Brent Finnegan -- November 12th, 2007
From WBOP/WSIG News: “According to witnesses a silver Volkswagen beetle swerved into on-coming traffic, crashing into a black Jeep [on JMU campus...] It is believed the unidentified victim had just donated blood, although it hasn’t been determined if that was a contributing factor.”
I’ve heard of slight dizziness after giving blood, but I didn’t think it was enough to make you pass out.
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Really depends on the person. Some people feel pretty weak and dizzy after it, but generally the person drawing the blood has you sit there for a while if that’s the case. Could be an excuse, could be the truth.
When I was about 5yo, my mom passed out after giving blood at RMH. This happened while we were standing in line at the McDonald’s on Carlton Street (remember the old one, pre-fire?). It was a very traumatic experience! :-)
I give blood at least four time a year at RMH and have never experienced this. I usually go with my mother and friends. But that is us, your milege may vary.You are given a drink and snack. They usually monitor donors pretty well before letting you leave the donor room. Going to donate tonight, I’ll let you all know if something out of the ordinary happens. ;-)
I’ve never been able to donate a full bag of blood. Every time I get halfway threw I pass out, and apparently they can’t use a half full bag.
My experience is similar to MF – I’d love to give blood, but I tried before and got super-dizzy and had to stop before the bag was full, and they won’t use a partial bag (which doesn’t make sense, since I could go in on several occasions and give half-bags to be utilized together later on). The same thing happened when I was going to participate in a medical study and didn’t know that “drawing blood” in the participation description meant they were going to try to fill enough little vials to compete with the amount you give when donating! I do think they were able to use my partial contribution, though.
It really does depend on the person. I’ve given both blood and plasma regularly for about 6 years. I’ve never had a problem but in that time I’ve weighed 180-200 pounds.
My older brother who is about 20-30 pounds lighter and never gives blood once passed out from blood tests that took significantly less than is taken in a blood donation.
Everyone’s body reacts differently to losing blood. The weight of a person helps determine how they will handle it, but is not a sure thing. If you’re giving for the first time it is a good idea to have someone with experience come with you and/or have a ride home.
The amount of food a person digests before giving blood is a huge factor too. If you’re donating eat a big breakfast! Don’t let this scare you though, giving blood is a great thing to do, both for the recipient and your own health.
Back in 1986, I took as a challenge the statement from the Red Cross that I might get lightheaded after donating. I was at VA Tech at the time. After a cookie, I smoked a cigarette and ran across campus. Never got lightheaded, but definitely winded. I quit smoking about ten years later, but still give blood occasionally.
Yeah, I definitely don’t want to scare anyone into not giving blood. The news story says, “It is believed the unidentified victim had just donated blood, although it hasn’t been determined if that was a contributing factor.”
I’ve donated in the past, and encourage others to do the same.
There can also be a phsycological reaction, I have friends who pass out at the sight of their own blood or the discussion of losing blood. Weird, but definately in line with what other people say, it is unique to the individual.
Here’s a link to some of the benefits to giving blood (beyond the obvious humanitarian benefits).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_donation#Benefits
Tim
I’m at least one of your friends who passes out while giving. My father does too. I’m pretty sure it’s psycological but the genetic trace may contribute. Mine’s more needle related I think.
I have tried time after time to give blood….the hospital even calls me on occasion to donate since my blood type is the universal donor. I have always given a full bag, but I feel useless for a couple of days. Dizzy, yes. Very. They told me it had to do with my weight. About 115 lbs.