Thursday, August 27, 2009

Giving Blood???

I gave blood for the first time about two years ago and haven't since (I am ashamed to admit). The actual donation was fine, even for someone not best fond of needles and I felt ok on the evening afterwards. The next day I spent the afternoon lying on my bed feeling like death warmed up and it has put me off. I also felt like I was missing a lung for about two weeks afterwards which had a bit of an impact on cycling etc.

I did have a very little to eat or drink the next morning and spent the best part of three hours stood still (chopping loads of green tomatoes for chutney of all things) so I know I didn't help myself! Once the Rivi trail half is out of the way I should really go donate again but I'm a bit worried the same will happen but on the other hand what is a bit of discomfort if it saves someones life.

Someone tell me to HTFU and use it as an excuse to rest up and pig out on dark chocolate for a weekend!

7 comments:

  1. Just make sure you look after yourself.

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  2. I've never given blood due to the lame excuse of half fainting every time I have a blood test.

    I too really feel like I should though.... you've got me thinking now.

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  3. I've never given blood either - I've never got beyond the initial questions stage and something has ruled me out. Now, you've got me thinking about trying again.

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  4. I've requested an appointment on Friday the 25th September. If the forecast is for a glorious weekend then it will likely get postponed though.

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  5. Friends of mine regularly give blood and are ok a few days after and back up to riding/running ok. The key is probably regular donations.

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  6. *waves* hello :-)

    The Blood Service now recommend drinking lots of water before/after to re-hydrate if you're worried about fainting - pretty much guaranteed to prevent it, apparently. If you're supplementing iron, best consumed with vitamin C.

    Definitely be careful with yourself after giving blood for a few days. Women probably more than men. I've learned the hard way this year!

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  7. Jo, thanks for that. I know I didn't drink much water the day after donating and had a couple of glasses of wine the evening after donating (which was quite enough!). I'm usually quite good about guzzling water.

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