I gave blood!

doc henderson · September 23, 2021, 03:34:05 PM

Lee I do not have any for sure explanation. things can just be weird sometimes. my wifes friend that got her going to blood drives on a regular bases, has been passing out or getting dizzy the past several times, and my wife sits with her for an hour or so longer before she can leave. may have not been anyone's day. no one likes to volunteer to be stabbed repeatedly. good for you for trying. give it another shot down the road. my first guess would have been blood volume, but you got that covered with the hydration.

Ljohnsaw · September 23, 2021, 04:04:16 PM

The 3rd or 4th time I donated (Platelets on the machine thing), I wasn't too savey on knowing to take some Tums for the tingling feeling in my lips from the citrate (anti-coagulant). Anyhow, got that narrowed vision and sleepy thing. Sure made the team jump into action to keep me from passing out!

Then it happened a second time and they said, in most people, that happens once or twice as your body is freaking out with the blood loss and citrate. I haven't had issues since (9-10 years?) and probably 200-250 donations.

LeeB · September 23, 2021, 04:17:11 PM

I intend to donate again as soon as they will allow me to. I just was curious as to why they had so much trouble.

Ljohnsaw · September 23, 2021, 04:24:47 PM

LeeB,
Were you or your hands cold? If I'm cold, my blood stops flowing! They will give me a little cloth bag of raw rice that was warmed in a microwave to rotate in my hand on my stuck side. They will also heat up a couple bigger ones to lay on my shoulders/chest. They put a heating pad (BIG) on the back of the chair that I usually have on high. My "regular" phlebotomist puts a normal heating pad on the chair arm, under my arm, and that REALLY helps.

LeeB · September 23, 2021, 04:57:10 PM

Nope, wasn't cold. I guess I'm part turnip.

doc henderson · September 23, 2021, 05:06:19 PM

If you think about it, it is quite a talent and requires a bit of luck to stick a metal tube inside a fleshy muscular tube and suck out the contents. I have done central lines that in one patient just did not want to draw via the needle, or have good flow but the wire would not thread in. so take a rest and try again when you are ready. again thanks to all who basically are donating organs (blood) to those in need. Cheers! Doc.

red · January 11, 2022, 08:23:02 PM

Today the Red Cross has declared a National Blood Crisis

LeeB · January 11, 2022, 11:18:59 PM

My next donation is on the 25th.

doc henderson · January 12, 2022, 05:27:09 AM

It has gotten worse. Mine from a few weeks back went to Houston, Tx. We have 9 units in our hospital of O- and we are told there is no more for now. we get ours from Wichita red cross.

Thanks Lee!

forestry Forum members make a difference. everyone who can, please go give, and let us know.

Jim_Rogers · January 12, 2022, 09:56:14 AM

My last time at the donation visit was a bad scene. I showed them the spot on my right arm where they get the best flow. Nope, they wouldn't use that spot.
Moved over two inches and couldn't get a flow.
Other arm, same spot, clotted up and didn't get a regular amount. They were mad at me for not drinking enough water.
Both arms were black and blue for a week.

Doc, can I schedule a new visit now or do I have to wait until my regular timing?

Jim Rogers

doc henderson · January 12, 2022, 04:28:15 PM

Jim i am sorry. prob. lots of new folks working. did they ever get your blood? if not anytime I think, if they got a unit, i think it is 2 months. thanks for trying.

gspren · January 12, 2022, 08:27:06 PM

I called today and have an appointment for next Wednesday, our local news has been saying the shortage is severe.

Ljohnsaw · January 12, 2022, 08:38:00 PM

There are occasional shortage messages on the News here. I donate whatever they want but usually platelets. Monday was a triple platelet and a single plasma. And since I had Covid over the holidays, I guess my plasma is a greater wanted item now.

doc henderson · January 13, 2022, 06:08:10 AM

our hospital is a trauma center, and we were told Red Cross cannot send more than we currently have. never heard that before.

red · January 24, 2022, 01:15:21 PM

Krispy Kreme will give a dozen glazed donuts to those who donate blood now through Jan 31

LeeB · January 24, 2022, 02:09:19 PM

Scheduled for tomorrow. I'll pass on the donuts.

Ljohnsaw · January 24, 2022, 02:20:40 PM

I tried to give platelets today but my hemoglobin was too high at 17.4. They put a new protocol in when Vitalant took over. Used to be 18 and over, now 16.something and the program kicks you out. So I gave a "mega" unit of plasma. At least it has the C19 antibodies in it for someone in need.

doc henderson · January 24, 2022, 03:00:19 PM

@Jim_Rogers I re-read the comment, and I would contact red cross and make them aware of your experience. they should be listening, and thanking you for your willingness to serve.
john, there are conditions that make your Hg too high, and you may already know this. if not, check in with your doc. too high can cause complications. esp over 19 to 21.

gspren · January 24, 2022, 07:02:01 PM

I donated last Wednesday at a different location but still part of the Central PA Blood Bank so it keeps my records straight. I got the oldest lady there, still younger than me, and she was about the best "sticker" I ever had. Felt my arm for a few seconds, wiped, quick stick and blood was flowing, didn't even get a bruise mark. I will remember her name!

Ljohnsaw · January 24, 2022, 09:37:06 PM

Quote from: doc henderson on January 24, 2022, 03:00:19 PMJohn, there are conditions that make your Hg too high, and you may already know this. if not, check in with your doc. too high can cause complications. esp over 19 to 21.

My normal is in the upper 16's. I was working outside yesterday (sharpening bands) and not drinking anything until dinner. That usually gets me in trouble. I hit 18.0 one time. They usually say I'm just dehydrated. Isn't it also a measure of your iron in your blood? I remember them saying "old" guys usually have high iron. I eat a lot of spinach salads and I've seen correlational to that with my Hg. I had big salads the last three days...

doc henderson · January 24, 2022, 11:11:29 PM

you are prob. fine. there are some condition to watch out for, or can be compensating for other issues. if you have seen a doc in the last 5 years, and they are not too concerned, that's great. one of the treatments if it gets bad and chronic is "blood letting" that is basically taking some of your blood periodically.

mike_belben · January 25, 2022, 12:57:05 AM

Wife works for a blood bank and we both donate every time eligible. Never gonna run out of tshirts!

Jim_Rogers · February 17, 2022, 07:25:53 PM

Quote from: doc henderson on January 24, 2022, 03:00:19 PM
@Jim_Rogers I re-read the comment, and I would contact red cross and make them aware of your experience. they should be listening, and thanking you for your willingness to serve.
john, there are conditions that make your Hg too high, and you may already know this. if not, check in with your doc. too high can cause complications. esp over 19 to 21.

Doc; I gave blood yesterday. I had a 12;30pm appointment. So, in the morning I drank two bottles of water. And I drank one on the way to the appointment and finished it in the waiting area at the donation site, making three.
I express what happened last time to the check in lady. She didn't seem to take any note about it.
The very nice tech lady who jabbed me understood my situation and got a good flow first time. No clots, full bag in best time since I started giving blood. And no black and blue on arm, this time.
Overall went great.
Jim Rogers