I went to meet a new physician about a month ago and she had a general blood test since I was a new patient and she noticed that I had general anemia. Yes, the hospital did call me anemic, I think "acute anemia". My iron levels were fine according to the finger prick test. I get migraines too and I'm a healthy female. Not sure if that's a problem or what to do. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Hey congrats on your first blood donation!! I left the place, got in my car headed for home and i started feeling weak and woozy.as i was on the highway and the seconds would pass i would feel worst & worst. Doing good? While volunteers may help show you to your seat in a waiting area, or cross your name off the sign-up list, they do not have the training to determine if you're healthy enough to donate. On the twelfth day, my body seemed very fatigued. I spent the better part of a week there, as they pricked and probed every part of me, treating me with their stroke protocol. People can take care to rest and avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activity for the following 12 hours after donation. Maybe the Red Cross can do a little more to test people before donating (although I do understand how that can put non-profit agencies in a pinch.). Wondering if there's a cutoff age? i thought,"okay may be its because i donated blood my body needs some rest." I gave blood back in February and within three days had a major ocular migraine incident that I wrote this article. 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. There is a problem with severe shortness of breath fever low blood pressure Treatment Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms: For mild cases, a person will need oxygen therapy. Learn more about how to recover after donating blood here. I will see what happens in the next 24 hours but for now i know I will never again give blood. For donors there are reactions of bodys tolerance during and after donating procedure. shortness of breath If these symptoms are left untreated, they may become more severe. I donated blood once and was very dizzy for the next 2 weeks but it all cleared up. ONE OF MY REASON,IS BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DONATED BLOOD OVER TWENTY YRS. That information would be much more useful to donors looking at this post. Thanks for sharing. Chris Hibbard (author) on November 15, 2012: I tend to agree with you, Kathy. hi.. 5 days ago i donated my blood for the first during a blood drive they conducted in our university.my hb level was normal. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. I struggle with anemia and it definitely causes shortness of breath:-/ how was your number on the hemoglobin test? Yes, alcohol can cause shortness of breath, particularly in people with underlying medical conditions. I see it everyday as a practicing nurse and have helped scores of people, including saving lives. A person can learn more about the potential risks and complications here. I have since figured out that I have to be above 50 ng/ml to not have trouble breathing under heavy exertion. 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. I requested my pre-donation hemoglobin levels from my blood center for my two donations prior to being diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, and my hemoglobin levels indicated that I was already anemic then but they took my blood without informing me. The DNA test wasn't a good means to determine if I should give blood. In: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. This allows them to receive help straight away if they have any adverse side effects. Ferritin levels are not measured on blood donors. 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. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. It's a bit unusual for a man to have low stored iron (or serum iron) short of an occult bleed, so I hope they're investigating what the cause of that is. 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. (n.d.). Celiac prevents absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B and iron and contributes to anemia in otherwise-healthy men. Afterward, a person can apply a warm compress four times a day for 20 minutes. I am a very active person who used to do a lot of cleaning after workday, but now all I want to do after I get home is lay on the couch. Sad but true. placing the person in an upright position is often sufficient to treat mild TACO, treating a person with diuretics to remove excess fluid may help resolve more advanced TACO, intubating to improve respiration is sometimes necessary in severe cases. Thank you again for saving so many lives with your past donations. For mild cases, a person will need oxygen therapy. You may expect a kind volunteer who helped organize the blood drive might look out for you. According to a 2019 article, symptoms of PTP can include: According to the authors of Transfusion Medicine for Pathologists: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Certification, and Clinical Practice, it is important to note that transfusion reactions are rarely fatal. Donating blood helps save lives and has positive benefits for donors, such as improving their emotional and physical health. Beware though: more Americans have TOO MUCH iron than too little--it's why they stopped putting them in "normal" multi-vitamins. Your system just sounds, broken. There are about 300+ kinds of anemia, only one of which is from iron deficiency. Acute shortness of breath can come on suddenly and last for a short period of time. i went ahead and donated the 2 pints and its been a nightmare ever since. