Giving Blood?

snack_ie

I was just wondering how many of you donate blood?

If so, just out of curiousity does it have any noticeable effect on preformance etc when training straight afterwards - If I were to give blood tonight (which I am about to go do), how long does it take for my body to replenish 'this blood', and should I be able to go training (swiming/cycling tomorrow without any problem).

Im obviously going to continuing giving blood because its a good cause, but was just wondering of the effects about training/preformance etc etc?

Any ideas,
Hope its not too stupid but it just got me thinking!

depadz

i donate every 3 months or so. Personally wouldn't donate within a month or so before a big event. Don't find it affects my training and generally run the following day.

EMPM

I also give blood every 3 months and like Depadz said, it does not affect my training, i just dont train the day after donating. As for racing it has not affected any of my races this year.

Adults have between 10 and 12 pints of blood in their body and they take less than a pint, it takes 2 to 3 days to fully replenish. I would recommend drinking a lot of fluids before donating, i find that helps.

Fair play to you for donating.

Slogger Jogger

I normally donate platelets. Its years since I gave a pint of blood. I would have, in my time, done so and done tough football sessions later that evening with no undue effect.

I did notice that on my last visit to donate platelets that my platelet count was lower than normal and this I'd put down to the final weeks of training for the marathon which was taking a toll on the system.
When you donate platelets it replaces itself in your system very quickly and you don't feel any ill effects and you can train the same day, no bother.

tdlynch

I would like to thank you all on behalf of a family member who was recently diagnosed with leukaemia, and has received countless transfusions of blood and platelets over the last couple of weeks.

She's still critically ill, but would've passed away a month ago without the transfusions. But she's hanging on in there and where there's life there's hope.

I can't think of a more generous act than blood donation - thank you.

jrar

I give every 3/4 months and have done for years - as far as I know, the original do's and don't still apply which include not doing any strenuous physical exercise/work on the day of donation, no hot baths etc. etc.

snack_ie

Thanks for the replies.

Last night was my first time. I will definately be back - its a harmless thing and has such massive benefits.

Regards

Enii

I gave blood the day after the marathon.

My husband was with me but didn't donate as he had ran the marathon the day before. The nurse who interviewed me said it was probably wise to wait a week or two before he should think about giving,.

Jnealon

I used to take it easy after giving blood. I would just go for a short easy run that evening if I donated in the morning.
Now that I donate platelets which are replaced quickly I have no problem going out for a 10 mile run that evening. During my training for the marathon I would donate on a Friday morning and do my long run on the Saturday morning
Maybe you might consider changing sides and donate platelets, at least you will have a quicker recovery time:)

depadz

not everyone can give platelets though - platelet count or whetaver has to be over a certain level to donate them.

snack_ie

Uhhh.... to be honest i have no idea what platelets are or are for? I just went to give blood... but ill ask next time anyway.

TheRoadRunner

I'm ashamed to say I have never given blood. I was only discussing it with the Mrs this evening.

I'm going to make an effort to donate in the next week and hopefully get into a routine

Enii

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

I'm ashamed to say I have never given blood. I was only discussing it with the Mrs this evening.

I'm going to make an effort to donate in the next week and hopefully get into a routine

The blood bank is looking for donations at the moment as they have blood shortages.................. so go for it!

--amadeus--

I have tried to donate blood several times but my medical history means they won't take me. Platelets may be different though - how do you donate them, are restrictions higher than for blood?

jrar

--amadeus-- wrote: »

I have tried to donate blood several times but my medical history means they won't take me. Platelets may be different though - how do you donate them, are restrictions higher than for blood?

Restrictions, no - but you have to be above a certain platelet count figure. If you are, and there are no other health issues, they'll start you on the donation prog. but you have to commit to being available to donate on a routine basis etc. (in the national blood centre in SJH as far as I know.)

They're "recruiting" people at blood donation sessions around the country - I did go for an assessment in SJH to see if I was suitable but my count was too low (they give you the "result" there and then) so I've now reverted to regular blood donations.

Highway_To_Hell

I use to be a regular blood donator (a way of paying back for the 10+ units I recieved after an accident and the subsequent operations ) but they changes the rules a few years ago and now as I recieved a donation in the past I cannot donate blood now. Anyone know if the platelet donation follows the same restrictions?

Jnealon

Some of your questions may be answered here
If you are unsure about anything give them a ring

TheRoadRunner

Well I have no excuse now. The mobile clinic is going to be close to me for all of next week so I'm going to make sure I donate.