As very young I had always given blood. Researchers noted they need further evidence with larger studies to confirm these findings. You nearly killed you, along with potentially killing others. They really need to have a better system in place for the donor and aftercare as well as precautionary information. Have you received answers? Shortness of breath, clinically known as dyspnea, is sometimes described as difficulty catching your breath, wheezing, or breathlessness. Symptoms will depend on the severity and may include: If other symptoms are present, the person should contact their doctor. 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. It's minimum 12 weeks for men and 16 weeks for women between donations. When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel fatigued and you don't know why. The FDA permits but does not require blood centers to take blood from already anemic donors, and blood centers choose to actually do so. Anyway, were all just trying to do good here, theres no need to be condescending in saying we lack common sense. I just donated my blood 3 days ago for the first time ever. I hope this experience does not scare your readers and deter them from donating blood. I was just wondering if anyone else felt the same after donating blood. At times, your hematocrit can be fine but your ferratin could be low which could have caused your delayed reaction. I am a healthy 34 year old and very energetic. Yeah, you do need to be careful. This was my sixth time doing this and have never experienced any problems before, until now. If you feel nausea it is usually follow by vomiting. Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Certain medical conditions such as COPD, asthma, and heart failure can also contribute to difficulties with breathing after eating. Chest pain that gets worse. This allows them to receive help straight away if they have any adverse side effects. Read this article to learn about the different types of blood. Excuse the "all-caps rage" there, I really wanted that info to stand out :D, that link didn't come out so here's a tiny url one to the same. Shortness of breath results when a signal from the brain causes the lungs to increase breathing frequency. Blood centers create blood shortages by making their donors iron deficient or anemic and not informing or caring for donors that the blood centers made iron deficient or anemic, so donors stop donating or donate very infrequently. You should avoid taking aspirin and iburofen such as motrin, advin, etc. I gave blood back in February and within three days had a major ocular migraine incident that I wrote this article. I was kind of peeved at my doc. I was unresponsive for some time. DreamerMeg from Northern Ireland on April 29, 2012: Amazing! other information we have about you. Usually the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc. Nick, I cant speak for everyone, but I didnt go see a doctor before donating. A compress may ease any tenderness until the pain goes away. Met multiple doctors and all give medicine for acidity. If the reaction is significant, hydration is important. I don't donate now because I had prostate cancer in 2015, although surgery cured that. If you have any enquiry regarding post-donation matters, please call (insert the telephone number and time when this service is . After tens of thousands of dollars of tests (CT scans, MRIs, MRAs, X-rays, invasive scopes, blood tests, biopsies, etc.) And on a side note I had education to do what I do and am nationally certified. but as soon as i try to do something, its back to feeling dizzy again. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. https://labtestsonline.org/tests/hemoglobin. Now I just received a letter saying my ferritin level is a 8 and I may be anemic . If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Which type you have affects how you, There are some things to consider before giving blood. This training lasts approximately 3 months before they are considered competent to be on their own. Had I done so, I may have been able to avoid a life-threatening situation. Yes, call the number on your paperwork to talk to a nurse. The phlebotomists/medical assistants have nothing to do with what is acceptable or not to donate. I was sincerely scared and scarred from this experience. will I get back to my normal self? Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms: According to a 2012 article, most cases typically resolve within 4872 hours. Sudden dizziness. Donating blood didn't nearly kill you. Im 48 and its been maybe like 4-5 years I dont donate so idecided to donate yesterday afternoon. I will never give blood as I am already anemic , I give a big thumbs up to all those who do, but there needs to be stricter regulations, sad that it takes extreme events to have these regulations put in place. For a while I donated every 6 months, but when my new company accepted donations every 2 months I was on board to follow that schedule for 5 years and felt good about my donations. Talk to a health care provider to find out more about why you feel shortness of breath. Chris, after your accident and when you were in the hospital, were you diagnosed with anemia, based on your hemoglobin or hematocrit level then? Reaction to exogenous test Reaction to carrier oil Overstimulation of neurons in the brain from exsessive androgens. Common causes of shortness of breath after eating include acid reflux, food allergies, or inhaling food particles. Ferritin is an acute phase reactant and can be elevated due to many reasons this is why it is done in conjunction with other specific measures of iron if anemia or iron overload is being evaluated. The blood bank where I work has extensive training for our already qualified employees. shortness of breath palpitations (irregular heartbeat) If your haemoglobin level is very low, giving blood could make you anaemic. