I found out almost a year ago that I have heredetary hemochromatosis (my body stores extra iron, which can damage organs. Only treatment is therapeutic phlebotomy - donating blood every 8 weeks). My blood is SAFE to donate and I disclose my condition each time I donate. Anyways, I feel guilty because after I had kids I stopped donating because it would cause me to get super dizzy and pass out. This has NOT changed... I am back to donating blood because not only do I save three lives in the process, I save my own life by keeping my condition in check. But every single time, I nearly pass out and they have to have me drink juice, put ice packs on my neck and arm (on my arm after the procedure to help my blood clot). I just feel so guilty every time. When I walk in, they know I'm a difficult draw and I get sick every time... normally they would tell me I'm not suitable for donation because of this... UGH, just makes me feel so guilty. I know it's stupid, but I just do... I'm really glad that I help people with my blood, but any idea what I can do to stop feeling guilty? I follow all the guidelines ahead of time (eating a hearty, protein filled meal, drinking plenty of fluids beforehand, etc. I just happen to have low blood pressure to begin with so losing blood doesn't help matters in that department). Sorry if I'm rambling, lol, just got back and I'm still a bit dizzy (don't worry, hubby drove).
I don't know :( I would try googling it and try different recommendations. As far as passing out....I wouldn't feel guilty at all.
Quoting Mrs_Incredible:I really don't think it's psychosomatic because the more blood I lose, the dizzier I get (I had to do double units for a few weeks when my iron was VERY high).
Quoting jamieharper08:For me it is not the pain but more that they are going through multiple layers of skin and tissue to get there. It weirds me out. Do you think that maybe you are so scared of passing out that you make yourself?
Quoting Mrs_Incredible:Nope. I typically don't even pay them any attention. I drink my juice and watch TV or play on my internet on my phone. I have a high pain threshhold and the actual blood draw doesn't bother me.
Quoting jamieharper08:Do you try to hold your breath? I too have low BP and have always had a hard time giving blood because I would pass out. Just recently I had my blood taken. I told the lady that sometimes I get dizzy and pass out. While taking my blood she looked at me and told me to breath. Lol! I had been holding my breath the whole time! Could this be it?
I pass out when I get tattoos - feels the same as when I get blood taken. I get all dizzy until I black out or pass out. I learned that protein didn't matter - sugar did. I would eat a donut covered in sugary frosting with sugar loaded coffee - no problems since.
Just before i went in - literaly still chewing. I'm super skinny and my body will process it before I can get in there if I didn't eat it right then and there before the session.
Quoting LvngMmyCampbell:
I pass out when I get tattoos - feels the same as when I get blood taken. I get all dizzy until I black out or pass out. I learned that protein didn't matter - sugar did. I would eat a donut covered in sugary frosting with sugar loaded coffee - no problems since.
Quoting LvngMmyCampbell:Just before i went in - literaly still chewing. I'm super skinny and my body will process it before I can get in there if I didn't eat it right then and there before the session.
Quoting LvngMmyCampbell:
I pass out when I get tattoos - feels the same as when I get blood taken. I get all dizzy until I black out or pass out. I learned that protein didn't matter - sugar did. I would eat a donut covered in sugary frosting with sugar loaded coffee - no problems since.
Quoting jamieharper08:Do you try to hold your breath? I too have low BP and have always had a hard time giving blood because I would pass out. Just recently I had my blood taken. I told the lady that sometimes I get dizzy and pass out. While taking my blood she looked at me and told me to breath. Lol! I had been holding my breath the whole time! Could this be it?
Oh no...they did not tell me to. I did not realize I was until she told me I was. Lol!
Quoting AM-BRAT:
That's the last thing we would tell people to do. Stopping the brain from getting oxygen is no bueno. What a strange practice. That's exactly what would lead you to pass out.
Quoting jamieharper08:Do you try to hold your breath? I too have low BP and have always had a hard time giving blood because I would pass out. Just recently I had my blood taken. I told the lady that sometimes I get dizzy and pass out. While taking my blood she looked at me and told me to breath. Lol! I had been holding my breath the whole time! Could this be it?
Quoting jamieharper08:Oh no...they did not tell me to. I did not realize I was until she told me I was. Lol!
Quoting AM-BRAT:
That's the last thing we would tell people to do. Stopping the brain from getting oxygen is no bueno. What a strange practice. That's exactly what would lead you to pass out.
Quoting jamieharper08:Do you try to hold your breath? I too have low BP and have always had a hard time giving blood because I would pass out. Just recently I had my blood taken. I told the lady that sometimes I get dizzy and pass out. While taking my blood she looked at me and told me to breath. Lol! I had been holding my breath the whole time! Could this be it?
I don't really have a response except to say that I'm sorry to hear that. If it is your blood pressure falling, there is a medication that your doctor might prescribe for when you go in. My husband is on dialysis and he has a bit of low blood pressure and so he has a pill to take a half hour before he gets there and then one to take an hour later and that allows him to have his blood cleaned without passing out and having to go off dialysis. Almost sent him to hospital first time this happened. He has a pacemaker to keep it up to 60, but it has gone below that when having dialysis. I think it is called midorin. You could ask the doctor about it. I don't know if that would help your headaches or dizziness or not. At least it is something you can ask the doctor about. Good luck.
Thank you so much for the ideas ladies (and for making me feel better about the whole thing). I really appreciate it. Now, FINALLY to bed for the night after a very long day.
Question about an 11 year old
- Mrs_Incredible
on May. 8, 2012 at 12:40 PM