Talk of The Villages Florida - Warning when giving blood

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Thank you OP for taking the time for sharing this experience very much appreciated!!!

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Originally Posted by Vleka (Post 2221419)

As I read your post it brought back memories of how grateful I am to plasma donors. My son was diagnosed with a rare disease and plasma saved his life multiple times. He just had his third kidney transplant.
However your post opened my eyes to the other side of the coin. I never thought of the side effects and sacrifice of those who donated. It certainly does take a village. I am so grateful and appreciative to all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Very kind of you to share.

Blood products are essential medicine for many conditions including chemo patients.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vleka (Post 2221419)

Very kind of you to share.

Blood products are essential medicine for many conditions including chemo patients.

Hoping for the best possible outcomes for your son.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tvflguy (Post 2221118)

Over the last couple years I’ve been donating blood about every four months with no issue. On May 1st I had an appt to give blood.
All my history etc checked out and they asked if I wanted to give “double red cell”. I asked questions about it. Basically it requires a smaller needle takes about 5 min longer. Bottom line when your blood is extracted it goes into a machine to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. They keep the two units of red cells and return the plasma and platelets back to the donor.
They “talked up” this double red cell donation. A donor needs to be a minimum weight and health. My red cell count was 15, which they said was great.
After about 25 min I was done and feeling well. Later that week I had my blood drawn for a doctor appt the next week. At the appt my Dr was very concerned as my RBC was 10. When I told him about the red cell donation he said it could have caused a heart attack to you. I have some kidney issues and he told me to stop giving blood. Not worth the risk to me.
So I lost 1/3 of my RBC - he said it normally takes one month to increase RBC by one point; the bone marrow creates red cells.
It’s been about a month now and I’m still fatigued and sometimes dizzy. Should slowly improve over time as red cells are replenished. So fair warning to “donators”. Esp for the double red cells. Check with your doctor. I didn’t even think of that. Better safe than sorry.

Bone marrow produces red blood cells, but kidneys produce the substance that triggers production by bone marrow. If your kidney function is impaired, your blood donation days are over.

I applaud all you folks for giving blood. But many of us think we are as healthy as when we were 40 and we aren''t. Watch out for these double donations or giving blood after a round of golf especially in summer or before a party. Just like covid boosters are recommended for over 65, our blood and immune systems get weaker. Retired physician.

I’m the OP. Must say that I was hesitant to post this Thread as it was personal and perhaps not of interest to many. So glad I did as I have learned a lot. Did not know about the substance that the kidneys produce to assist in red blood cells production in the bone marrow. There is a blood test for this to check potency. I will call my Nephrologist for his guidance. And apparently there is medication, a shot, to give a boost.
I never mentioned to my docs that I was donating blood or the double-red. Never thought of that. Please note folks to double/check with yours.
Still struggling with energy and lightheadedness. Almost 4 weeks after donation now. I expect it will be a slow slog to “normalcy”.

I hope all these folks help others. Please spread the word to neighbors, family.