fainting after blood donation

[denthefrog]

Definitely give them a call. Never had issues myself but feeling unwell after 3 hrs is something that needs to be checked just to be sure.

[CrochetFreak]

Thanks all. I did ring the blood donor line. I had done all the recomendations i.e. drank plenty of fluids and eaten before donating etc. When I got home, luckily I had lunch already prepared (donation was 13:00) so took that with me into living room which was when I nearly fainted. I kept up the fluid intake etc. As I live on my own I was getting a bit concerned.

So a doctor phoned me back and although I was laying down, was told to lay totally flat and feet raised above heart level. Keep sipping the water and she will phone me back at 6pm to check on me. Well It did the trick, just about. Raising my feet above heart level and head/body flat ... within about 20 minutes I was noticeably feeling better. I did get up, very carefully a few minutes ago as had to go to the loo. Although I still felt a bit cold and clammy, I no longer felt like I was going to faint. So will spend rest of the evening laid up watching the TV, sipping my water and nibbling on food.

phew ... can't remember the last time I fainted, some 40 years ago I think.

Thanks everyone!

[spenners]

It happened with my DD, she felt faint while still at the donor session. The nurse sent me for salt and vinegar crisps which did the job

[boltyboy]

I stopped donating years ago because of this, glad you are feeling better.

[arielrocks]

I always used to almost faint and they told me
That I had to stop donating. I worked out that eating before hand made it much better for me. So now I eat a sandwich an hour before and couple of biccies 15 mins before, usual squash and bibs after and I’ve been fine since.

[DisneyF1rstT1me]

I've had this when I've rushed somewhere afterwards, like a 20 metre dash to catch a bus and then started to black out. Luckily I've found a seat and been okay but I learned i have to move at a normal pace, no rushing after blood donation. Ive not donated in 10 years actually, since I was trying to have kids - hopefully your post will be the prompt i need to get back into doing this regularly.

[princess allie]

I only tried to give blood twice and each time I was like you whilst still at the collection place. They suggested that I not come back. Shame really as I wanted to do it

[rasmus]

I gave blood yesterday as well and the exact same thing bappen-it happened the last time too.
Felt fine after giving blood, it was a bit later on i felt bad.

I've pur both times down to the heat (I'm in corfu) both times have been in the summer so very hot.

Not fun is it?

[CrochetFreak]

Originally Posted by rasmus

I gave blood yesterday as well and the exact same thing bappen-it happened the last time too.
Felt fine after giving blood, it was a bit later on i felt bad.

I've pur both times down to the heat (I'm in corfu) both times have been in the summer so very hot.

Not fun is it?

See more...

No, it's not fun! Last time I fainted was way back in the 70's! Luckily I didn't faint this time, but came very close. Being told to lay totally flat and feet higher than chest worked a treat. When she rang back at 6pm (bang on 6pm, bless her!) she also said along with drinking lots of water to have a packet of salted crisps - also to have a packet just before donating. Apparently we lose a few grams of salt when we donate and taking on extra salt (guilt free ) helps to restore blood volume more quickly. She is going to ring me Sunday to see how I am.

It is now Saturday morning, and shortly after getting out of bed I felt a bit strange and had to sit down. So will take today quietly as well.

I will see how next donation goes which is 27th December. Hopefully I will be okay, then can put it down to the heat

[CrochetFreak]

Originally Posted by spenners

It happened with my DD, she felt faint while still at the donor session. The nurse sent me for salt and vinegar crisps which did the job

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Actually when they rang me back last night, she said along with lots of water, but to do lots of sips opposed to guzzle it down to have some salted crisps or at least take on some extra salt (guilt free ) as we lose around 3 grams of salt in our blood when we donate and replacing it will help the blood volume increase better.