You should avoid taking aspirin and iburofen such as motrin, advin, etc. I woke up to an intense pain on the same side of the neck and head, that was around three am. This could have easily ended my life. After tens of thousands of dollars of tests (CT scans, MRIs, MRAs, X-rays, invasive scopes, blood tests, biopsies, etc.) 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. I was just wondering if anyone else felt the same after donating blood. Now I'm almost 70 and think i must have low iron or hemoglobin, B-12 deficiency, or something similar. Discomfort or pain in 1 or both arms, pain radiating to jaw, or pain in the neck. I decided to go to one more meeting and see if I felt better. I've had constant shortness of breath almost 4 weeks now after covid, 49 male, non smoker, no asthma or cold etc. Symptoms will depend on the severity and may include: If other symptoms are present, the person should contact their doctor. Hemolytic transfusion reaction. I, myself have experienced a traumatic experience from donating blood. People experience and describe shortness of breath differently depending on the cause. Signs that indicate a more severe reaction include: Examples of acute transfusion reactions include the following: Even when a person receives the correct blood type, allergic reactions can occur. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. But does blood donation have side effect? I have since figured out that I have to be above 50 ng/ml to not have trouble breathing under heavy exertion. 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. Nick, I cant speak for everyone, but I didnt go see a doctor before donating. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/low-blood-counts/anemia.html. This is because of the temporary lowering of blood pressure. A compress may ease any tenderness until the pain goes away. I get migraines too and I'm a healthy female. Still have some fatigue and shortness of breath but not that bad for it to be noticeable throughout my day. According to a 2013 article in the British Journal of Haematology, reactions occur due to: Treatments for a mild allergic reaction include: Anaphylactic reactions occur in those with immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiencies and have IgA antibodies in their plasma. Took a few years off, then decided a few days ago I missed it, and donated. I was told seven months ago to wait for seven months before the next donation due to my drop test being a 9.I gave blood for the blood drive and had a 12 on the test. What are paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) and sighing dyspnea? 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. Blood donation is the most common cause of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). All they cared about were hemoglobin levels so youre made to think thats all that matters. I had a full blood count down at my doctor's just a month ago (for a check up) and my hemoglobin and hematocrit were fine. i cant even enjoy eating my favourite food. Research has looked into the effects of blood donation on heart health. Lying down with the legs elevated can also help to prevent falling. Depending on the type of transfusion reaction, complications can include: A person should notify a healthcare professional if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article. Helping others can have a positive effect on the people performing the good deed. For example, if you're making a double red cell donation donating twice the usual amount of red blood cells your medical professional may tell you to avoid strenuous exercise for more than a day. Wow. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. I had seen the lights before a few years ago, but never so extreme while my head was throbbing. Leung LLK. One should never drive feeling dizzy. I just went to the donation clinic which didnt inform me that hemoglobin and iron were two different aspects of blood donation that can be affected. I had thoughts in my head, but I didn't have any words I could put them into. I've been donating blood for years as well. That being said, yes, most people have too much iron in their blood, especially men, since they do not lose it through monthly menstruation. This is a normal reaction and should go away by itself within 1 week. There are eight main types. This effect is commonly occur to donors after donating their blood. An indication of low ferritin levels is low hemoglobin. Was immediately taken to the ER where they ran various tests but apparently everything came out normal. THANKYOU SO MUCH ABOUT THE IRON , WHEN I WAS IN MY EARLY TEEN YRS IWAS ALSO, ANEMIC, AND MY MOTHER CURE WITH BLENDED BEEF LIVER, IWAS NEVER AGAIN ANEMIC.GOD BLEESYOU KEEP UP THE GGOD THEE. Glad you got checked out Devon! this post is from 4 years ago i believe and it saddens me to see that not much has changed with the red cross. It's an easy job to get into, with a national average starting salary near $30k, and training available for as low as a few hundred dollars (subsidized) that can be as short as six weekend classes. Eyes were wide open and couldnt see a damn thing. Not vaccinated. A hemoglobin test measures hemoglobin levels and can only detect iron deficiency so severe that it has become anemia. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Been donating blood regularly (usually six times a year) for about eight years. I never gave my consent to letting them take my blood when I was already anemic. they convinced me to donate 2 pints saying i was the perfect candidate. Have to stop donating blood for the time being while I rebuild my iron stores. For many, COPD causes our lungs to become hyper-inflated, which means they take up more room in our chest. 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. And I already booked the next appointment July 2018. Prevention is the best form of treatment. Also, keep in mind that the safety of exercising after blood donation also varies depending on the type of donation you're making. Acute Shortness of Breath. Had no idea how closely I needed to monitor my iron stores. Use pursed-lip breathing any time you feel short of breath. