Problem donating blood today...

[Guest guest]

So... It's been about a year since I donated blood and I decided to

go today, because the mobile blood unit was close to my house at the

hospital. (I think it's good to periodically donate blood to get rid

of some of the toxins/old blood and force the body to make some

new!) Perhaps it dilutes any toxins or something?

Also, it's a good way for a free cholesterol test and bloodpressure

check.

My BP was 134/84 (always a little high around white coats!). All

I've had today was egg drink for breakfast, egg drink for lunch and 2

electrolyte drinks. (One of them 30 minutes before going to donate

blood).

My veins were constricted, and the lady couldn't tap one in my right

arm. I think she probably didn't really know what she was doing.

Then they tried the left arm... she poked and prodded and finally

found it, and the bag started filling up. But then it just petered-

out after filling about 25%. I ended up wasting over an hour of my

time, because they couldn't use my blood today.

I asked what the problem is, because I usually gush blood out pretty

fast. She said perhaps I didn't eat enough or drink enough water

today. What are your thoughts, Bee or other experts? Am I

dehydrated or something? Or, maybe the technician just wasn't good

at tapping veins???

I haven't seen this issue addressed on here before.

Thanks!

Doug

[Guest guest]

>

> So... It's been about a year since I donated blood and I decided to

> go today, because the mobile blood unit was close to my house at

the

> hospital. (I think it's good to periodically donate blood to get

rid

> of some of the toxins/old blood and force the body to make some

> new!) Perhaps it dilutes any toxins or something?

>

> Also, it's a good way for a free cholesterol test and bloodpressure

> check.

>

> My BP was 134/84 (always a little high around white coats!). All

> I've had today was egg drink for breakfast, egg drink for lunch and

2

> electrolyte drinks. (One of them 30 minutes before going to donate

> blood).

>

> My veins were constricted, and the lady couldn't tap one in my

right

> arm. I think she probably didn't really know what she was doing.

> Then they tried the left arm... she poked and prodded and finally

> found it, and the bag started filling up. But then it just petered-

> out after filling about 25%. I ended up wasting over an hour of my

> time, because they couldn't use my blood today.

>

> I asked what the problem is, because I usually gush blood out

pretty

> fast. She said perhaps I didn't eat enough or drink enough water

> today. What are your thoughts, Bee or other experts? Am I

> dehydrated or something? Or, maybe the technician just wasn't good

> at tapping veins???

>

> I haven't seen this issue addressed on here before.

==>Hi Doug. It is a very interesting question that I'm afraid I

cannot answer. I do not believe it was because you were dehydrated.

The veins in my arms have always caused problems for lab

technicians. Now I know enough to tell them to take it out of my

hand, using a child's tiny needle and a child's vaccuum vial (it

doesn't suck as fast). It takes longer but I have time. It is

better than having them poke around so much causing bruising, pain,

and anxiety. Needless to say I avoid giving blood samples like the

plague! I can't be a blood donor because I had rheumatic fever when

I was 18.

I wouldn't be concerned about it Doug. Many changes are going on in

your body, and I believe our bodies " know what they are doing " and we

are better off not questioning it when we are treating it right!

Bee