Passed out while donating blood....
I've tried to donate blood two times before, but got rejected because my iron was too low (my blood didn't fall fast enough in the blue solutions, one time it actually floated up a bit). Today my school had a blood drive and I really wanted to try again. (I'm a 17 yr. female, by the way). When they pricked my finger and put my blood in the blue solution, my blood dropped fast and it was perfect. Then, i got in the chair and they put the needle in my arm. The nurse was really nice and I was talking to her quite a bit to distract myself. She told me it was almost halfway full!! But then the room started going in and out and I felt like I was going to pass out, so I said "I think I'm going to pass out." I guess I did because I woke up with three nurses hovered over me trying to wake me up.
I guess the whole point of this is....Why did I pass out? At 3:30 AM I went to the gym and did the elliptical for 30 min. and swimming for 25 min., then I had some grapenuts cereal with hempmilk and some chocolate hempmilk, an apricot and an orange. I drank tons of water. I donated at like 9:30 in the morning.
Has this ever happened to anyone before? The nurse told me that people can pass out even on their 40th time donating and on their 1st time too. . . Maybe I should have eaten more in the morning?
I really want to donate again and not pass out or get rejected...... :'( :'(
My husband is a pretty hefty 6'6" guy, and he has passed out the last two times he's had blood drawn--just a little vial for bloodtests. They actually said he'd had a seizure, and that it was perfectly normal ???
I've given blood a lot. I've passed out once, been woozy once, and all of the other times I was absolutely fine. AshleyKimbell is the person who'd know. She volunteers at a blood donation center (I think).
lying down while blood is taken is the simple solution for me. works a treat.
rebecca :)
I was laying back in those big blue chairs that they have. It was really comfy and they had music playing too. I just wish I didn't pass out. It's kind of depressing because I really wanted to help someone.
They took my heart rate earlier and it was 48 BPM. The nurse asked me what is my exercise regime and I said "4-5 times per week I work out." and she said "okay, that's fine then."
Maybe I just didn't have a big enough breakfast or something? Or maybe just first time nerves? I remember a few seconds before I passed out my heart started beating really really fast. Then, when I woke up, I was sweating all over my body and felt really clammy. It was definately a weird experience....But, I'll try again soon!
Don't feel bad. I tried to give blood, and the finger prick almost made me pass out. I never even got close to having a needle put in my arm. They had to put me in the chair and give me cookies to prevent me from passing out. At least you made it part way through. You're braver than me!
Maybe I just didn't have a big enough breakfast or something? Or maybe just first time nerves?
The lack of enough breakfast could well be it. If you know you're going to give blood (and how many schools throw a "suprise" blood drive? :D ) make sure you get plenty of breakfast first. One time when I donated, a young guy who was very buff and handsome, broke out in a copious cold sweat and passed out the minute he sat up from the lounger chair (this was in the haemotology unit at the hosp) and the nurse said, "What did you have for breakfast?" He had had a Coke Zero and some cupcakes--I thought she was going to brain him!!
Next time go for something hearty like a tofu scramble or an egg if you eat eggs. Or even chickpea "chicken" salad. Yumm!
Don't feel bad!!!!!!!! It was really nice of you to give blood. So many people don't donate just because they are scared they are going to pass out or the needle will hurt or something. I passed out when I got my belly button pierced & twice when getting blood tests. I came really close to passing out the first time I gave blood, then it was a little better the second time & last time I felt perfectly fine!!! My trick is to drink some Gatorade right before & during. Next time you give blood, Definetly have a little more for breakfast & drink some juice right before & during giving blood. Warn the nurse that the last time you gave blood you fainted & she will take extra special care of you. You will be fine next time!!!
Oh & don't expect to be able to work out too great for the next couple days. It takes a lot out of your body to remake the pint of blood you donated. It takes me over a week to feel 100% again. But its worth saving someone's life!
Thanks for all the warm and supporting responses everyone!
I'll definately try again, and use all the tips you have given from your expoeriences!
I've passed out the three times I've given blood. Now my twin gives blood whenever she is able to per their guidelines and she's never even come remotely closs to passing out. I don't even know how many gallons she's up to. When I had to have back surgery they wanted me to go to the bloodbank and save 5 pints (isn't it pints what they take?) in case I needed it but since I didn't want to pass out all five times I got my mom, twin, step-father, older sister and brother-in-law to do the donating for me. lol It's great we all had the same bloodtype. :)
Great story Mirrya1! That's great that your family helped you out with donating blood! That is so nice! I'll try donating again soon and hope I don't pass out ;D
I pass out when I get a shot! Needles scare the heck out of me. Which is one of the reasons why I have never donated blood, and never will. (Unless, of course, it was some sort of emergency with my family.) I'm selfishly enjoying not passing out, otherwise. ;D
I pass out when I get a shot! Needles scare the heck out of me. Which is one of the reasons why I have never donated blood, and never will. (Unless, of course, it was some sort of emergency with my family.) I'm selfishly enjoying not passing out, otherwise. ;D
Never join the military. Years ago when I went for my entrance physical and they needed to take a blood sample the guy says to me give me your arm. I no sooner had straightened out my arm then he jams the needle hard in my arm. Definately not the most pleasant time with a needle in my life..lol