Blood Donations

maxwellcoffeebean

I gave blood for the first time today. I would like to say it went smoothly, but it didnt. i got the one person there still in training, and she poked the needle all the way through the vein for the first time. the second time, she put the needle in right but botched it on the way out, so i lost a bunch more blood all over my arm. They said i need to stay away from exercise for a full week. do you think this is really necessary??

trelm249

Depending how your arm feels, give it til Saturday.

MissingMyOldSelf

I'd call your doctor and ask. Those people got a small bit of your medical history, but I would really call your personal physician and give a small rundown of the day's "activities" and ask what they recommend.

kenzietea

I didn't listen last time to what they said, and worked out 2 days later. I passed out cold. I would wait, call your doctor, or just take it easy (slow, long walks). Or maybe do all three It depends on your body and how it recovers and how you are feeling.

joshuamhort

As a pretty frequent donor (around 40 times), I would say you should stay away from exercises for at least 4 days, while drinking plenty of fluids. Normally, I am good to go about 15 to 20 minutes after giving blood, but I don't go nearly as hard or fast with my exercising. If I do, I get light-headed and dizzy and that is with a perfectly smooth donation. Since this is your first time donating, and with the mistakes that were made with it, definitely get minimal amounts of exercise. A little bit of light walking shouldn't be too bad. Just stick to staying around the house. It is better to be cautious about these things than risk your health and be forced not to exercise.

kenzietea

Depending how your arm feels, give it til Saturday.

Its more about the high quantity loss of blood then it is about the needle puncture in your arm.

ShrinkingChelle

Its all about knowing your own body, I donate and I use to go to work after donating which consisted of lift several 40lbs bags of flour and I felt fine. But I know other that couldnt so do what feels right for you and if you feel dizzy or light headed stop right away.

PS. Sorry your first time sucked but please go back and donate again

JoDeeD

As someone who works in blood services I thank all of you who have donated. I do not draw the blood but I do know that they usually are well trained in the possible side effects. I do recommend at least following the instructions for a couple of days. Take it easy. I have also seen people get on a bike and pedaling away 20 minutes after donating but they are regular donors. Please do not take this one bad experience as the normal. Most of the time donating blood is relatively painless and each unit of blood can potentially save 8 lives. Thank you again.