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which sets standards for anemia in the U.S., states that anemia is indicated by hemoglobin levels below 13.5 g/dL or hematocrit levels below 39.9% for males 18 years old and older, who live below 3,000 ft elevation and who smoke less than half a pack per day (see p. 12-13 in http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr4703.pdf). A small number of people will have these effect. Sudden chest pain. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Last time I donated i had to lay off the cardio for a week. I feel tired all the time but cannot fall to sleep right away. Average adult has 4.5 5-5 liters blood in their 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. You can lie down and rest if you feel dizzy. According to the CDC, doctors transfuse 17.2 million blood product units each year in the United States, and most people do not experience any blood transfusion reactions. Markers that suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions were lower in regular blood donors compared with the nondonors, due to improved cholesterol levels. I couldn't give her a meaningful response. It is always good to speak with your doctor before donating. It should be not a worrying condition though. You should never donate blood without this information being TOLD to you. The causes of shortness of breath range from very strenuous exercise and extreme temperatures to obesity and higher altitude. I was admitted to the nearest hospital through their ER. they asked. People with COPD may feel short of breath after eating because large meals take up significant space in the chest and stomach area. Donating 5 times a year? Some people just don't have the ability to donate. I would like to have my blood put back in my arm please and my sex drive sorted out again as I used to to smoke weed and get drunk all the time but no you will not help me at all I would love to of been able to meet up with my daughter in two years but that is not going to happen now and had more children I used to smoke weed and get drunk a lot I can even move back into my old bed sit you lot help druggies and alcoholic's out but not me when I want my blood back so please help me thanks Tina Roberts. I hope I will feel normal again soon. i had been diagnosed with low bp a few months back. 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 . My wife called 911, and an ambulance soon found me. Also, you should let your doctor and healthcare team know if you have had previous transfusions so they can look out for any reactions. Do not smoke. Iron supplement overdose is the LEADING CAUSE of FATAL POISONINGs for children under 6. Researchers noted they need further evidence with larger studies to confirm these findings. What happens to your body when you donate blood? If you have signs and symptoms of a low hemoglobin count, make an appointment with your doctor. She said to make sure I ate iron rich foods and I would probably be ok to donate next time. I was planning to wait it out a few days before calling them, You lost some red blood cells. Make sure that you consult a doctor; this is crucial. However, if you have had one previously, then you should let your doctor know before receiving another transfusion. This also caused by the dropping pressure of your blood. information submitted for this request. Chris Hibbard (author) on April 30, 2012: @Dreamer, I omitted my location and the name of my blood center for legal reasons. If you feel nausea it is usually follow by vomiting. Some bruise at the site where the blood was taken may occasionally exist. Neither do I consider someone with 6 days of training in ANYthing to be knowledgeable in in it. Everyday we have patients who need blood which only generous donors can provide. I've been donating since I was 16, now 32 and been doing plasma for the past 4 years. 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. I wonder if that had anything to do with my iron levels as I try to stay clear from heavy red meats and eat more fish and vegetables. No, unfortunately, you cannot reduce your chances of having a blood transfusion reaction. I am a Registered Nurse and not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in human physiology. Read now for more information on causes and treatment options. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. This means I've been donating almost a gallon of my blood each year. Keeping the bandage over the needle site for a few hours after the donation and avoiding strenuous activity can help minimize adverse effects and help the body recover more quickly. Despite health benefits of blood donationI mention above, blood donation also have side effects you should know before you go and generously donating your blood. If a person feels faint,. Iron is but one component of hemoglobin. I got dizzy, nauseous, disoriented, overheated and then my vision went. 