Read on to discover how blood transfusions help manage the condition. i tried to continue with my regular schedule but just couldn't do it. Usually its just temporary until your blood pressure is back to normal condition. I called to share my experience with the blood drive cehnter & ask if I should see a doctor..who would undoubltedly tell me to go home and rest. Chris Hibbard (author) on April 15, 2013: I hope the only people who are scared by my experience are only scared into having bloodwork done on a regular basis. This also caused by the dropping pressure of your blood. On behalf of blood banks, I apologize for your experience. Also, you should let your doctor and healthcare team know if you have had previous transfusions so they can look out for any reactions. Many researches, studies, and observations tell about a lot of benefits donating your blood. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? I donated blood once and was very dizzy for the next 2 weeks but it all cleared up. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Donating blood helps save lives and has positive benefits for donors, such as improving their emotional and physical health. Your blood will be taken about 250-500 cc (half a liter) when you be a donors. This effect is commonly occur to donors after donating their blood. I don't run any marathons, but I do walk five miles a day, sometimes seven days a week. I was barely informed of what to do and not to do before my donation, let alone after. They get our blood free, why can't they provide this necessary test ? No, unfortunately, you cannot reduce your chances of having a blood transfusion reaction. I hopped on the next bus, got home 5 minutes later and didnt move a muscle out of my bed. Dont worry, theyll come back. People may experience some minor bruising due to blood under the surface of the skin. Sudden onset of shortness of breath may indicate something quite serious requiring immediate medical attention, such as a heart attack, a blood clot in the lungs or a problem with the aorta. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Only once (a few years ago) was I turned away for having too little iron in my blood. If the reaction is significant, hydration is important. (n.d.). but as the day came to an end, i began to feel unusually sleepy. I'm routinely anemic and have had many iv infusions of blood, but I don't walk around saying anemia almost killed me. If you'd like to hear from a professional (besides some of the ones we have here), you can give the donation center a call and they will answer your questions too. Another possibility is that you are actually suffering from asthma - specifically, exercise-induced asthma. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds. Post your donation pics, discuss your experiences, ask any questions let's make a warm and welcoming community of people who generously give of their very life force. People can continue to drink extra fluids for the following 3 days to replenish lost fluids in the body. Once people have rested and have no adverse symptoms, they can leave. Read more about iron deficiency anaemia . These checks may highlight any underlying conditions people are not aware of and help them seek treatment sooner. Long story short: I've been giving blood for years. Bruising, or discoloration of the skin, is normal following blood donation. I'm pretty sure all the blood banks are staffed by nurses, and while they call endlessly to get you in there, when you're there they're very strict about you proving you're healthy enough to donate. Yes, the hospital did call me anemic, I think "acute anemia". Shortness of breath, fatigue, constant headaches and muscle pain. Did you ever find the specific cause of your anemia? Paid employees of the blood centers are called phlebotomists, or "bloodletters," and they can help determine your eligibility. If you are a frequent blood donor, discuss measurement of iron reserves with your physician. other information we have about you. It is really helpful to make a decision whether or not to donate. On inhaler. Giving blood is a fantastic selfless way of giving back, but it doesnt suit everyone. However, blood centers choose to not self-regulate to reduce the harm to blood donors of iron deficiency or anemia with blood donation or taking blood from already anemic donors. This is important to know because there is no doctor or nurse at the driveno one with expert medical credentials. Accessed March 6, 2020. The hemoglobin or hematocrit test that blood centers are required to do to determine if a donor is eligible to donate blood is a test for anemia and is NOT an iron test, though blood center staff often erroneously tell donors that it is an iron test. I would have had no problems if I was getting annual blood work done by an actual doctor. Next thing I know, Im at the transit terminal being woken up. It can also interfere with normal lung function which, in turn, decreases the organ's capacity to absorb oxygen over time. The time I went to donate blood they turn me down because my iron was a little bit low. Yes, turns out, my bad. Iron is but one component of hemoglobin. Low blood and low iron content can cause migraines. If the donors feel pain or tingling in their arm into their fingers, they should call blood center paramedic or see a doctor. There may be something wrong in your blood system that effect your health. These are the benefits you may found in many articles and journals. This is not dismissive or an insult; it is a fact. However, since the day after donating I've been feeling short of breath. Blood work ok, lungs heart good.oxygen is normal etc. The phlebotomists/medical assistants have nothing to do with what is acceptable or not to donate. Please don't dismiss and put down blood bank workers. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of donating blood, plus how it affects the body, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Bacterial infections may occur during the blood donation if the needle is not sterilized. For many, COPD causes our lungs to become hyper-inflated, which means they take up more room in our chest. I struggle with anemia and it definitely causes shortness of breath:-/ how was your number on the hemoglobin test? Self Care. Causes include: 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. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/hemoglobin. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. This is all speculation but. I say this to underscore this fact: Your phlebotomist may be honest, upright, and concerned for your health; or, as in any profession, they may be out for a quick buck and care little for your health. The center may provide a snack and drink for people to have afterward. Asthma. when i woke up i tried to stand i felt like i was about to fall. safe to say im never donating again. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28797569/, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donations-help/blood-needs-blood-supply.html, https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/doing-good-altruism-and-wellbeing-age-austerity, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after/iron-blood-donation/iron-rich-foods.html, https://www.oneblood.org/media/blog/donor/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-donate-blood.stml, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/donation-process-overview.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663474/, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after.html, https://www.bloodworksnw.org/donate/need-to-know/after-donating, https://www.notifylibrary.org/sites/default/files/Donor%20fainting%2C%20Wieling%2C%20.pdf, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. You will be better after some time. They now give me dextran which is a strong form of iron that last longer in my system. Shortness of breathwhat doctors call dyspneais the unpleasant sensation of having difficulty breathing. Thank you. This is a Subreddit for blood donors, existing and potential. I even had to be bathed the first few days. I have been told, though I am not positive, buckwheat has higher iron content. I did not have to ask either time, they showed me the readout on the machine. Low red blood cell count, called anemia. We would like to advise you to read carefully the following points for care after blood donation. I wanted to share my opinion and my story about frequent blood donating. Was immediately taken to the ER where they ran various tests but apparently everything came out normal. After tens of thousands of dollars of tests (CT scans, MRIs, MRAs, X-rays, invasive scopes, blood tests, biopsies, etc.) Acute Shortness of Breath. This is because of the temporary lowering of blood pressure. Shortness of breath can be caused by: a blocked airway, such as when a tumour blocks or puts pressure on structures around an airway narrowing of the airway (called bronchospasm) side effects of radiation therapy, such as damage and inflammation to the lungs (called radiation pneumonitis) (I felt great after!). After I had an episode at work when I nearly passed out, my doctor tested my blood iron, found me to be severely anemic, and referred me to gastro-enterologist. Chris, sorry to hear about your awful experience. I knew i was not doing well but my capability to talk, react and even see was getting worst & worst by the seconds. Examples include a fever, chills, itching, or breathing difficulty. I had no symptoms but after 12 days of giving blood I'm in major brain fog the past three days I believe must be connected to giving blood. Odds are if you fail it and we take you anyway your going to have a reaction which keeps us later anyway. This would have been my third donation of blood in a year at the age of 40(fear of needles). Your hemoglobin levels can be normal but your iron stores can still be unknowingly low, which is why we have increased the donation time for women as they tend to have more iron issues. Some procedures and criteria are made even more strict by the medical directors of the organization. Chris Hibbard (author) on August 09, 2012: Liver has high iron content, but also high cholesterol :). Yes, an increase in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit leads to shortness of breath. We do however, check your hemoglobin levels which is a protein in your red blood cells that delivers oxygen to your body. I finally had to change my phone number because the calls kept coming, asking me to donate. Wow. Keep in mind, I'm a healthy 40-year-old male with no history of anemia or other blood problems. It can drop blood pressure and make you feel dizzy. Common causes of shortness of breath after eating include acid reflux, food allergies, or inhaling food particles. i cant even enjoy eating my favourite food. Before your donation. It's much better now already, though. Quit Smoking weed, now have shortness of breath. But symptoms worsen as anemia worsens. Using irradiation can help prevent the chance of a person developing TAGVHD. