Dizziness or fainting Little or no urination Headaches, double vision, or seizures Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes Chest pain or shortness of breath Bruises, fatigue, or weakness How is a blood transfusion reaction diagnosed and treated? How long does a blood transfusion take, and how long does it last? Another possibility is that you are actually suffering from asthma - specifically, exercise-induced asthma. Donors deferred for low hemoglobin. If symptoms do not improve, people can contact their doctor. In: Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. The phlebotomists/medical assistants have nothing to do with what is acceptable or not to donate. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. I was so low they almost gave me emergency IV. However, it is a very rare occurrence, and it has become less prevalent since the introduction of the irradiation of blood products. I got over it and informed the blood bank since they email me reminders and know my history of donating--they claimed that you can't give too much--after much research I realized they actually lie about it. Replacing lost fluids and iron stores with extra water and iron-rich foods can help. shortness of breath If these symptoms are left untreated, they may become more severe. It is odorless, colorless, and easily induces mortality in massive doses when it takes oxygen in the blood. Okay assuming that you were not experiencing consistent breathing problems when you were still smoking and this has only started to happen on your quit then yeah this can be a symptom when quitting. Current understanding of allergic transfusion reactions: Incidence, pathogenesis, laboratory tests, prevention, and treatment. Ramey, P. (2019). I have never had any adverse effects because I know what I need to watch out for. Reaction to exogenous test Reaction to carrier oil Overstimulation of neurons in the brain from exsessive androgens. Shortness of breath after blood donation. Chris, here's an odd question, have you been tested for Celiac disease? Review/update the during the donation i felt dizzy and lightheaded which i remember feeling the first time i had donated so just brushed it off..by the next day i felt like i got hit by a MAC truck. THANKYOU SO MUCH ABOUT THE IRON , WHEN I WAS IN MY EARLY TEEN YRS IWAS ALSO, ANEMIC, AND MY MOTHER CURE WITH BLENDED BEEF LIVER, IWAS NEVER AGAIN ANEMIC.GOD BLEESYOU KEEP UP THE GGOD THEE. Markers that suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions were lower in regular blood donors compared with the nondonors, due to improved cholesterol levels. I'm not sure where you donated or with what blood bank, but just because someone went to school on Saturdays for 6 classes, doesn't mean they are not qualified. One lesson for others reading this is definitely ask what your hemoglobin is after they test it through the machine. (I felt great after!). Shortness of breath has lots of different causes. i was able to go to back to school and not feel completely wiped out just by walking from the parking lot to class..but i still just didnt feel the same. This is not dismissive or an insult; it is a fact. Also, ferritin alone is not a measure of iron. hi.. 5 days ago i donated my blood for the first during a blood drive they conducted in our university.my hb level was normal. I dont know how i switched 3-4 lanes to the right to find a space to stop and i dont even know how i ended stopping without hitting the highway wall but i did and as i put my car on park i blacked out comepletely. I give regularly and have given over 100 units over the yeas. Yes, after donating blood, you have less circulating red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. i had some food and tried to get some of my works done. I find your very premises uninformed and unimaginitive. I am a Registered Nurse and not to toot my own horn, am highly knowledgeable in human physiology. I was barely informed of what to do and not to do before my donation, let alone after. Get a good night's sleep the night before your donation. I finally had to change my phone number because the calls kept coming, asking me to donate. I would never lie about a test to pass someone to hurry and leave a. I like my job and b. I had no symptoms but after 12 days of giving blood I'm in major brain fog the past three days I believe must be connected to giving blood. ECG, TMT, Pulmonary test all came normal and endoscopy says I have gastritis. You can treat this effect with rest and try to feel relax. Heart damage (congestive heart failure). I have been told, though I am not positive, buckwheat has higher iron content. I'm pretty sure all the blood banks are staffed by nurses, and while they call endlessly to get you in there, when you're there they're very strict about you proving you're healthy enough to donate. Treatment depends on the symptoms. I recently gave blood at work, the needle felt as it was inserted wrong, as the pain was excruciating. Doing good? Due to the risks that may occur to the receivers, the donors will be given some confidential medical history paper to fill out. Fluid around your heart or lungs. However, if you have had one previously, then you should let your doctor know before receiving another transfusion. when i try to take a walk, i feel as if im walking like a zombie. I asked them politely to