Posted by Dinah on February 22, 2004, at 15:36:52
In reply to As a former blood and platelet donor..., posted by Racer on February 22, 2004, at 15:15:01
The first time I gave blood my blood pressure was so low that it was borderline as to whether they would accept me. I was happily giving blood, almost to the end. In fact they were able to use my donation. Then the nurse started looking concerned and asked if I was ok. I chirped "Sure" then passed right out. My blood pressure didn't get high enough for them to let me go for *hours*. They told me never to come back.
Fifteen or so years later, much heavier and with it blood pressure that's in the normal range, I try again. They did that little clotting test and thought my blood was a bit thick or clotted too much or something, but they gave it a try. Sure enough, they couldn't keep the blood going. And my veins look fine, and they never have trouble sticking me. :( I'm going to try again in a while and see if I finally have any luck. Oh, and my doctor wants me to start taking baby aspirin. So something useful came out of it, I guess.
poster:Dinah
thread:315042
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040219/msgs/316548.html