Jerseygirl
07-07-2002, 09:55 PM
Just wondering if donating blood supresses the immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses,etc. I hope this doesn't sound like TOO stupid of a question! But I would like to donate blood, but I am TERRIFIED of getting sick, so I never have!
Sponsor
LisaL
07-07-2002, 11:36 PM
Before you give blood, you will be asked a series of questions about your health. If there is any possible that you may be put at risk, or if your blood can put anyone else at risk, you will not be allowed to give. Also, your iron, blood pressure and temperature are checked. You will be advised to eat well after giving in order to start replenishing what you lost during the time you gave. If you are healthy, I see no reason for you to be concerned. You are to be commended for your desire to give. Just make sure that you eat pretty well (not a lot a fatty foods, though) at least an hour before you go, so that you won't get too weak or nauseated. Also, stay away from aspirin products for a few days before. Try at least a week. Above all,be honest with every question you are asked...This is extrememly important. Information is confidential and will stay with the person you gave it to. Good luck!
Lisal
Lisal
Jerseygirl
07-08-2002, 10:54 PM
Thank you Lisa! you sound knowledgable on this!
Super Sarah
07-09-2002, 12:51 PM
Hi,
Lisa is right. I have been a blood donor myself for the last ten years and more recently, a platelet donor for about the last year to 18 months.
They check your Hb before you give and if it is below 12, then they won't let you give becuase it could have a deliterious effect on you. Avoid any aspirin products for at least 5 days before donation. This acts as an anticoagulant.
After a drink your body will make up the blood volume lost, but does take a little longer to produce more red blood cells. Anyway, my feeling is that the more you give, the more efficient your body becomes at producing what it needs. I am sure my body is better at producing platelets than before I started donating.
Anyway, good luck, you are doing a good thing and long may you continue.
Lisa is right. I have been a blood donor myself for the last ten years and more recently, a platelet donor for about the last year to 18 months.
They check your Hb before you give and if it is below 12, then they won't let you give becuase it could have a deliterious effect on you. Avoid any aspirin products for at least 5 days before donation. This acts as an anticoagulant.
After a drink your body will make up the blood volume lost, but does take a little longer to produce more red blood cells. Anyway, my feeling is that the more you give, the more efficient your body becomes at producing what it needs. I am sure my body is better at producing platelets than before I started donating.
Anyway, good luck, you are doing a good thing and long may you continue.
LisaL
07-09-2002, 07:36 PM
Oh, I forgot. Somewomen actually feel better the day after giving blood. I do. If your body has too much iron, you will not feel as well. Sooo, when you give blood, you are actually giving away excess iron. Men especially benefit from this because women have a way of loosing excess iron with their periods every month, but a man has no way to!
LisaL
LisaL
Jay Tor
07-10-2002, 09:03 AM
Here's a link that answers many of your questions. The blood donation process includes a fairly lengthy questionnaire and interview with an R.N. as well as checking the B.P., pulse, iron, etc. The reason for all of this is to protect both the donor and the recipient.
http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/~information/bloodconcerns.shtml
I've been donating blood and platelets for some time now and have not suffered any ill-effects. Knowing how important blood products are to those needing them has probably made me even more careful about my own health.
http://www.hsc.missouri.edu/~information/bloodconcerns.shtml
I've been donating blood and platelets for some time now and have not suffered any ill-effects. Knowing how important blood products are to those needing them has probably made me even more careful about my own health.
cooki
07-10-2002, 11:42 AM
Please make sure you eat before you give. My first exprience giving blood was at work and I had not eaten anything that day and I gave my blood, went to sit at the little table with my juice and said to the girl next to me "wow giving blood makes you kinda dizzy huh" she replied "yes it..." and then I woke up with people all around me saying dont try to get up just stay still and you'll feel much better. <GRIN> I was so embarrassed. But if you eat you wont pass out! Giving blood is one of the best things ou can do for people, I still give blood, and I love the feeling that I most likely just saved someone's life. Good luck with you donation. Take Care.
~Cooki
~Cooki
cutenbrat
07-10-2002, 06:55 PM
I just want to say thank you to all the blood donors out there. Before the age of one I had 2 blood tranfusions, and 2 1/2 years ago, I had what is known as ARDS-actue resptiroy distress syndrome, and I had serval blood tranfusion than as well-so, thank you for all those who donate-I want to donate, but I don't weigh enough :(
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"The future is not only tomorrow, but the next second that comes, and anything can happen in a second." Penny
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"The future is not only tomorrow, but the next second that comes, and anything can happen in a second." Penny