I'd donated blood a few times over the past 3 years and had no problem, but I donated 10 months ago and fainted several hours AFTER leaving the blood drive. I haven't donated since. However, I'd like to donate again because it's a great thing to do, but I don't want to faint again. I know why I fainted, but I'm just wondering if it was a one-time thing or if I will faint every time I give blood for the rest of my life.
2007-12-31 03:54:03 · 41 answers · asked by Adrienne 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I fainted the very first time I gave blood. They had just seated me at the table where they were giving us half of a sandwich, chips and a drink when, suddenly, I fell into my potato chips, hit my head on the table (or so they tell me) then fell to the floor totally unconscious.
I regularly give blood and have absolutely NO problem so long a I'm properly hydrated. I start drinking extra water every day for about 3 days before I give blood. Try it. At minimum, drink as much water as you can stand for 24 hours before giving. Not only do I not have any more problem with fainting but I've had peope comment on how unusually fast I fill the bag with blood. Well, uh, yeah. Most people are chronically dehydrated. The extra water helps.
2007-12-31 04:18:49 · answer #1 · answered by Fyre & Reign RETIRED 7 · 9⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
I fainted once after giving blood. Should I donate again?
I'd donated blood a few times over the past 3 years and had no problem, but I donated 10 months ago and fainted several hours AFTER leaving the blood drive. I haven't donated since. However, I'd like to donate again because it's a great thing to do, but I don't want to faint...
2015-08-16 17:16:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After Giving Blood
2016-10-02 12:44:37 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you know why you fainted, maybe you could whatever possible so you wont faint again.
Or maybe you could get yourself checked out by a doctor to tell you if you're ok to donate blood, because i agree, donating blood is awesome. I donated for my first time a few months ago when there was a blood drive at my school.
2007-12-31 03:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by ARIN78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've done the same thing myself a couple of times after giving blood. As with you, both times it was long after I'd left the clinic, so the tips about not looking at the blood and lying down to donate are no use. I don't let it stop me from donating. As long as you get some warning (e.g. feeling dizzy) before you get to the point of actually fainting, it shouldn't be dangerous.
Before you go, make sure you drink lots of water and eat something substantial (a cookie won't be enough). Drink more water after you donate, and for the rest of the day. Avoid alcohol. Don't donate if you have to exercise hard or fly that day, and don't donate on a really hot day if you can avoid it. If you do feel dizzy, sit down with your head between your knees, or better still, lie down until it passes.
2008-01-03 14:06:33 · answer #5 · answered by ode45s 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a nurse and I have donated blood before, if you fainted you may have not been properly hydrated.
I would certainly check with your doctor to make sure there is no other cause for the fainting spell.
When you donate blood you are depleating the volume of fluid in your body. If you are not already well hydrated it can result in fainting because your body don't know how to handle the removal of blood volume.
Make sure prior to donation you have a solid meal and drink extra water several days prior to donation.
Also check out the American Red Cross web-site.
2007-12-31 04:02:43 · answer #6 · answered by Christine T 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fainting is pretty common after giving blood. Don't let it stop you, though, because giving blood is one of the best things we can do for our community. Plan your donations on a day when you can take it easy after donating; some employers even give you 4 hours off or the rest of the day or what-not. Sometimes drinking a can of Coke right before donating helps, too, for the same reasons that they give you orange juice post-donation but I find the Coke is a lot more effective.
2007-12-31 03:57:19 · answer #7 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Eat a decent meal before donating, take advantage of the free stuff at the drive, and have a light snack after, including a decent amount of water (or, preferrably, juice).
Did you attempt to stress yourself before you fainted? Don't forget...with a donation, your blood volume goes down by the amount of the donation. That means less oxygen, that your blood sugar is lower, etc. You have to re-adjust to the new levels (until your body finishes replacing it). Go again, and if it happens a second time, see your doctor (but play it safe, and when you donate, don't drive...)!
You could also have simply moved (stood-up) too fast! I've greyed-out after sitting for a while and stood abruptly!
Good luck!
2007-12-31 04:00:59 · answer #8 · answered by jcurrieii 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes of course you should donate again. It would help if you drink something sweet after donating.
As for before donating, get a little light exercise (walking around the block is enough) to oxygenate your blood, and breathe deeply.
You are fine. You won't faint again, and if you do, it's okay. It's nothing threatening.
2007-12-31 04:17:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should. Not giving blood is worse than fainting, right? Plus, you can prevent your fainting. Eat something like a cookie before you go. Anything with lots of sugar works. And make sure you're not under enormous stress before you go. Also, drink liquids before you go. Also, don't party the night before. Eat right a couple of days before and after, exercise also helps. I think it's great that you donated blood though!
2007-12-31 03:58:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