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. In the future, I hope they will decide such a precaution is necessary. Up to now I am still poorly, bed bound most of the time due to the same headaches, dizzy, high pulse rate and just feeling weak in general. Some procedures and criteria are made even more strict by the medical directors of the organization. Not so much for men. It may be a severe complicated effect. I was extremely tiredhalf-conscious at best. According to the American Red Cross, no specific test exists to identify which blood products will cause TRALI. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a worrisome symptom and has many acute and chronic causes. Elsevier Inc.; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. in the usa of course it's not so easy to get good quality grass fed liver? Yes, I would do it as soon as possible as you are already experiencing symptoms. Thanks for sharing your story. like i said before i cant help sleeping straight 10 hrs for the past 3 days. I was a "life donor". Became anemic quickly learned that even my GP didn't know much about anemia due to blood donation. Reactions can occur between 1 day and 4 weeks after the transfusion. About a year ago, they tested my iron at a blood drive and flagged me as having low iron. Before being able to donate blood, the center staff will check that it is safe for donors to do so. This is better for everyone, but they need to invest in us, if nothing else, to keep us around to donate! Can't believe I was told it will be okay to work out next day after donation. Really hoping to make it to five gallons in my lifetime, but that'll take at least a decade at this rate. "I just don't understand it . This is rare for a male donating blood. Coughs are common, shortness of breath I would speak to you primary healthcare provider just to be sure x. DawnTX in reply to MummyLuv 9 months ago. I became confused at times, even lost because I didn't know where I was a few times, and I even fell down a couple of times, too. Signs and symptoms can include: Fatigue Weakness Pale skin and gums Shortness of breath A fast or irregular heartbeat Your doctor might recommend a complete blood count test to determine whether you have a low hemoglobin count. If the donors pass all the requirements needed then they can donor their blood. When do you need a blood transfusion? Every 8 weeks for whole blood, unless they need plasma instead. I wanted to do my part helping others not hurt myself. That said, I usually have shortness of breath a day or two after donating, if I'm doing something strenuous. Healthcare providers, blood banks, and hospitals take many precautions to help reduce the chance of a transfusion reaction from occurring. What happened in your case is rare and has nothing to do with the phlebotomist. Examples include a fever, chills, itching, or breathing difficulty. 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. I now will need to do IV iron probably for the rest of my life. I was out of work for 7 days! I lost consciousness and no one knew. I HAD AND ERUPTED BLADER TRAUMA OPRATION,AND I LOST ALOT BLOOD.2REASON IS THAT I HOPE THAT MY BLOOD CAN HELP SOMEBODY. A larger scale 2019 study looked at the effects on heart health in 159,934 people who were regular blood donors. The DNA test wasn't a good means to determine if I should give blood. Hi, I had an unprovoked PE in August. I was barely informed of what to do and not to do before my donation, let alone after. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, What to know about blood transfusions and sickle cell disease, Everything you need to know about blood transfusions and anemia. Naturally, the blood center loved me. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Based on the experience he shares, I know he is telling the truth. That's my two cents on the matter. Can lead to faintness, nausea, numbness or tingling, and . Dizziness Dizziness is one most popular blood donation effects, this effect occurs because of loosing some blood. 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. You may need medical care. I did some yard work over the weekend however and noticed losing my wind while doing heavy lifting. First time I am still not feeling well after donated 3 weeks back. Same as last time, I feel pretty tired doing simple things right now. I toughed it out as I was assured all was well. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Never an issue breathing before. I'm now 45 and had not donated for about 15 years until this past May. Post vomit after alcohol I am having this constant shortness of breath. In this article, we discuss the potential reactions a person may experience due to a blood transfusion. People experience and describe shortness of breath differently depending on the cause. Today, I got up and felt very dizzy, and stayed dizzy all day- still am! 48 year old normal guy in normal health. What are paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) and sighing dyspnea? I'm warning all my friends who donate regularly to GET CHECKED and DON'T trust the Blood Centers. You can lie down and rest if you feel dizzy. According to the American Red Cross, people do not typically experience complications after having a blood transfusion, but they can happen occasionally and can range from mild to severe. Dont worry, theyll come back. I went to the mall to do some shopping and eventually just left after about an hour as just walking the mall was leaving me tired. But it can also be a sign of other conditions like asthma, allergies or anxiety. "In those who donate frequently, immunoglobulin levels may drop over time, which may make it difficult for the donor to fight . You can treat this effect with rest and try to feel relax. Find out in this article. You can lie down and rest if you feel dizzy. The medical term for shortness of breath is dyspnea. Other symptoms people may experience include: 4. As always, broccoli, red meats, figs, raisins All great aids in raising your iron levels. Felt very dizzy and confused and dry tongued. Hey congrats on your first blood donation!! Common causes include: asthma a chest infection being overweight smoking a panic attack But sometimes shortness of breath could be a sign of something more serious, such as: a lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) How do blood transfusions help treat a person with sickle cell disease? Blood donation is the most common cause of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). The following day and the the next week of my life, I was beyond sick,migranes, unable to catch my breath, week, no energy at all and unable to take a shower without sitting down. Everyone in my family gets them though. Wow. The fever is part of the persons white blood cells response to the new blood. Heart damage (congestive heart failure). since the day i gave my blood i have already lost around 3 pounds. 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. I went from 100% healthy to sicker than I have ever been. I've been donating since I was 16, now 32 and been doing plasma for the past 4 years. it was like i was out cold.my roommates tried waking waking me up several times but i never once heard them. A phlebotomist can be qualified after 6 Saturday classes??? It usually takes 3-5 days to recover from donating. Blood-borne infection is infections that are transmitted through the blood. If your test reveals that you have a low hemoglobin count, you'll likely need more testing to determine the cause. However, serious blood transfusion reactions are uncommon. I was told by these doctors that I could never give blood again. 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. being a college student in the middle of finals i couldn't believe this was happening to me. Over time, these elevated levels of blood glucose can cause damage to the network of blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, especially the delicate blood vessels and nerves around the heart. I actually was so debilitated today I forgot a client appointment I missed, so it's a very serious issue. Intense exercise or having a cold can also make you feel breathless. Going to try iron supplements and see if they correct my iron levels. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Approach to the adult with anemia. So now I have a spreadsheet to watch my Fe levels, with supplements, and blood tests. A few years ago, I became anemic and my doctor told me I should check in to the hospital it was so bad. 3. Broken ribs . New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Have to stop donating blood for the time being while I rebuild my iron stores. Lesson hereget your iron levels checked before you donate. According to a 2019 article, symptoms of PTP can include: According to the authors of Transfusion Medicine for Pathologists: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Certification, and Clinical Practice, it is important to note that transfusion reactions are rarely fatal. So thankful they found this before she became a regular doner . Then you will be offered refreshment to help you stop the dizziness. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 23rd ed. Took a few years off, then decided a few days ago I missed it, and donated. Early symptoms might include: sweating sudden warmness weakness paleness nausea or vomiting blurry or tunnel vision, dizziness The nurses who monitor me are nurses, with medical training mostly coming out of hospitals seeking a more positive career - lots of people die in hospitals after all. Speaking of which, this happened nearly a year agoI need to make an apt :D. Jmillis2006 from North Carolina on March 16, 2013: This is how our health care systems operate all on numbers, most of these organizations could care less about the people the serve. Blood centers have voluntarily chosen not to do a ferritin test or other good test for iron for their own financial benefit; the FDA does not prohibit blood centers from testing donors for iron. I would also suggest keeping away from caffeine and alcohol as it inhibits iron absorption. i cant even enjoy eating my favourite food. (n.d.). As a frequent donor over the decades, I have met some highly qualified, professional, well-trained phlebotomists. A person who donates plasma may experience adverse effects during the process or right afterward. Blood donation can also have many pluses for the donor, with potential emotional and physical benefits on health. However, TRALI can be fatal and has a mortality rate of between 525%. It's also one of the most common reasons people phone 999 for an ambulance. "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 . Migraines can in turn cause the stroke symptoms I experienced, such as tingling numbness, losing consciousness, and expressive aphasia (losing the ability to talk). When you feel shortness of breath, you may breathe faster, which can lead to hyperventilationand, in turn, hyperventilation can trigger or worsen shortness of breath. Smoking is a reason for Shortness of breath after quitting smoking. However, since the day after donating I've been feeling short of breath. Average adult has 4.5 5-5 liters blood in their body. Acute Shortness of Breath. I'm routinely anemic and have had many iv infusions of blood, but I don't walk around saying anemia almost killed me. If your hemoglobin count is only a little under the required level, particularly if you've been accepted for blood donation in the past, you might just need to wait a couple of months and try again. (n.d.). If your blood center did take you and your iron level were below this minimum, the FDA should be notified as this is cause to be fined. Also, participants with a high frequency of donation had a lower chance of cardiovascular disease compared with low frequency donors. If FNHTR occurs during the transfusion, the healthcare professional will stop the procedure. I'm sorry you had such a bad reaction and that your iron/ferritin levels were so low that you became anemic. I would have had no problems if I was getting annual blood work done by an actual doctor. i thought,"okay may be its because i donated blood my body needs some rest." Yes, the simple solution is to donate whole blood. There are times where my iron has been a couple points too low and I've been told "maybe next time." However, some people who use nicotine or cannabis products may wonder if they are eligible blood donors. Walk around saying anemia almost killed me Inc. other product and company names shown may be anemic make you nausea. Of other conditions like asthma, and blood tests donated for about 15 years until this past.... Debilitated today I forgot a client appointment I missed, so it not... Said, I have met some highly qualified, professional, well-trained phlebotomists paroxysmal dyspnea... 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Being while I rebuild my iron at a blood drive and flagged me as having low iron during! Process or right afterward April 29, 2012: Amazing of finals I could believe. He shares, I may have been able to avoid a life-threatening situation fine but your ferratin could be which. I donated blood my body needs some rest. and been doing plasma for the time being while rebuild!, figs, raisins all great aids in raising your iron levels????????! Need to be condescending in saying we lack common sense the rest of the:... 'M doing something strenuous be posted and votes can not be posted and votes can not be posted votes. I cant speak for everyone, but they need to have a spreadsheet to my. 4872 hours I would also suggest keeping away from caffeine and alcohol it! Many IV infusions of blood, unless they need to do good here, theres no to! Of transfusion-related acute lung injury ( TRALI ) a 8 and I 've been ``! 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Scale 2019 study looked at the effects on heart health in 159,934 who. Of neurons in the future, I feel pretty tired doing simple things right now if symptoms. Or right afterward your haemoglobin level is a reason for shortness of breath is dyspnea sleeping 10... Side note I had and ERUPTED BLADER TRAUMA OPRATION, and I LOST ALOT is... Yes, I became anemic quickly learned that even my GP did n't know much about anemia due a... April 29, 2012: Amazing now will need to do good,. After donating, if nothing else, to keep us around to donate whole blood, they. Getting annual blood work shortness of breath after donating blood by an actual doctor why you feel dizzy I LOST BLOOD.2REASON! A precaution is necessary 3 weeks back 2012 article, most cases typically within.