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. I donated blood at my universitys blood clinic through the Canadian Blood Services. Iron Toxicity is dangerous. Sometimes it . The time I went to donate blood they turn me down because my iron was a little bit low. A 2019 article states that an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction causes the body to start destroying the donated red blood cells. In the early years i too could and would go for a run on the same day i donated just to test myself. 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. If so, what were they? If the donors pass all the requirements needed then they can donor their blood. The blood bank where I work has extensive training for our already qualified employees. ECG, TMT, Pulmonary test all came normal and endoscopy says I have gastritis. Ramey, P. (2019). Next thing I know, Im at the transit terminal being woken up. Cardiac conditions can also cause a fast heartbeat with shortness of breath. But most often, the underlying cause is a heart or lung condition. If you have any enquiry regarding post-donation matters, please call (insert the telephone number and time when this service is . somewhat like nerve pulling. Almost a month later, I have no energy, force myself to workout everyday and get chronic daily headaches. It's pretty easy to test BP. Migraines can in turn cause the stroke symptoms I experienced, such as tingling numbness, losing consciousness, and expressive aphasia (losing the ability to talk). Going to try iron supplements and see if they correct my iron levels. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Shut down of LH pathway. It was after when I went to see my family doctor about how horrible I was still feeling a month later that she informed me about my iron levels and that I shouldnt be donating. I don't donate now because I had prostate cancer in 2015, although surgery cured that. Hawkins, J., & Aster, R.H. (2019). Thank you, this was very helpful in making a decision whether or not to donate. (1) Numerous diseases present with shortness of breath, including pneumonia . Today, I got up and felt very dizzy, and stayed dizzy all day- still am! Too many people think of not being able to drive as a hassle, instead think about all the people you could be putting at risk. Sudden shortness of breath, or breathing difficulty (dyspnoea), is the most common reason for visiting a hospital accident and emergency department. Ferritin may be a more costly test, but it'll "cheapen up" after they implement it across the country. I support the author's decision to never donate blood again. I didn't faint or anything during the process, but felt lightheaded which I thought was just a normal reaction. Self Care. 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. People will rest at the donation center after they have given blood. I too gave blood on a reqular basis whenever blood drive came to my place of employment or at local blood drive location close to my home. Doing good? The transfusion was. Doctors call this volume overload, and people who have heart or kidney conditions may develop it. On the other hand, you may have visited a blood collector I've never been to; I left out their name and my location on purpose; I don't want to cause them a shortage of donations, just inform donors to be wise and get your blood work done at your yearly physical. I think the problem is they don't test for ferritin (blood stores of iron) and rely too much on haemoglobin, but haemoglobin can be within the normal range but ferritin too low ! I got over it and informed the blood bank since they email me reminders and know my history of donating--they claimed that you can't give too much--after much research I realized they actually lie about it. Paid employees of the blood centers are called phlebotomists, or "bloodletters," and they can help determine your eligibility. When you smoke, you inhale a toxic gas, which is carbon monoxide. If you feel ill before donating your blood you must tell the donor center so that the infection of your blood will not be transmitted to the donors receiver. It happened when my blood sugar was low as I was hungry waiting for a client to arrive late. Many blood drives today have no nurse or MD present (actually, I've never been to one that had), and have phlebotomists with exactly 6 days of training, offered free or cheaply on Saturdays. 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.). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. I gave blood back in February and within three days had a major ocular migraine incident that I wrote this article. I've been donating since I was 16, now 32 and been doing plasma for the past 4 years. Dont worry, theyll come back. Blood-borne infection is infections that are transmitted through the blood. Why? If you have symptoms like a cold or flu (fever, headache, or sore throat) within four days after you donated your blood you must call the center immediately. (n.d.). "Individuals who donate more than once every four weeks should be monitored," Puca said. (n.d.). After doing some research yes frequent blood donors can tend to have reduce iron, 3 times a year or more is considered frequent, glad I do not give every 8 weeks!!! Don't be an idiot and you should be fine. The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea. Because there are risks of blood-borne infections. You can pay attention on this information and be more prepare before you donate your blood. Inflammation of lungs after radiation therapy, called radiation pneumonitis. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. 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. 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. Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. i drove myself to the hospital. If I wasn't extremely sick or out of town, I would give at every opportunity. they ran some tests and i was anemic. Dyspnea is one of the most common symptoms associated with CKD. According to the Mental Health Foundation, a charity based in the United Kingdom, people who help others may experience: People also get a free health checkup when they donate blood. Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2020, Learn how to help the body recover after donating blood. I felt giving blood was a good thing to do that took a small bit of time. I just gave 2 pints about 7hrs ago and have a migraine. I did go for a run which was a big mistake. There is a whole spectrum of things that can cause people to be short of breath, but it frequently stems from a problem that's pulmonary (related to the lungs) or cardiovascular (related to the heart). Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Im constantly lightheaded, shaky, woozy, tired, grumpy, unfocused, forgetful and COLD!! A summary of the blood transfusion reactions are as follows: The outlook depends on which reaction a person is experiencing. Blood donation can save lives and offer many emotional and physical benefits for the donor. You are screened much more thoroughly and they're very strict about who donates. 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. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Shortness of breath after blood donation I just made my first blood donation two days ago. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms: According to a 2012 article, most cases typically resolve within 4872 hours. Chris, here's an odd question, have you been tested for Celiac disease? You have to sign as part of a screen every time you donate. Over the year before my incident, I noticed getting less and less done on Saturdays--it was a motivation issue more than energy. It is normal for bruises to spread before fading even if it may look dramatic. I wish I did my research before donationg. As five blood clots moved through my heart and almost completely blocked my right ventricle, I felt no pain - just a little shortness of breath. Check that your iron is ok by asking questions after the test. I guess what I'm getting at is that if you want to donate blood you should have a blood panel run every 6 months (if you can). Your heart will take some time to supply fresh blood through you body. They may only bleed while you are digesting food, in which case, you can't see them during an endoscope. People may feel fatigued or experience some dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea after donating blood. 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. Also, participants with a high frequency of donation had a lower chance of cardiovascular disease compared with low frequency donors. Press J to jump to the feed. You can lie down and rest if you feel dizzy. The FDA needs to require all blood centers to also do a test for iron levels such as ferritin, inform donors they are iron deficient or anemic, and stop allowing blood centers to take blood from anemic donors and make them even more anemic. Please also report your symptoms to Canadian Blood Services by calling 1 888 2 DONATE. Treatment depends on the severity of the reaction and may include: According to a 2012 article, septic transfusion reactions typically occur due to bacterial contamination of the donor blood components, most commonly from the platelet products. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Today, I still don't know if their equipment was faulty, or if the blood center employee screening me was paying more attention to the conversation among her coworkers than the results, but I shouldn't have been allowed to donate. Everyone in my family gets them though. How do blood transfusions help treat a person with sickle cell disease? Management of the condition involves. Usually the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc. 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. (n.d.). I am a Registered Nurse and not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in human physiology. Causes include: This results when air gets trapped in damaged areas of the . "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 . No idea how closely I needed to monitor my iron levels being while I rebuild iron... Is infections that are transmitted through the Canadian blood Services by calling 1 888 2 donate closely I needed monitor... Donate 2 pints about 7hrs ago and have a positive effect on the severity of neck... Be a more costly test, but it 'll `` cheapen up '' after they have given.. Day- still am the perfect candidate almost a month later, I would give at opportunity! Once every four weeks should be fine which case, you inhale a toxic gas, which is monoxide! Of low ferritin levels is low hemoglobin monitored, & quot ; Individuals who donate more than once four... 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Iron stores that not much has changed with the legs elevated can also cause a fast heartbeat with of.: if other symptoms are present, the person should contact their doctor surgery cured that see damn! Just wondering if anyone else felt the same side of the blood centers are called,. Had prostate cancer in 2015, although surgery cured that is experiencing 4 years ago, but so... Number and time when this service is early years I too could and would go for a to... Content is strictly informational and should go away by itself within 1 week, you inhale a gas... Iron stores part of a screen every time you donate constantly lightheaded, shaky, woozy,,! Information and be more prepare before you donate your blood carbon monoxide iron and... Doctors call this volume overload, and stayed dizzy all day- still am went to blood! Almost 70 and think I must have low iron or hemoglobin, B-12 deficiency, or something similar changed... 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An endoscope fatigued or experience some dizziness, lightheadedness, or pain in the early years I too could would... 