Blood Donation

My NUT told me not to be a donor anymore as it's hard enough for me to get all the nutrients I need.

I've donated twice and I am at 10.5 months. Once was 90 days ago, and then again yesterday. I had some similar symptoms last time and I increased my iron, liquids and protein until I felt better. Then this time, I bumped my iron about a week ago, and made sure to eat and drink enough before. I felt GREAT yesterday until I took a warm shower. That did me in for the rest of the night and now today I feel like I should have just stayed home from work.

With all that said, I had a follow up appointment at my surgeon's office shortly after the previous donation. I mentioned that I had been lightheaded and weak following the donation and that I had used the iron supplement to help. All I was told is that it can also make me dehydrated so if I am donating, I must drink almost an extra day's worth of liquids that day. They did not suggest waiting or verifying my iron levels per lab work... I even mentioned that my iron level at the time of donation was 14.5 - and nothing was said about it being a different type of iron test! I think I may talk to them again before I donate next time, or just start scheduling my donations for Fridays so I can sleep in the next day!

I love blood donors! Six selfless strangers saved my life immediately following my RNY (thanks to the Lovenox shot causing me to hemorrhage) and I wish I could thank them! That said, I researched donation in the future for donating blood myself, and I believe the only way I would do it and not be concerned about jeopardizing my health would be after having a FULL set of labs and my surgeon's approval. I am only 2 months from surgery anyway, and can't donate for 10 more months just because of the transfusions. I'm not sure I will ever donate again, but my husband and sons will continue to. Perhaps you can find another way to help others that won't compromise your own health.