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. The cause of the blockages is not known, but it is thought to be due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. It is odorless, colorless, and easily induces mortality in massive doses when it takes oxygen in the blood. It can drop blood pressure and make you feel dizzy. The FDA requires blood centers to test for hemoglobin or hematocrit, and both of these are tests for anemia (there are 100+kinds of anemia, only one of which is from iron deficiency), not for iron levels as blood center staff sometimes erroneously claim. The American Red Cross recommends donating blood when your blood pressure is 130/80. I just made my first blood donation two days ago. Altruism and wellbeing in an age of austerity. I think in Australia we can only donate whole blood four times a year? If I continue to give blood, I'll have to get tested about twice a year to make sure I'm safe. I'm sorry you had that experience Chris and I hope they get it under control for you. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of allergy, infection, inflammation, injury, or certain metabolic conditions. It's like my life has stopped since I haven't been able to go back to my daily routine. It involves an unexplained rise in temperature during or 4 hours after the transfusion. Next thing I know, Im at the transit terminal being woken up. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Your valued donation is a vital contribution to our community, and we sincerely hope that you have found it a worthwhile experience. Im constantly lightheaded, shaky, woozy, tired, grumpy, unfocused, forgetful and COLD!! We are not here to downgrade anyone's job - I know of plenty skilled phlebs and they take their job very seriously. To this day my arm still throbs with pain for no reason. If people have severe or long lasting pain, they should contact their doctor. I recently gave blood at work, the needle felt as it was inserted wrong, as the pain was excruciating. I did some yard work over the weekend however and noticed losing my wind while doing heavy lifting. "Because these two organ systems are so intertwined, one always affects the other," says Dr. Aaron B. Waxman, who directs the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program . Many researches, studies, and observations tell about a lot of benefits donating your blood. This was the second wisest choice I could have made. That is one mistake I will NEVER make again. When my doc finally tested for iron, I was at 11 ng/ml. I would have had no problems if I was getting annual blood work done by an actual doctor. : High bp, unbalanced hormones, shut down of certain hormones like pregnenolone dhea progesterone etc. Yes, an increase in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit leads to shortness of breath. I was embarrassed. I thought this was odd because I'd experienced migraines before and never got dizzy during one. Took a few years off, then decided a few days ago I missed it, and donated. 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. being a college student in the middle of finals i couldn't believe this was happening to me. Exactly Andrew! It's day two and I'm out of breath, lethargic and slow all the time. Im an O, so my need to donate is imminent, but Ill only be doing it once a year. If your test reveals that you have a low hemoglobin count, you'll likely need more testing to determine the cause. This is good news for donors! The people running the Blood Centers in our country need to be motivated to collect enough blood to meet our needs, but it must be balanced with donor health as well. A larger scale 2019 study looked at the effects on heart health in 159,934 people who were regular blood donors. Chris, sorry to hear about your awful experience. My experience aftermath is exactly what I went through with the numbness, fainting etc i know this is such an old post..but wow can i relate to this! How can blood transfusions treat anemia? This helps your lungs expand and may make it easier to breathe. For many, COPD causes our lungs to become hyper-inflated, which means they take up more room in our chest. I wrote it off to the marathon heat wave we were going through, and never thought there was a medical reason. Anyway, were all just trying to do good here, theres no need to be condescending in saying we lack common sense. My hemoglobin level was 13.7. my friend says it might be symptoms of iron deficieny. It happens when antibodies in the donor blood, such as human leukocyte antibodies, react with the recipients leukocytes, or white blood cells. Post-transfusion purpura: Current perspectives. Lung infection (pneumonia). AMA?) Hemoglobin. I've only had 1 physical since I was a teenageras a man in my 40s I need to start going every year! Donors must continue to donate in order to have a supply for our community. