Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

[Ensifer]

My blood count was high, and I was in great shape to donate. They had me down for two units, but were thinking about going three.

Then it hit... About 40 minutes into the process I had a wave of nausea come over me, and my ears started ringing. My vision began to dwindle and I slipped into the darkness before I could even tell the nurse how I felt. It took them about 15 minutes to revive me, and I gave everyone a good scare.

I am still not sure why it happened, short of perhaps my nerves being shot. My blood pressure was fine, I am in good health... hmmm I don't know.

Thank the lord my count was high enough that they were able to get one full unit, as it is sorely needed.

I explained to the nurses that I was on Atkins, and they were all fine with it; however, after my little "episode" they recommended I eat a meal this evening containing carbs. I’m debating as to whether or not I plan on doing so, as it would require me to start induction over. meh!

What do you think?

As an addendum -- Please say a prayer for my friend’s mother, Janice, who is undergoing chemotherapy right now. The platelets I donated are for her. She is like a second mother to me, and god-bless her soul, she is a wonderful person.

- Tom

[Eveb622]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

Wow, you're going through a lot and I'm on this board complaining that I didn't lose weight. I don't know what the others would say, but after what happened, if a nurse told me to eat carbs tonite... I would eat carbs tonite. That was a scary thing you went through. I'm sorry for your friends mom. They are lucky to have you.

[cleochatra]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

I'm saying a prayer for Janice right now!

You don't need carbs tonight! What a load of pucky. A lot of people pass out giving blood or become nauseated!

[softnred]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

I'm with Cleo on this one!! Every time I give blood, afterwards at the snack/recovery table they try and convince me to have some carbs and/or sugar. Ack!!! I manage to get through my several "no thank you"s and grab a water bottle and pull out some almonds or a slice of flax bread, and I'm good to go.

Oh...and good vibes are going out to Janice!!

~JoAnne

[pjade1]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

I also agre with Cleo. I donated blood in perfect health while eating plenty of carbs and the cookies and juice afterward but I still managed to blackout 1/2 hr. after giving blood. I was very dizzy and couldn't even stand up for a while. I don't think having carbs afterward will help at all.

[Finelly]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

She's in my prayers.

And probably eating some protein would be more helpful, long-term, than sugars would, dontcha think?

[pjade1]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

Please say a prayer for my friend’s mother, Janice, who is undergoing chemotherapy right now. The platelets I donated are for her. She is like a second mother to me, and god-bless her soul, she is a wonderful person.

- Tom

Tom, I will put her on my prayer list.

[Ensifer]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

Thank you everyone for the kind words and prayers. It means a lot to me.

I didn't get a chance to eat until just now, and I figured if I made it through the entire day without eating, that I could get by without the carbs. I had 2 protein burgers, and am right on track.

I think I managed fairly well considering the events of the day.

I fell a hair short of my water goal, but I still have 45 minutes before midnight heh. My exercise routine will resume it's usual madness on Monday, and induction is a-ok.

- Tom

[Momtofour]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

I can't give blood because this happens to me too. I have given 3 times. The first time I passed out they told me to have a sugary snack before I give blood again. The next time I had a cookie and glass of juice, gave blood, passed out. The third time they said they would have me carb up again and then lay down for at least a half hour before trying to get up. Passed out again. They said my body doesn't start replacing the blood fast enough, so I shouldn't ever give again. I'm fine with that. No more passing out for me.


I'm glad you're ok. now. Have you given in the past with no problems?

[Ensifer]

Re: Back from giving blood.. It was "eventful".

That is actually the first time I have given blood, Michele. Needles and I don't have a mutually loving relationship.

I can only imagine it was the combination of all the stresses... being at the hospital, visiting my friend's mom at her lowest point, the nervousness, etc.

Better luck next time, I say.

- Tom