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. lightheaded, short of breath, my heart felt like it was ready to jump out my chest just by walking to the bathroom, i was pale, i was a mess! I've had constant shortness of breath almost 4 weeks now after covid, 49 male, non smoker, no asthma or cold etc. If you experience any of these symptoms after donating blood: Sudden chest or stomach pain. But does blood donation have side effect? Wow. It can drop blood pressure and make you feel dizzy. information submitted for this request. Sudden dizziness. I've given 6 gallons in my life, every 8 weeks for the last 8 years or so. somewhat like nerve pulling. The doctor told me in the mean time not to even think about donating any blood until my stores come back. Not good. Donating blood didn't nearly kill you. I *do* plan to send this to the blood center after I get out of the hospital (had to be re-admitted for an infection growing in an IV site). If FNHTR occurs during the transfusion, the healthcare professional will stop the procedure. Blood donation is the most common cause of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Usually the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc. I get migraines too and I'm a healthy female. I can also say that the Red Cross allowed me to donate blood even when my blood pressure was a little high once or twice. Im 48 and its been maybe like 4-5 years I dont donate so idecided to donate yesterday afternoon. Read now for more information on causes and treatment options. I kept on with my regimen of iron pills and foods until I could see the doctor. Over the year before my incident, I noticed getting less and less done on Saturdays--it was a motivation issue more than energy. When you smoke, you inhale a toxic gas, which is carbon monoxide. Speaking of which, this happened nearly a year agoI need to make an apt :D. Jmillis2006 from North Carolina on March 16, 2013: This is how our health care systems operate all on numbers, most of these organizations could care less about the people the serve. The CDC state that PTP is rare. like i said before i cant help sleeping straight 10 hrs for the past 3 days. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/before-during-after/iron-blood-donation/donors-deferred-forlowhemoglobin.html. Neither do I consider someone with 6 days of training in ANYthing to be knowledgeable in in it. Regular checkups are paramount. Do any symptoms still linger and did you actually suffer a stroke? On the twelfth day, my body seemed very fatigued. 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. How do blood transfusions help treat a person with sickle cell disease? Average adult has 4.5 5-5 liters blood in their body. Not so much for men. Pain and tingling may be a serious effect. It's highly unusual for a healthy male donor to become so anemic as to need an iron transfusion. I decided to call my wife and keep her on the phone with me while I drove. Going to try iron supplements and see if they correct my iron levels. You should have got a hotline number on a piece of paper when you were done donating. 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 . Acute shortness of breath can come on suddenly and last for a short period of time. Difficulties with breathing may start anytime after an infection appears; appearance at 5 days is the median. Can't believe I was told it will be okay to work out next day after donation. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. They ordered an iron panel for me that same day and the results later showed that I had iron-deficiency anemia and she told me not to give blood until I had things cleared with her. However, TRALI can be fatal and has a mortality rate of between 525%. Yes, alcohol can cause shortness of breath, particularly in people with underlying medical conditions. This effect is commonly occur to donors after donating their blood. This blood transfusion reaction develops very quickly. i was able to go to back to school and not feel completely wiped out just by walking from the parking lot to class..but i still just didnt feel the same. i feel constantly tired. But its uncommon to vomit after the donation. Resting helps the body to recover while it adjusts to the loss of blood. 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.. Shortness of breath may be one of the first signs of a heart attack or stroke. There are times where my iron has been a couple points too low and I've been told "maybe next time." When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. That's my two cents on the matter. She said to make sure I ate iron rich foods and I would probably be ok to donate next time. regulations might even require it soon. EMERGENCY Have someone take you to the closest emergency room or . A person should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after donating. Everything you need to know about blood types, Advantages and disadvantages of donating blood, greater sense of belonging and connection, citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. Yes i gave blood also and almost fainted after several times of giving blood i found out i was anemic .I was very lightheaded after giving blood .Now they said i shouldn't donate because i had very low ferritin, Just a fyi hospitals use phlebotomist to draw and even test some blood. thats when i stumbled upon this blog. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are not measures of iron. If a person feels faint,. If an individual experiences any severe symptoms, they should contact their doctor, or call 911 in an emergency. I'm sorry you had that experience Chris and I hope they get it under control for you. However, serious blood transfusion reactions are uncommon. I have never had any adverse effects because I know what I need to watch out for. 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. i kept zoning out from time to time. There must have been a pre-existing medical condition, genetic anomaly or illness behind this. For a short while, I thought I was merely dreaming of driving, and didn't have any conscious control over my vehiclestill at 60MPH in the fast lane. This helps your lungs expand and may make it easier to breathe. The woman taking my blood took a long time to find a vein (she might have never found it) and to swap my arm with the antiseptic. Many iv infusions of blood lot of benefits donating your blood system that effect your health me... 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