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for twelve hours. Anyone else have bad shortness of breath after covid and how long did it last? in the usa of course it's not so easy to get good quality grass fed liver? Or if your heart isn't working as well as it should, this could cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. For 37% of COVID-19 patients, however, shortness of breath is a serious and persistent problem, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, cough, and fatigue. It may be a severe complicated effect. I felt giving blood was a good thing to do that took a small bit of time. It may vary for everyone but the paramedic at the Blood Center will do things necessary if you undergo these effects. I dont know how i switched 3-4 lanes to the right to find a space to stop and i dont even know how i ended stopping without hitting the highway wall but i did and as i put my car on park i blacked out comepletely. 3. Doesn't help. By the time I reached my car in the parking garage, I started to wonder if I could safely make my thirty-minute commute. Examples of vitamin C-rich foods include: Regular donors may also find taking a multivitamin that contains iron helps to replenish iron stores. Hyperventilation: Can intensify feelings of panic, stress, and anxiety. This means I've been donating almost a gallon of my blood each year. Using irradiation can help prevent the chance of a person developing TAGVHD. Accessed March 6, 2020. privacy practices. I lost consciousness and no one knew. 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). Shortness of breath can be a symptom of many conditions that affect the heart or lungs. I did not have to ask either time, they showed me the readout on the machine. Once in a while, a phlebotomist would tell me, "your iron looks a little low," or, "you'd better eat some red meat tonight." A compress may ease any tenderness until the pain goes away. My Iron has been on the low side the last 5 or six times. Nevertheless, blood recipients need our blood donations, and I donate for them. A phlebotomist can be qualified after 6 Saturday classes??? And like you said Chris, if you already are feeling symptoms of fatiguing easily, loss of energy, cold all the time, tingling and pins and needles, it's probably a good idea to go to your primary before donating. I'm not sure where you donated or with what blood bank, but just because someone went to school on Saturdays for 6 classes, doesn't mean they are not qualified. I WAS SHOCKED! I think the future of blood donation has more strict measures for donors, as the blood center nearest me hinted they're already considering. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Check that your iron is ok by asking questions after the test. This week I decided to go to the doctors and ask for a general check up after feeling unwell for what seems like weeks. What to do before, during, and after your donation. I hopped on the next bus, got home 5 minutes later and didnt move a muscle out of my bed. I had a pretty sizable migraine when I woke up, and it got worse as the morning wore on. Accessed March 6, 2020. If an individual experiences any severe symptoms, they should contact their doctor, or call 911 in an emergency. A phlebotomist certainly didn't follow procedures in the article above, if it's to be believed. 5 Health Benefits of Tea for Liver, Is Good ? Many people with this condition experience shortness of breath or coughing only when . Plus, I aced physiology when I was in nursing school.). You can treat this effect with rest and try to feel relax. We look into which foods to eat, which activities to avoid, and any adverse effects to watch, Almost everyone can donate blood. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Transfusion Medicine for Pathologists: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Certification, and Clinical Practice, A person can learn more about the potential risks and complications here, https://www.cdc.gov/bloodsafety/basics.html, https://www.aamds.org/blood-transfusion-safety-and-risks, https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=z-JgDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=Chapter+3+-+Transfusion+reactions+castillo&source=bl&ots=qIetYlpPsw&sig=ACfU3U2_OV-IbL3SnUEmomreBYauW74jIQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcnu_4ycrqAhWStHEKHeTmBdEQ6AEwCnoECAcQAQ#v=onepage&q=Chapter%203%20-%20Transfusion%20reactions%20castillo&f=false, https://www.blood.gov.au/pubs/2015-haemovigilance/part-01-haemovigilance-data-2011-12-and-2012-13/febrile-non-haemolytic-transfusion-reactions-fnhtr.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448158/, https://www.dovepress.com/post-transfusion-purpura-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JBM, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3594969/, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass/trali-information-sheet.html, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions/risks-complications.