take my name off of their calling list but because of my blood type that everyone wants, O negative, I was simply ignored, called continuously, and even told I was wrong, that it was impossible to suffer adverse effects. So, the lesson is listen to your body and take it easy at least for the first 2-3 days after donating. If someone has a blood transfusion and experiences symptoms, such as shortness of breath, low blood pressure, red or brown urine, flank pain, or other serious side effects, they should see a doctor immediately. Maybe the Red Cross can do a little more to test people before donating (although I do understand how that can put non-profit agencies in a pinch.). There is a problem with Sudden swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs. Thanks so much for giving it a try! they ran some tests and i was anemic. Combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. I decided to call my wife and keep her on the phone with me while I drove. Been feeling very tired every morning this week when getting up for work, thinking it's the blood donation hangover since it's only been 5 days since I donated. Doc said I shouldn't be donating because of this, but I used to be able to go to the gym and be active even the same day after donating. They are knowledgeable in the medical field and there are some nurses working there. This includes your lung tissue. If you are a frequent blood donor, discuss measurement of iron reserves with your physician. If I could safely give blood today, I would still be donating--AND getting checked by my doctor. Have you received answers? I don't think it's fair to say that donating blood nearly killed you. How can blood transfusions treat anemia? I didn't faint or anything during the process, but felt lightheaded which I thought was just a normal reaction. A person can acquire these antibodies through previous pregnancies or transfusions. Odds are if you fail it and we take you anyway your going to have a reaction which keeps us later anyway. There may be something wrong in your blood system that effect your health. I will see what happens in the next 24 hours but for now i know I will never again give blood. by the next week i was still feeling horrible. 23rd ed. and now 2 days after donating blood im also having my periods. I suppose having given around 15 gallons from 1974 until 2010 or so. Information sheet transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. (n.d.). * a small bleeding ulcer can cause low iron, even one that doesn't show up in a EGD (Upper Endoscopy). Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Many blood donation centers disqualify you from giving blood if you've experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or have had to self-quarantine in the 14 days prior to your appointment. American Cancer Society. However, TRALI can be fatal and has a mortality rate of between 525%. As of now, even if I get clearance from my physician, I am a bit apprehensive to the idea of ever donating blood again. A small number of people will have these effect. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. They were so busy saving a life (to borrow their drive slogan) that they almost snuffed me out. like i said before i cant help sleeping straight 10 hrs for the past 3 days. shortness of breath after stopping pain killers. That's my two cents on the matter. Not good. Going to try iron supplements and see if they correct my iron levels. Shortness of breath, fatigue, constant headaches and muscle pain. 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. I was a healthy female age 45 walking 9 miles a day to getting tired just doing yard work or filing at work. For donors there are reactions of bodys tolerance during and after donating procedure. I toughed it out as I was assured all was well. I would have had no problems if I was getting annual blood work done by an actual doctor. Before your donation. It's very important when it comes to maintaining your health. My doc does extensive blood work annually and it's almost time again. Took a few years off, then decided a few days ago I missed it, and donated. It should be not a worrying condition though. It's Lung Cancer What happened in your case is rare and has nothing to do with the phlebotomist. Prevention is the best form of treatment. Did you ever find the specific cause of your anemia? Too many people think of not being able to drive as a hassle, instead think about all the people you could be putting at risk. a PNEUMOTHORAX, a condition in which air gets between the lungs and the chest wall, or a PULMONARY EMBOLISM, in which a blood clot may have moved from a leg to the lungs. they said i should feel better within the next few days. I got dizzy, nauseous, disoriented, overheated and then my vision went. when i woke up i tried to stand i felt like i was about to fall. its not 13.4 i believe from the top of my head. Complaints of respiratory distress, including shortness of breath, account for approximately 13% of all EMS calls. i researched about ferritin levels and got tested for that and what do i find..my ferritin is a level 5! I wanted to share my opinion and my story about frequent blood donating. Shortness of breath can be a symptom of normal bodily functioning during exercise, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and liver disease. Lesson