StephenC

Donated for the first time yesterday, over and done with in no time, just wondering if its normal to feel 'light headed' for a few days? Common sense tells you that loosing that much blood must have an affect on you but just wondering what symptons other people have....

bigchez

My bro did at uni just so he could get pissed on 3 pints after

I will be in the new year, can't just yet due to the choice of herbs I inhale

Fudgey

iTrader: (4)

i havnt for about 4 years.

done 14 donations so far, but never felt light headed after. possibly cos it was your first time?

**Claire**

I used to but I can't anymore as I've had a blood transfusion

I wanted to go on the bone marrow donor register for the Nolan Trust but I haven't done it as yet, it's on my list of things to do

StephenC

fair play my grandad managed 19 before passing away so Id like to match that if I can.

Fudgey

iTrader: (4)

nice one mate, i think my grandads was over 65!! that'll take some beating lol.

the bloodmobile used to come where i used to work for a week, but i left that job 4 years ago, so not been able to do it since.

i only used to do it to get out of work tho, oh, and for the free tea n biscuits

steviecossie

neil73

im upto 12 donations, next one due. only reaction was a full forearm bruise from not pressing on hard enough

Red16

Some good reading on here, which wont take you all day

http://cks.library.nhs.uk/patient_in...blood_donation

You shouldn't feel light headed for days at all imo, that site says

"During most blood donations, approximately 470ml of blood is taken. This is just under one pint, and only makes up 10-12% of an adult's blood supply. Your body is able to make up this amount of lost blood very quickly. If you are well hydrated following your donation, your body will make up the fluid part of the blood within a few hours. It takes just a few weeks for your body to replace the lost blood cells."

More than likely the cause of your light headedness is being a little run down or not having ate enough, cue another quote from the site mentioned above,

"Before you donate blood, you should make sure that you eat and drink at least a few hours before you are due to donate. This will help stop you from feeling faint, or dizzy, after the procedure. Do not drink alcohol before giving blood."

steviecossie

never really thought about this, what actually happens?

Red16

tells you all about the whole thing in the link i posted above

forgot to say, i've given blood twice but now im not allowed to since i recieved a donation during an operation to pin and plate my arm

kev 3dr

iTrader: (1)

I gave for the first time 4 weeks ago but got to see when i can go again as ive just had a tattoo done 2 weeks ago !!!

steviecossie

can you not give blood if you've had a tattoo??

Red16

you can but not for a while, not sure on the specific time you need to wait tbh.

steviecossie

whats the raeson behind that?? is it becuase theres ink in your blood stream?

juffer

i would love to give blood but i just cant stand needles. The thought of them makes my face screw up! The missis had a blood test when she was pregnant and i nearly passed out. The nurse had to open the window lol

Red16

no idea tbh, there are loads of things that stop you from giving blood, they run through a questionaire style sheet when you go to donate blood, to decide if you're fit/capable enough to do so.

steviecossie

for some reason i'm scared to donate blood, but i'll get tattoo's no problem

Red16

If you're a hardened tattoo veteran, you will piss donating blood, just lie back and relax for 20 mins or so, then go have tea n biscuits (on the house)

rinus_2005

iTrader: (1)

Me to, next day i do things physically on the easy side. otherwise dissyness ocurs. Been donating for a couple a years now. However i haven't been welcome for the last year I keep having holidays in areas with high risk on malaria... Ah well, in about 2 months i should have a clean bill/blood again.

redexr

If you have a tattoo its a 6 month donation ban I think. Was a year when i had one in 2003. On my 30th donation next time round

Steven_RW

The first few times I gave blood I had no dizziness or anything other side effects, however I gave blood about 6 months ago for the first time in 3 years and felt half cut all day

RW

tabetha

Given about 15 times but can't now due to medication.
I had a blood transfusion in 83 and was till allowed to give blood, they were fully aware of it.
The blood is graded according to how good it is, so best blood goes to babies etc, other blood has platelets extracted and turned into plasma.
Gave my first at age 15 at BMH Rinteln, just as Falklands was kicking off, heck it was a day off school, I chucked up everywhere, and my mum fainted after hers, my pops just laughed as usual sympathy.
tabetha

cressy

iTrader: (1)

3/4 times a year for the pass 6 years

Dicko&Vacant

iTrader: (3)

its something i want to do but after giving birth you have to wait so long to do so, i might find out about when i can, as its nearly 2yrs now since i had finley

Sarah

Ellie

Think the tatoo thing is incase uve picked up infection, might be wrong though.

Id like to give blood one day, but cant right now.

Mint FRST

iTrader: (1)

I do and if you can you should.

One day you might need someone elses blood....

After your donation and its been processed it is generally flowing in someones elses body after 3 days... I personally think this is amazing.

kosman

could you give blood if you smoke weed? ive thought about it alot but never done it,dont want telling ive got aids or sumat

StephenC

I think the tattoo thing is to allow any infections/diseases you may have developed to incubate and show themselves. Feel fine now, was just the day after, got a belter of a bruise now on my arm, look like a smackhead! Must press harder next time.