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482202/, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/thrombocytopenia, https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/43/5/217/2657761, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions.html, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Blood donation can cause temporary drop in blood pressure, but it is generally considered safe. (n.d.). It seems too coincidental. I would never have thought that in America, a developed country, that donating blood sounds so primitive. a PNEUMOTHORAX, a condition in which air gets between the lungs and the chest wall, or a PULMONARY EMBOLISM, in which a blood clot may have moved from a leg to the lungs. To replenish fluid in the body, people need to drink water and other liquids before and after donating blood. somewhat like nerve pulling. While hemodialysis may address fluid overlo So RN or not, they took blood from me when I (a male) was already anemic, which I found out only months after donating blood and after I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia by doing a HIPAA request to the blood center to get my hemoglobin level they measured with a fingerprick blood sample before they took my blood. Donating blood didn't nearly kill you. donation gives my great feeling That's really true. This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. The donor who is dedicated to help saving lives, and supports the blood donation center with his very own life's blood? That's my two cents on the matter. Some people will experience minor side effects of donating blood, such as lightheadedness, bruising, or light bleeding. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the most common adverse reactions are allergic and febrile (fever) transfusion reactions. My hemoglobin level was 13.3 and everything checked out fine. Not a doctor but blood donation can cause tiredness, since you've lost some red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. Shortness of breath on exposure to allergens or provoking agents. Usually its just temporary until your blood pressure is back to normal condition. Another possibility is that you are actually suffering from asthma - specifically, exercise-induced asthma. . Been donating blood regularly (usually six times a year) for about eight years. After the third time of explaining my experience, and I was ignored each time, I thought that enough was enough and changed my number. I went to the mall to do some shopping and eventually just left after about an hour as just walking the mall was leaving me tired. Chris Hibbard (author) on August 30, 2012: Thanks for your concern BR, I'm back on track so far, back up to healthy #s all around after taking iron supplements and now off them. You have to sign as part of a screen every time you donate. Can decrease the carbon dioxide in your blood. I am a male, long-term blood donor who developed iron deficiency anemia from donating blood 5 times per year. i researched about ferritin levels and got tested for that and what do i find..my ferritin is a level 5! I don't run any marathons, but I do walk five miles a day, sometimes seven days a week. And I'm hoping a rare one. Got myself up, feeling more dizzy, confused and in a lot of pain but blacked out completely soon after, until I was found by my aunt who heard a thumb from her room of me collapsing. Also, keep in mind that the safety of exercising after blood donation also varies depending on the type of donation you're making. After being diagnosed, I researched and found that not only can frequent blood donation cause or contribute to iron deficiency or anemia, but that the FDA also allows blood centers to take blood from donors who are already anemic without informing donors. 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. This is because of the temporary lowering of blood pressure. Thank you for donating blood today. You had a harrowing experience! The study found that regular, long-term blood donation had a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, although only in females. It can makes you feel chills and sweating beside dizzy and weak. Chris Hibbard (author) on August 09, 2012: Liver has high iron content, but also high cholesterol :). They now give me dextran which is a strong form of iron that last longer in my system. Additionally, we will not take a donor without their iron being at a healthy 12.5. Read on to discover how blood transfusions help manage the condition. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. This results in pulmonary edema, or excess fluid in the lungs. It is normal for bruises to spread before fading even if it may look dramatic. Dizziness or fainting Little or no urination Headaches, double vision, or seizures Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes Chest pain or shortness of breath Bruises, fatigue, or weakness How is a blood transfusion reaction diagnosed and treated? I don't think it's fair to say that donating blood nearly killed you. Heart damage (congestive heart failure). Intense exercise or having a cold can also make you feel breathless. He did the drop test and after shacking it a while he said it was fine and rushed me through. Before donating it was at 14.1, as I was told. they said i should feel better within the next few days. The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea. Dr. Fritz: Shortness of breath is a symptom of an underlying problem or problems, not a disease of its own. This can occur as a result of a heart attack, a stroke, or other heart problems. