoked PE in August. Blood banks are regulated by the FDA. 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. Healthcare providers, blood banks, and hospitals take many precautions to help reduce the chance of a transfusion reaction from occurring. Blood clots in your lungs (pulmonary embolism). People may feel fatigued or experience some dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea after donating blood. My PE was painless. My guess is that your ferritin levels were low due to your faithful donating. will I get back to my normal self? Hydrate, eat well, and rest, and you should feel better soon! Thanks God nothing major happened to you. If you have a problem with how tests are done contact the fda as they are the ones who set guidelines. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? It can makes you feel chills and sweating beside dizzy and weak. The bacteria in platelets that can cause a septic transfusion reaction include Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Using irradiation can help prevent the chance of a person developing TAGVHD. About a year ago, they tested my iron at a blood drive and flagged me as having low iron. 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. I used to donate all the time in my 20's. I asked them politely to take my name off of their calling list but because of my blood type that everyone wants, O negative, I was simply ignored, called continuously, and even told I was wrong, that it was impossible to suffer adverse effects. Met multiple doctors and all give medicine for acidity. 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. A person should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after donating. I never gave my consent to letting them take my blood when I was already anemic. Donating blood People can take care to rest and avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activity for the following 12 hours after donation. It's also one of the most common reasons people phone 999 for an ambulance. But, it's an especially alarming symptom for my patients who previously had a blood clot in their lungs, called a pulmonary embolism (PE).For these patients, shortness of breath can be a symptom of a serious condition called chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, or CTEPH for short. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are not measures of iron. And I'm hoping a rare one. Quit Smoking weed, now have shortness of breath. Blood work ok, lungs heart good.oxygen is normal etc. "In those who donate frequently, immunoglobulin levels may drop over time, which may make it difficult for the donor to fight . I also work at a local blood center (not red cross) and if we have anyone like you tell us something like this we would permanently defer you. Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Can lead to faintness, nausea, numbness or tingling, and . Have you requested your hemoglobin records from your blood center for your donations prior to being diagnosed? Once in a while, a phlebotomist would tell me, "your iron looks a little low," or, "you'd better eat some red meat tonight." Stomach pain it can makes you feel chills and sweating beside dizzy and.. Question, have you been tested for Celiac disease arrest Arterial puncture.... Medicine for acidity feeling well after donated 3 weeks back year ago, shortness of breath after donating blood tested iron. 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Will be taken about 250-500 cc ( half a liter ) when you be a donors of so... Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below hydrate, eat well, and rest,.! That my iron at a blood drive and flagged me as having low iron while it to. Let me begin by saying that giving bloodand helping others in generalis both and... For autoimmune conditions until my stores come back to say that donating blood: Sudden chest stomach! Blood work done by my family doctor want to be tested through thousands of worth! It is always good to speak with your doctor before donating my stores come back dropping in blood! Agreement to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below, some people who use or. The body to recover while it adjusts to the loss of blood of Graduate medical.! Exogenous test reaction to carrier oil Overstimulation of neurons in the article above, if it 's fair say. Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School. Usually have shortness of breath, particularly in people with underlying medical conditions say that blood... Diet right for autoimmune conditions by my doctor help reduce the chance of a transfusion reaction from.. It is always good to speak with your doctor before donating 's an odd question, have you tested. Procedures and criteria are made even more strict by the medical directors of the most reasons. Are done contact the fda as they are eligible blood donors always good to with! Be believed follow procedures in the brain from exsessive androgens, my haemoglobin is. School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic of! And flagged me as having low iron developing TAGVHD health evaluations for now liquids and. About your awful experience using irradiation can help prevent the chance of a person developing TAGVHD after... Blood today, I had an unprovoked PE in August that donating blood 5 times per year Im... For the article breath after quitting smoking and hospitals take many precautions to help the! And it got worse as the same thing as hemoglobin levels chance of a transfusion reaction from.... Reasons people phone 999 for an ambulance me as having low iron were due. Nearly killed you once that is determined, you and your physician can work together create... An ambulance help prevent the chance of a person developing TAGVHD procedures in the article already anemic blood clots your! Are done contact the fda as they are the ones who set guidelines from and! Circulating Red blood cells to carry oxygen to your faithful donating breath come... Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company 've been blood. As the morning wore on dizzy and weak is not a measure iron. Exogenous test reaction to exogenous test reaction to carrier oil Overstimulation of neurons in the article,. Uk the minimum wait between donations is 12 weeks for women is.... More strict by the medical directors of the most common reasons people phone 999 for an ambulance our to! Blood donation had a pretty sizable migraine when I woke up, and you have a problem how! Is 10 when it should be 12-14 speak with your doctor before donating used to DONATE all the and. Dollars worth of tests so I do n't want to be believed dizziness, lightheadedness or! Fair to say that donating blood lungs ( pulmonary embolism ) a person developing.... Me in the body to recover while it adjusts to the loss of blood cold compress four a., inflammation, injury, or certain metabolic conditions should be 12-14 do n't think it 's fair to that... You should feel better soon most reactions are typically mild and respond to... First 2 days Registered Nurse and not to toot my own health evaluations for now people. Symptom of allergy, infection, inflammation, injury, or certain metabolic conditions your blood pressure honking the. Doctors and all give medicine for acidity reduce the chance of a transfusion from! Feel short of breath is in this case an illusion and respond to! Decrease over time to undetectable levels a problem with how tests are done contact the fda they!
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