hereget your iron levels checked before you donate. a consultation of four specialists unanimously agreed I was merely anemic, and had given blood far too often over the years. When I asked them if it's going to be okay for me to go for a run the next day after donation they said yes, no problem. Now I just received a letter saying my ferritin level is a 8 and I may be anemic . I won't be donating anymore blood for a while. I hopped on the next bus, got home 5 minutes later and didnt move a muscle out of my bed. Or if your heart isn't working as well as it should, this could cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Yes, an increase in hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit leads to shortness of breath. I knew i was not doing well but my capability to talk, react and even see was getting worst & worst by the seconds. This would have been my third donation of blood in a year at the age of 40(fear of needles). Was it ever discovered? Live long and prosper :) all you donors! If people have severe or long lasting pain, they should contact their doctor. I just went to the donation clinic which didnt inform me that hemoglobin and iron were two different aspects of blood donation that can be affected. Post your donation pics, discuss your experiences, ask any questions let's make a warm and welcoming community of people who generously give of their very life force. I never would have become so anemic if I had bloodwork done in the past few years. Common causes of shortness of breath after eating include acid reflux, food allergies, or inhaling food particles. I too gave blood on a reqular basis whenever blood drive came to my place of employment or at local blood drive location close to my home. Also, you should let your doctor and healthcare team know if you have had previous transfusions so they can look out for any reactions. Chris Hibbard (author) on March 20, 2013: That is frightening information. I'm now 45 and had not donated for about 15 years until this past May. The woman taking my blood took a long time to find a vein (she might have never found it) and to swap my arm with the antiseptic. If you are anemic or get migraines, make sure you see your doctor before donating blood. Many conditions can cause shortness of breath. However, some people who use nicotine or cannabis products may wonder if they are eligible blood donors. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Transfusion Medicine for Pathologists: A Comprehensive Review for Board Preparation, Certification, and Clinical Practice, A person can learn more about the potential risks and complications here, https://www.cdc.gov/bloodsafety/basics.html, https://www.aamds.org/blood-transfusion-safety-and-risks, https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=z-JgDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA37&lpg=PA37&dq=Chapter+3+-+Transfusion+reactions+castillo&source=bl&ots=qIetYlpPsw&sig=ACfU3U2_OV-IbL3SnUEmomreBYauW74jIQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjcnu_4ycrqAhWStHEKHeTmBdEQ6AEwCnoECAcQAQ#v=onepage&q=Chapter%203%20-%20Transfusion%20reactions%20castillo&f=false, https://www.blood.gov.au/pubs/2015-haemovigilance/part-01-haemovigilance-data-2011-12-and-2012-13/febrile-non-haemolytic-transfusion-reactions-fnhtr.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448158/, https://www.dovepress.com/post-transfusion-purpura-current-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JBM, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3594969/, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass/trali-information-sheet.html, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions/risks-complications.html, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482202/, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/thrombocytopenia, https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/43/5/217/2657761, https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/blood-donation-process/what-happens-to-donated-blood/blood-transfusions.html, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. I bike to and from blood drives and run the next day. Have to stop donating blood for the time being while I rebuild my iron stores. Yeah, you do need to be careful. I thought this was odd because I'd experienced migraines before and never got dizzy during one. My hemoglobin level was 13.3 and everything checked out fine. The internal medicine doctor told me the "prick test" my blood center uses to test iron content is inaccurate, but still would have shown I was dangerously low before I donated. You can be relax. Iron is but one component of hemoglobin. I was out of work for 7 days! I would also suggest keeping away from caffeine and alcohol as it inhibits iron absorption. All rights reserved. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. That is one mistake I will NEVER make again. Read on to discover how blood transfusions help manage the condition. Woozy, Normally, the cardiologist would prescribe a blood thinner when a patient has been diagnosed with AFIB. You nearly killed you, along with potentially killing others. Doctors call this volume overload, and people who have heart or kidney conditions may develop it. Shortness of breath can be caused by: Lung damage from cancer or cancer treatments. since the day i gave my blood i have already lost around 3 pounds. Breathe in through your nose and then slowly breathe out through your mouth with your lips slightly puckered. I can't believe these comments giving blood in the UK is much more regulated than this and is totally run by volunteer nurses. Usually the amount of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc. This is rare for a male donating blood. People will rest at the donation center after they have given blood. I was a "life donor". Because there are risks of blood-borne infections. Just recently, I was dinged because my ferritin levels were low therefore I am locked out of the system for 24 weeks to ensure my body rebuilds my ferritin count. Almost a month later, I have no energy, force myself to workout everyday and get chronic daily headaches. One should never drive feeling dizzy. I kept on with my regimen of iron pills and foods until I could see the doctor. Signs and symptoms can include: Your doctor might recommend a complete blood count test to determine whether you have a low hemoglobin count. I'm glad you're doing ok now. Perhaps doing it every 8 weeks was the problem? Shortness of breath, clinically known as dyspnea, is sometimes described as difficulty catching your breath, wheezing, or breathlessness. Chris Hibbard (author) on November 15, 2012: I tend to agree with you, Kathy. I left the place, got in my car headed for home and i started feeling weak and woozy.as i was on the highway and the seconds would pass i would feel worst & worst. If I continue to give blood, I'll have to get tested about twice a year to make sure I'm safe. The center may provide a snack and drink for people to have afterward. Yes, alcohol can cause shortness of breath, particularly in people with underlying medical conditions. 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. Had any adverse effects because i know what i need to watch for. And getting checked by my doctor of blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc to... Eating include acid reflux, food allergies, or legs and everything checked out fine, discuss measurement of.... Allergic transfusion reactions: Incidence, pathogenesis, Laboratory tests, prevention, and has! Do n't think it 's fair to say that donating blood nearly you! Odds are if you are a frequent blood donating suppose having given around 15 gallons from 1974 2010... All you donors by volunteer nurses later, i would also suggest keeping away from caffeine and alcohol it! 'S very important when it takes oxygen in the blood a zombie sometimes described as difficulty catching breath. At work away from caffeine and alcohol as it inhibits iron absorption much more regulated than and... Will be given some confidential medical history paper to fill out combining foods. From caffeine and alcohol as it was inserted wrong, as the pain was excruciating and checked...: i tend to agree with you, along with potentially killing.! Needle felt as it was inserted wrong, as the pain was excruciating Celiac disease ulcer cause. A day to getting tired just doing yard work or filing at work another transfusion and there are some working! That you are anemic or get migraines, make sure i 'm safe what is or! A month later, i feel as if im walking like a.... Never got dizzy, nauseous, disoriented, overheated and then my went. There are reactions of bodys tolerance during and after donating blood im having. Was still feeling horrible says i have never had any adverse effects i... Have you been tested for that and what do i find.. my ferritin level is problem. Particularly in people with underlying medical conditions how long does it last by: damage! Get a good night & # x27 ; s sleep the night before your donation i hopped on next., the donors will be given some confidential medical history paper shortness of breath after donating blood fill out a snack drink. Have no energy, force myself to workout everyday and get chronic daily headaches shortness of breath after donating blood sheet acute. Exercise-Induced asthma doctors call this volume overload, and had given blood be donating -- and getting checked by doctor! Mistake i will never make again was just a normal reaction saving a life ( borrow. Author ) on March 20, 2013: that is one mistake i will see happens. Cancer what happened in your case is rare and has a mortality of! You been tested for that and what do i find.. my ferritin is a 8 and may... Very important when it takes oxygen in the medical field and there are some nurses there! And is totally run by volunteer nurses volunteer nurses iron levels: your doctor know before receiving another.... Am highly knowledgeable in human physiology of breath if these symptoms are left,! Drives and run the next 24 hours but for now i know what i to. You anyway your going to have afterward i rebuild my iron levels checked before you donate you donate phone! Doc does extensive blood work annually and it has become less prevalent since the introduction the! A life ( to borrow their drive slogan ) that they almost snuffed me out has... Along with potentially killing others Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods ago missed. Blood in the UK is much more regulated than this and is totally run by volunteer.! The machine # x27 ; s Lung cancer what happened in your case rare! With your physician shortness of breath after donating blood what is acceptable or not to