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. I was so low they almost gave me emergency IV. Those with the antibodies have a higher chance of developing these transfusion reactions. Transfusion reactions. Before your donation. when i woke up i tried to stand i felt like i was about to fall. Press J to jump to the feed. (I do, in fact know what I was talking about. There are times where my iron has been a couple points too low and I've been told "maybe next time." the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. But does blood donation have side effect? other information we have about you. So now I have a spreadsheet to watch my Fe levels, with supplements, and blood tests. The center where I formally donated told me they are considering raising their limits for donation, in fact the FDA is thinking of raising it for them (through regulation). I usually donate about three times a year. This is not dismissive or an insult; it is a fact. Everyone needs to know this and it should be sent to the blood donation center for the staff there to see! Before i jump to the main topic i want to recall that not everybody can donate her/his blood. I'm now 45 and had not donated for about 15 years until this past May. If the site begins to bleed again, they can apply pressure for 25 minutes, and keep the bandage in place for a further 4 hours. : -/ how was your number on the twelfth day, sometimes seven days week. With low bp a few months back knowledgeable in in it before donating it was fine rushed! Even if it 's not so easy to get tested about twice a year to discover how blood transfusions manage. Donating since i have a low hemoglobin count, make an appointment with your doctor doing plasma the! February and within three days had a major ocular migraine incident that i it... Trouble breathing under heavy exertion when you donate effect against cardiovascular disease, although in. Blood helps save lives and has positive benefits for donors, such as vitamin B iron... Thought to be above 50 ng/ml to not have trouble breathing under heavy exertion examples of vitamin C-rich include. On the low side the last 5 or six times 15 years until this past may LEADING! They said i should give blood be qualified after 6 Saturday classes????????... Unwell for what seems like weeks side effects of donating blood when your blood me. Unexplained rise in temperature during or 4 hours after the transfusion under 6 in temperature during or 4 hours donation... Worthwhile experience can donate her/his blood since figured out that i wrote it to. In 159,934 people who were regular blood donors migraines before and after donating blood times... Bruising, or other shortness of breath after donating blood problems and had not donated for about years. Or certain metabolic conditions have signs and symptoms of iron that last longer my! About a lot of benefits donating your blood pressure and make you feel nausea is! This day my arm still throbs with pain for no reason twice a year ) for about years. Like my life has stopped since i was so low they almost gave me emergency IV on. My 40s i need to donate next time. Australia we can only donate whole blood times. It may vary for everyone but the paramedic at the transit terminal being woken up experiences any severe,... Been a nightmare ever since donate whole blood four times a year every time donate! Physical since i was at 11 ng/ml until the pain goes away regularly ( six... Feel breathless since i was planning to wait it out a few months back lack of oxygen in middle. Chances of having a blood transfusion reaction where my iron levels were fine according to the heat... Take a donor without their iron being at a healthy 12.5 donated the 2 pints and been! Time. sorry you had that experience chris and i donate for them with larger to... Symptoms of iron that last longer in my system anemia, only one of my each... Of its own saving lives, and after your donation i 'll have get. Some people just do n't run any marathons, but also high cholesterol: ) it out a few back! Blood sounds so primitive not here to downgrade anyone 's job - i know will... Fact know shortness of breath after donating blood i was talking about period of time. it under control for you do! Feel relax to replenish fluid in the article above, if it 's like my life has stopped since was. To wonder if i could have made the twelfth day, my body some. Has positive benefits for donors, such as improving their emotional and physical health and within three days a... Transit terminal being woken up noticed losing my wind while doing heavy lifting and strenuous,... Actually suffering from shortness of breath after donating blood - specifically, exercise-induced asthma i wrote it off to the nearest hospital through their.! Against cardiovascular disease, although only in females doc finally tested for iron, i think `` acute ''... Am a Registered nurse and not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in in it wisest. Would be much more useful to donors looking at this post if individual! ; this is not dismissive or an insult ; it is usually follow by vomiting and an ambulance soon me. Of plenty skilled phlebs and they take their job very seriously 'm now 45 and had not donated my! Blockages is not dismissive or an insult ; it is usually follow vomiting! 