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Post by Lamebeaver on Sept 26, 2017 6:21:53 GMT -8
I typically give blood a couple times a year. I have B- blood, and I haven't been exposed to CMV, so my blood can given to infants and immunity compromised patients. Because of this, they take all they can get. A week ago, when I went in, they asked me if I would like to do a double red blood cell donation. They used an ALYX machine to filter the blood, then inject your platelets, plasma and some saline back into you. The donation took about 45 minutes, and was peasant until the end, when I felt a tingling in my lips and started to feel nauseous. Apparently this is caused by a calcium deficiency and is common. They gave me several Tums to chew on, and the discomfort went away very quickly. Now to the recovery. For the first couple days, I could tell the difference doing things like walking up several flights of stairs. I'm finally back to the point where I can do moderate exercise. I typically set the the treadmill for a slope of 10 1/2° and a rate of 3.5 mph. Right now I can get up to the same heart rate with an incline of 8 1/2°. I did find an interesting discussion on a Triathlon site. I'll post another update in a week or so, but if I were training for a marathon, I'd think twice before volunteering for a double red donation.
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whistlepunk
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Post by whistlepunk on Sept 26, 2017 9:26:14 GMT -8
I cannot give any more.
I finally made it to the 10 gallon club. Then after the next donation the blood bank called me to report my donation tested positive for HIV -- positive the first test, a second test was inconclusive. Freaking out, I immediately called my doctor who ran other tests, including a much more sensitive test. All the subsequent tests were negative. Three months later ran the same tests, again all negative. So the first one ran by the blood bank was a false positive. The blood bank at that time used a cheap and easy test, which has a high false positive rate.
Unfortunately, under the rules even a false positive makes you ineligible for any more donations. So I am done. At least I made the 10 gallon club first.
I did the double donation once. Remove two units, centrifuge the red cells out, and put one unit of my now clear plasma back in. All while just laying there. The plasma had cooled so when it went back in my whole arm got really cold.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 29, 2017 9:05:18 GMT -8
I doubt I could handle the double donation. I donate far too seldom, but it tends to make me pretty light-headed, and I have to be careful not to pass out at the end. I would still do it more often if it were more convenient. I don't even know where the nearest place is to me--I usually try to catch a bloodmobile, and usually miss.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 12, 2017 7:48:08 GMT -8
Update: It's been 3 1/2 weeks now and I feel I'm largely back to normal.
I will continue to periodically donate blood, but I don't think I will consider the double-red donation again.
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JiminMD
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Post by JiminMD on Oct 13, 2017 7:02:33 GMT -8
Like Rebecca,I've found that I don't tolerate donating very well anymore. I made it to 7 gallons of donated blood but I've had vasovagal reactions after my last 3 attempts. If I drink a Coke as I donate I can stave off the worst of it but I still feel terrible for hours afterward. I tried double red one time and wound up with a cold compress on my head and my feet elevated until I stopped looking like I was dead.
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walkswithblackflies
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Post by walkswithblackflies on Oct 17, 2017 6:17:54 GMT -8
I have never donated blood. Pretty much because I'm a selfish jerk who likes keeping his blood inside his circulatory system (except, apparently, when I bushwhack in the Adks). But if I was to donate, do they test blood type at the donation place? I have no idea what my blood type is. That would probably be a good thing to know.
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mk
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Post by mk on Oct 18, 2017 4:02:47 GMT -8
That would probably be a good thing to know. I'm not sure it would matter much to know either way. If you need blood, they're going to type it anyway. I had to have a transfusion several years ago (severe anemia) and they didn't take my word for it. After that experience, I'm hesitant to donate blood. Although I am incredibly grateful for those who do!
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Post by hikingtiger on Oct 18, 2017 6:29:04 GMT -8
do they test blood type at the donation place? Not on the bloodmobiles I've been on. Maybe at the main offices. You could find out post-donation, I'm sure. They love for me to do a double-red as I'm A Neg, but don't always have that available on the bloodmobiles. except, apparently, when I bushwhack in the Adks During the college years, I used to see "Give Blood. Play Rugby" on t-shirts pretty regularly.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Oct 20, 2017 6:06:33 GMT -8
do they test blood type at the donation place? Some locations they do. It's not terribly difficult. Not sure if they still do this, but the first time you donate, they used to send you a card that listed your blood type.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 22, 2017 5:20:04 GMT -8
walkswithblackfliesMy blood type is B- If you go in for a wellness exam you can ask your Dr. for your blood type. I go in before an operation to give blood so that they can put it back into me. I am, also, aware that B- is not that popular with their being 7% of the population having B-.
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dale
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Post by dale on Nov 2, 2017 15:37:03 GMT -8
The first time I donated , they told me before they drew it( Red Cross). I donate regularly but it's been awhile. A few months, they call me when it's time. Timings been off lately. Might have to take the boys and they'll just have to wait. They'll behave and probably be a good experience if I don't go into a coma. I've got the good and bad blood type. Good for everyone else bad for me. O-
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Post by msdoolittle on Nov 3, 2017 9:40:51 GMT -8
I give 3 to 4 times a year (the normal amount). Bonfils runs a blood drive at my workplace. I usually don't have a problem giving, but I've noticed since I have been running it takes a bit to feel normal again after the draw and be able to have the same amount of energy.
I canceled my last donation date as it was 4 days before my Half Marathon.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 6, 2017 19:04:17 GMT -8
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Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 6, 2017 19:08:24 GMT -8
I canceled my last donation date as it was 4 days before my Half Marathon. Good call.
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