Blood Donation...

[Willow Tree]

Hi,

I gave blood on Monday night and was fine the rest of that night, til Tuesday morning whilst on the bus on the way to work - i came over all faint and felt sick. I rang the donor helpline, but they said that i probably had a bug. I do feel fine now, but just know i dont feel 100% fine.

The same thing also happened the last time i gave blood, except i came over all faint only one hour later.

I never feel faint - ever - so was wondering if the faintness was connected to me donating.

Also, has anyone experience a similar thing?

Thanks x

[DONNA1458]

I could be that your blood sugars dropped I have had this before and even though you are offered a cup of tea and a buscuit sometimes its not enough sugar to keep you from feeling dizzy or sick i used to get a little tremberly after but not before and it was a drop in sugar level easy solved with energy drink.

[GeordiePengy]

A drop in blood glucose (sugar) level is fairly common after giving blood, leading to the symptoms described by both yourself and DONNA1458. A high sugar/energy drink after giving blood should rectify the problem. If you drink the night before giving blood, it might be worth cutting back or avoiding all together. The dehydration resulting the next day and the potential drop in blood sugars is not a good combination.

Another possibility is the time of the day. Try donating later in the day if possible. (there is logic there but I don't want to bore you with the rationale!)

Finally, it is unlikely to be something underlying such as anaemia, as this should be ruled out in the pre-donation check.

Try a energy before and/or after donation.

[Tweetybird28]

Hiya,
I used to work for the national blood service. It has got to be your sugar levels. Do you eat and drink much before you go to donate? And what about after? I advise you to drink plenty of cold sugary drinks and plenty to eat before you go to donate. Also, once you've donated, rest on the bed for at least 10mins and when you go to the refreshments table, avoid having a hot drink. Just have the squash and biscuits. Try and drink a few cold sugary drinks once you get home as well. I hope this helps and I hope it hasnt put you off donating again