I have a question for anyone who workswith or is familiar with blood donations. Last week, I gave blood at the bloodmobile for the first time in >10 years. I had eaten well before hand and I drank lots of water since I am on a diuretic. During the donation I got terrible weak, diaphoretic, and started vomiting. Once the donation was completed I felt slightly better but as the day and evening went on I got worse, more vomiting and dehydration. Finally at midnight, when I could no longer stand up, my husband took me to the ER and IV fluids helped a great deal. My sodium and chlorides were low. I still felt weak two days later though. What happened? Was this the result of taking a diuretic and giving blood?

I have never had that happen to me and I have been donating for over 20 years. Do not give again.

I give platelets and the anticoagulant they give during that makes my calicium drop as they always have to give me tums.

renerian

Speaking of blood donations...I am a pretty big advocate for them. In my class of 60, I am the ONLY one who gives blood. Granted there are the people who do not weigh enough or say there anemic (there own Dx) I have been turned away several times due to a low HGB, but I still go every few months. I figure it is a small thing to save someone's life. Do ya'll find it common that nurses suprisingly DO NOT give blood?

Originally posted by NurseStacey143

Speaking of blood donations...I am a pretty big advocate for them. In my class of 60, I am the ONLY one who gives blood. Granted there are the people who do not weigh enough or say there anemic (there own Dx) I have been turned away several times due to a low HGB, but I still go every few months. I figure it is a small thing to save someone's life. Do ya'll find it common that nurses suprisingly DO NOT give blood?

I don't know of any nurses who give blood--at least, no one I ever worked with did, or said they did. Ditto for residents as well.

I have never given blood. I don't weigh enough (106 lbs) and my blood pressure is on the low side, so I am not a good candidate. But I would if I could;) . I've been turned away twice.

I always wanted to give blood, I always thought "its so easy, takes so little time..etc" and it helps so many people. So the day I turned 18 I went down to donate blood. Unfortunatly, Im gay, and I didnt know that we couldnt give blood :imbar So.. I would but I cant. And its embarresing having a nurse in front of you getting ready to draw blood and then telling you no :imbar

I used to give blood all the time, since I was 18 until a few years ago. I am so anemic from a medical condition (HB=8.9 HcT=28%)

that I can't give or I will NEED blood. I think more nurses would like to donate but are so wiped out by the physical demands of their work and family that they feel drained already. Maybe some in-house blood donation program with incentive(PTO or a free meal) would help "encourage" some. I personally would have no prob giving if I could. It's so important.

"Was this the result of taking a diuretic and giving blood?"

Your description would lead one to believe that. Next time, I'd make a small $$$ donation instead.

what sjoe said. it seems a GIVEN the between the diuretic use and blood loss, you got in a bit of trouble there. next time, volunteer in another way that does not involve giving blood. best wishes!

I've never had that happen during a donation, but it would seem to me that the diuretic would be enhanced by drinking extra water, thus dropping your K+ and Na. When our patients had low lytes, the docs would LIMIT their access to "free water."

Sorry you had this happen to you. I think if you are taking a daily diuretic you should find another way to help out. Maybe volunteer for their next blood drive or something of that nature. I have been donating for 19 years and have been declined for the low hgb, or difficult vein. Good luck!

Where I work, we have "donation days" on site every few months. I give everytime-and quite a few other nurses do it regularly too, along with management, housekeeping, aides, dietary, and a few strangers who show up.

I started donating when I was seventeen in high school, and have just kept going.

It's such an easy thing to do-and it saves someone's life. How could I not?

I am leaning with sjoe, Smiling and P_RN........you might wish to make a monitary donation the next time.... or consult with your physican the next time you plan on giving blood so that you do not play with your electrolyte balance thereby donating safely while still using your medications appropriately.