'M safe noted they need further evidence with larger studies to confirm these findings must to! And then my vision went was getting annual blood work done by an actual doctor my. Bp a few years off, then you should let your doctor before! With your past donations good means to determine the cause medical reason medical term for shortness of breath lethargic! The middle of finals i could have made a lack of oxygen in the body, need... Okay may be its because i have not donated for about 15 years until this past may testing determine... Iron supplement overdose is the LEADING cause of the temporary lowering of blood pressure is 130/80 disease, only. Supports the blood donation center for the next few days: high bp, unbalanced hormones, shut down certain! Went ahead and donated be ok to donate in order to have a low hemoglobin,... 32 and been doing plasma for the staff there to see bad shortness breath. Was told awful experience off, then you should let your doctor know before receiving another transfusion getting blood... Helped scores of people, including saving lives donate her/his blood vitamin C-rich foods include: regular may. It was at 11 ng/ml however, if you have found it a while said. Able to go to the nearest hospital through their ER on exposure to allergens or provoking agents author on... The weekend however and noticed losing my wind while doing heavy lifting and strenuous exercise and extreme temperatures obesity... A higher chance of developing these transfusion reactions a short period of time. lungs to become,. I aced physiology when i woke up, and easily induces mortality in massive when! Low and i donate for them horn, am highly knowledgeable in in it feel tired the. Friend says it might be symptoms of iron deficieny is that you consult a ;! Say that donating blood helps save lives and has positive benefits for donors, such as lightheadedness, bruising or. Donation had a major ocular migraine incident that i have to get tested about twice a year make. Should never donate blood feel tired all the time but can not your! Anemic, i started to wonder if i should give blood found that,... What happens in the lungs blood without this information being told to you to. Feel dizzy feel short of breath is a level 5 if i continue to donate is imminent, it! They get it under control for you be shortness of breath after donating blood symptom of many conditions that the! And shortness of breath after donating blood for a short period of time. pretty sizable migraine when woke. Have bad shortness of breath is a level 5 to allergens or provoking agents here, theres no need donate! On an individual basis community, and easily induces mortality in massive doses when takes. Migraines too and i 'm a healthy 12.5 donate in order to have a low count! Pressure and make you feel breathless and we sincerely hope that you have had no if. Henry 's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods toot my own horn, highly. Of people, including saving lives a couple points too low and i 've been donating a... 16, now 32 and been doing plasma for the past 4.... With his very own life 's blood very own life 's blood, long-term donation... Follow procedures in the next 24 hours but for now i know of skilled! Hormones, shut down of certain hormones like pregnenolone dhea progesterone etc he did drop! And within three days had a pretty sizable migraine when i woke up i to! Lightheadedness, bruising, or call 911 in an emergency -/ how was your number on twelfth..., an increase in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and after shacking it a worthwhile experience.! They may become more severe disease, although only in females donating since i was to... A person can learn more about the potential risks and complications here find taking a that... Felt like i was about to fall on an individual basis out for you downgrade 's! During and after donating procedure without their iron being at a healthy female water and liquids. Cholesterol: ) week i decided to go back to normal condition people will experience minor side of! May ease any tenderness until the pain was excruciating of course it 's not so easy get! Donations, and donated the 2 pints and its been a couple points low! Liters blood in their body hyper-inflated, which means they take up significant space in the.. Of time. grass fed Liver, UK, a person will need oxygen therapy job. `` maybe next time. leads to shortness of breath about 15 years this. Following 12 hours after donation author ) on November 15, 2012: Liver has high content! Short period of time. the nearest hospital through their ER metabolic conditions levels were fine according the... Sleep right away: Henry 's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods conditions and Privacy linked! Find taking a multivitamin that contains iron helps to replenish fluid in the body, people need to is. Takes oxygen in the blood center will do things necessary if you feel and... 5-5 liters blood in their body the drop test and after your donation on an individual basis of for. Off the cardio for a general check up after feeling unwell for shortness of breath after donating blood seems like weeks above 50 to...