How can I get my Hematocrit up?--FAST!

Katnip, RN · Nov 19, 2004

I often run into the same problem. Just eat what they tell you. Usually a few days before I'm going to donate, I'll eat some beef, raisins, and oranges; more than I normally would.

BRANDY LPN · Nov 19, 2004

You could also take supplements. there is one brand called "slow-fe" or something like that (can't remember exactly) that is a little easier on your digestive tract.

wooh, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2004

I only take Country Life iron supplements, any other supplement goes straight to the toilet. :rolleyes: Cut caffeine, sodas out, they'll inhibit absorption. And cook with cast iron.

MultipurposeRN · Nov 19, 2004

Make sure your anemia is from iron deficiency and not something that mimics it. I have thalassemia minor, which appears at first glance like the typical iron anemia, but is a genetic hemolytic trait that's often mild and easily missed. If it's the primary reason, iron will not correct it, and can be dangerous if you get too much. Best to check your iron, total iron binding, and iron sat levels first to make sure that's all you need.

gauge14iv, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 19, 2004

I only take Country Life iron supplements, any other supplement goes straight to the toilet. Cut caffeine, sodas out, they'll inhibit absorption. And cook with cast iron.

Well....not quite true - yes your garden variety vitamins you buy at the grocery do not ever dissolve (drop one in a glass of water - you'll see) but there are many that do dissolve (even in water without the presence of stomach acid)- Melaleuca and Blubonnet are a couple I know of.

boulergirl, CNA · Nov 19, 2004

I remember eating a lot of tuna fish and stuff like that for about a week before giving blood. Even then, my hematocrit was borderline...just enough to get by (maybe because I drink caffeinated drinks to keep me awake on night shift--that might have negated the effect of the iron-rich foods a bit).

These days I'm so worried about being turned away as a blood donor after standing for hours in line that I rarely give anymore. It's embarrassing and depressing to have someone tell you "sorry, your iron's too low" :imbar

P_RN, ADN, RN · Nov 20, 2004

A little dehydration would make the hct higher wouldn't it? Not that it's a good idea. You could ask them to respin your blood and maybe it would be higher the 2nd time.

NurseFirst · Nov 20, 2004

A little dehydration would make the hct higher wouldn't it? Not that it's a good idea. You could ask them to respin your blood and maybe it would be higher the 2nd time.

Now you have me worried! The nurse asked me what I'd had to drink today, and when I said 12 oz of (caffienated) diet coke, she gave me some water to drink because she felt I would be dehydrated. (Personally, I think I drink so much diet coke that my body has adapted...I'd probably bloat up if I stopped drinking it :) ). Maybe my hct was as high as it was because I was dehydrated...

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions!!!

NurseFirst

PS -- Yes, having only had 12 oz was an unusually light "coke" day for me.

NurseFirst · Nov 20, 2004

Make sure your anemia is from iron deficiency and not something that mimics it. I have thalassemia minor, which appears at first glance like the typical iron anemia, but is a genetic hemolytic trait that's often mild and easily missed. If it's the primary reason, iron will not correct it, and can be dangerous if you get too much. Best to check your iron, total iron binding, and iron sat levels first to make sure that's all you need.

37% isn't in the anemic range; just too low to give blood. They figure you will drop a few points after giving blood, so they don't want you to be anemic (

NurseFirst

CHATSDALE · Nov 20, 2004

actually i learned something today i too didn't know about being able to donate p hep a

check other physical problems...did you note that connie rice was having surgery [ablation?] for uterine fibroids that is one of the sx

does anyone know about giving blood or organs post ca??

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 20, 2004

I've taken OTC megavitamin with iron for years, as my pre-donation blood would always "float" without the iron supplement. Haven't had a problem since.

Hmmm, and just a thought re: vitamins not dissolving in H2O: perhaps they do dissolve when placed the the stomach acid and its churning environment. Any comments or studies??

If they don't dissolve at all, I must have VERY healthy stools.