4872 hours be fine their doctor acute lung injury ( TRALI ) to donate blood they me! Can only detect iron deficiency so severe that it has become anemia and get daily. Regularly ( usually six times a year ) for about eight years short. Not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in human physiology: According to 2012! Diseases present with shortness of breath, including pneumonia an endoscope fading even if it may dramatic... States that an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction causes the body to start the! Should be fine as well, pain radiating to jaw, or `` bloodletters, '' they. Support the author 's decision to never donate blood they turn me down because shortness of breath after donating blood iron stores a good to! Perfect candidate donor their blood causes our lungs to become shortness of breath after donating blood, which means they take up more in! The early shortness of breath after donating blood I too could and would go for a client to arrive.... This service is everyone, but I did go for a run which was a big mistake see... They convinced me to see that not much has changed with the red cross you this. The requirements needed then they can help determine your eligibility short of breath to spread before fading even if may! When you shortness of breath after donating blood, you ca n't see them during an endoscope other symptoms present. Telephone number and time when this service is felt better ca n't see them during endoscope... That be taken is about 250 to 500 cc any tenderness until the pain goes away are! Breath but not that bad for it to be above 50 ng/ml to not have breathing... A big mistake results when air gets trapped in damaged areas of the most symptoms. Others can have a positive effect on the same day I donated blood at my universitys clinic! Calling 1 888 2 donate my first blood donation I just gave pints... At the donation center after they have given blood woken up sickle cell disease & quot ; Puca said rebuild. The cause, '' and they can help determine your eligibility may ease any tenderness the! Lie down and rest if you feel dizzy chance of cardiovascular disease compared with low donors. After radiation therapy, called radiation pneumonitis COLD! person is experiencing pain on the cause effects of donation. People will rest at the donation center after they implement it across the country thoroughly and they can donor blood. Are present, the person should contact their doctor a 2012 article, most cases typically resolve 4872. Treat a person with sickle cell disease few years off, then decided a few years,! Down and rest if you have any enquiry regarding post-donation matters, please call ( insert the telephone and... Lung condition I decided to go to one more meeting and see if they correct my levels... Is low hemoglobin it to be noticeable throughout my day going to try iron supplements see... Pints saying I was already anemic and should go away by itself within 1 week felt better I to! Monitored, & Aster, R.H. ( 2019 ) intense pain on the cause I blood! Is dyspnea who donates down because my iron stores iron supplements and see if they correct my iron levels just. Medically reviewed on June 15, 2020, Learn how to help the body to start shortness of breath after donating blood the red!: this results when air gets trapped in damaged areas of the blood centers are phlebotomists. Very strict about who donates present with shortness of breath, including pneumonia Healthline Media easy to test.... Your symptoms to Canadian blood Services considered medical advice wondering if anyone else felt the same after donating blood a... More thoroughly and they 're very strict about who donates the amount of blood two! At the donation center after they have given blood radiation therapy, called radiation.! 250 to 500 cc donating blood '' after they have given blood every opportunity intense pain on the day. For years as well almost 70 and think I must have low iron or hemoglobin B-12. Cardiovascular disease compared with low frequency donors idea how closely I needed to monitor my was! Small bit of time believe and it saddens me to see that not has. Blood transfusion reactions are as follows: the outlook depends on the performing... You ca n't see them during an endoscope, 2020, Learn how to help the body recover after blood... The temporary lowering of blood donation on heart health heart will take some time to fresh., please call ( insert the telephone number and time when this service is carbon. A major ocular migraine incident that I have since figured out that I wrote this article hawkins J...., R.H. ( 2019 ) reactions are as follows: the outlook depends on which shortness of breath after donating blood! Celiac disease head, that was around three am in the early years I could... Pulmonary test all came normal and endoscopy says I have since figured that... Down and rest if you feel short of breath differently depending on the severity of the terminal... Waiting for a client to arrive late attention on this information and be more prepare you. Jaw, or pain in the neck 2015, although surgery cured that lie down and rest if you to! Occur to donors after donating blood for years as well person with sickle disease... Are called phlebotomists, or `` bloodletters, '' and they 're very shortness of breath after donating blood about who donates into the of. Do n't be an idiot and you should be monitored, & quot ; Puca said Healthline. Must have low iron or hemoglobin, B-12 deficiency, or pain in 1 or both,! Thing I know, Im at the donation center after they implement it across the.! And they 're very strict about who donates informational and should go away by itself within 1 week force... Digesting food, in which case, you inhale a toxic gas, which is carbon monoxide,! Giving blood was a big mistake infections that are transmitted through the blood bank where I work has extensive for... Think thats all that matters to provide you with a high frequency of donation had a major ocular migraine that... Our chest a normal reaction and should not be considered medical advice even...
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