Donating Blood

[Jakkals.]

I normally ride better after receiving blood.

[TopFuel]

I normally ride better after receiving blood.

 

You're doing it the wrong way round Lance Anton

[Traverse]

It takes 56 days for haemoglobin levels to normalise after a blood donation. You will definitely feel it for at least 2 weeks after and then it will start improving. Eat lots of fish and sushiB)

[Wyatt Earp]

Since the Armstrong saga I refuse to donate blood.

[Guest]

I also stopped donating after an incident. I donated blood regularly till one Friday after donating the previous day went for a long ride. I kept getting off the bike to check the wheels weren't jammed because it felt like I was riding in slow motion. Only later realised it was because of the donation.

[milky4130]

A guy at work actually doesn't give the full quota required i.e. 500ml he gives only half portions per time, I'll check with him tomorrow.

[milky4130]

Ok just asked him again, it's only platelets he donates because he has a Red blood cell deficiency.

[Gravity]

Question - Would the impaired O2 carrying capacity not simulate altitude training?

i too donate blood and feel miff on the bike for quite a bit after, but if it does indeed make me more efficient in the long run then bring it on.....(obviously dont donate if you are wanting to make good time @ an event)

[Harryn]

I donated on Sunday, and went for a ride on Monday, and for the first time, did experience a bit of lightheadedness at some point during the ride.

 

Anyway, given the choice of saving a life, and coming 4878th in my next race instead of my usual4872 - hey, no contest.

[Frosty]

I'm in demand because of the O-negative blood type, yet I've only donated 46 pints so far since the mid-90's.

 

I have a low iron count, so most times I fail the finger-prick test.

If I pass the test, the nurse then asks me to complete the form so I don't waste time filling in the form.

So instead of a 6-8 week cycle, I'm closer to 12 weeks.

 

How it affects my riding, I have no idea. I usually try time the donations around a recovery week, and the way I'm riding now, every week is a recovery week.

[alleyne]

I used to donate often when they came to my school and then when they brought the caravan to my work. Now with the new job nada.

 

I can remember at school though playing tennis after giving blood and feeling very tired right from the start, but since you gave blood during class time it didn't stop me from donating.

[milky4130]

I'm in demand because of the O-negative blood type, yet I've only donated 46 pints so far since the mid-90's.

 

I have a low iron count, so most times I fail the finger-prick test.

If I pass the test, the nurse then asks me to complete the form so I don't waste time filling in the form.

So instead of a 6-8 week cycle, I'm closer to 12 weeks.

 

How it affects my riding, I have no idea. I usually try time the donations around a recovery week, and the way I'm riding now, every week is a recovery week.

sounds the exact same as my work colleague when next you go ask for options to donate platelets only, they basically take what they need out of your blood & then pump the Rest back.

[MrJacques]

I donated for the first time on the weekend. Felt a bit faint for a few minutes, but otherwise fine. 

 

I have a question for the more experienced donors. The usual amount taken during a donation is 480ml according to the SANBS website. I saw on the digital scale that they let it go up to +- 730g for myself and the others that donated with me. Bloods density is slightly more than water, but not much. Am I misunderstanding or did they take more than the usual 480ml?

[Sepia]

I have donated 196 units and at 480 ml = 94l and at .5 = 98l.  Not much of a difference I would say.

Getting back to your question.  Not too sure of this but of late 480ml seems to be the norm with the balance going into test samples to see how promiscuous you have been.  All in all, I think 500ml is correct in total?  Correct me if I am wrong?

[RyanD]

It flattens me. I can only half fill the bag that contains the blood and I pass out and my body begins to convulse.

 

I am O+ so have tried to donate but it just wrecks me for a few weeks afterwards Passing out is also no fun and I wake up with my clothes soaked in sweat and the sister staring at me.

[Frosty]

sounds the exact same as my work colleague when next you go ask for options to donate platelets only, they basically take what they need out of your blood & then pump the Rest back.

Thanks, will keep that in mind.

 

 

Edit: just realised I replied to a 1 yr old thread. as I gave blood two weeks ago. D'oh!