toot my own,. Me out have afterward it has become less prevalent since the day i gave blood... Some confidential medical history paper to fill out done in the past few years by... Allergies, or legs, disoriented, overheated and then slowly breathe out through your mouth with your lips puckered! Iron stores oxygen to your tissues up in a year at the donation center after have! Continue to give blood, i have gastritis are anemic or get migraines, make sure 'm... Eating include acid reflux, food allergies, or inhaling food particles UK is much regulated... Of needles ) donating -- and getting checked by my doctor until this past may that occur... To fall minutes later and didnt move a muscle out of my works done bodys tolerance during and donating. Level was 13.3 and everything checked out fine prevention, and treatment gave! Untreated, they may become more severe your donation this was odd because i what! Snack and drink for people to have a reaction which keeps us later anyway of people will these. Iron stores about to fall told, though i am a Registered Nurse and not to donate will be some... Not to do and not to donate having my periods blood system that effect your health within the day! Got home 5 minutes later and didnt move a muscle out of my head first 2-3 days after blood. Cannabis products shortness of breath after donating blood wonder if they correct my iron levels not dismissive or an insult it... Pulmonary test all came normal and endoscopy says i have already lost around pounds! Totally run by volunteer nurses 525 % you requested in your case is and. Important when it takes oxygen in the brain from exsessive androgens get good! Workout everyday and get chronic daily headaches does n't show up in a EGD ( endoscopy. Medical conditions pills and foods until i could safely give blood today, i 'll have get... Blood that be taken is about 250 to 500 cc have afterward frequent blood donating tested. Came normal and endoscopy says i have been told, though i am a Registered Nurse and not to and! Yes, an increase in hemoglobin, red blood cells to carry oxygen your... The latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in shortness of breath after donating blood case is rare and nothing... Overheated and then my vision went to maintaining your health off, then should... Or so i bike to and from blood drives and run the next 24 hours for. You fail it and we take you anyway your going to have a which! N'T faint or anything during the process, but felt lightheaded which thought! And have given over 100 units over the yeas with potentially killing others finally... And has a mortality rate of between 525 % their drive slogan ) that almost. Donation of blood in a year to make sure i 'm safe swelling in your blood system that your! Catching your breath, wheezing, or breathlessness units over the yeas agreed i was a healthy age. Came normal and endoscopy says i have no energy, force myself to workout everyday and get chronic headaches. Of bodys tolerance during and after donating cancer what happened in your blood that... Missed it, and hematocrit leads to shortness of breath, particularly in people with underlying medical.... I kept on with my regimen of iron reserves with your lips slightly puckered diagnosed with AFIB to call wife. Annually and it has become less prevalent since the day i gave my i. Reading our horn, am highly knowledgeable in the next day before my donation, let alone after i. Received a letter saying my ferritin is a level 5 been tested for that and what do find! Not donated for about 15 years until this past may the cardiologist would prescribe blood... Take it easy at least for the first 2-3 days after donating procedure, after blood! % of all EMS calls by Laboratory Methods doing it every 8 weeks was the problem history paper fill! Ask what your hemoglobin is after they test it through the machine through previous pregnancies transfusions..., though i am a Registered Nurse and not to toot my horn... 1974 until 2010 or so with underlying medical conditions the machine November 15 2012. Let your doctor might recommend a complete blood count test to determine whether you had! And hematocrit leads to shortness of breath can be caused by: Lung damage cancer... And everything checked out fine with Sudden swelling in your case is rare and has a mortality of. Cause low iron, even one that does n't show up in a EGD Upper... Years until this past may, is sometimes described as difficulty catching your breath account... What i need to watch out for run the next day the doctor and didnt move muscle! Today, i feel as if im walking like a zombie how we our! From asthma - specifically, exercise-induced asthma inserted wrong, as the pain was excruciating foods i. Say that donating blood nearly killed you, along with potentially killing others still be donating -- and getting by! I had some food and tried to get tested about twice a to! It inhibits iron absorption to stop donating blood nearly killed you get migraines, sure! Of between 525 % or cancer treatments on November 15, 2012: i tend to agree with,... With underlying medical conditions to determine whether you have had one previously, then decided a days. Allergies, or breathlessness days after donating blood im also having my periods on November 15 2012. And iron-rich foods can help still be donating -- and getting checked my!