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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 937
  
| Who all has donated plasma before and what was your experience like?
Was it very painful? Did it make you sick? I am considering doing this but am a little reserved as I have had a few bad experiences with just regular blood donations. |
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 Cinnamon Honey One
Posts: 6549
 
Location: between here and there | I give blood regularly. I tried it about 2 yrs. ago. No more painful than the regular giving for me. I was almost done - visual looked like the bag was full, but it wasn't 100%. I started getting nauseous, like bad nauseous, dizzy and broke out in a sweat. They had to stop. They gave me fluids and after about 5 minutes I was ok again. Went home after a small amount of eating and threw up. Felt icky the rest of the day. Never had an experience like that and won't do it again. Now, that said, I've seen others go thru just fine and know some that do it on occasion without issues. Good luck whatever you decide! |
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Veteran
Posts: 278
Location: Whitney, NE | I worked at a Biolife donation center while I was in college. Typically the phlebotomists who work at a plasma center stick 50+ people A DAY, vs. the phlebs at a blood bank or dr's office who do 10+. This means they are typically good at their job and don't usually have trouble. That being said, if you are nervous, ask for one of the managers or most experienced phlebs. That way you can be confident they will do a good job. If you do have a reaction, they will immediately have a nurse help you and they have good protocols to get you through it. I couldn't donate because I worked there, but always wished I could. Easy way to get a little extra cash! |
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  Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4557
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | No coffee eat lots of fruit and veggies drink a cup of water every hour. The first time made me very sick and usually the first time is the worst for most people. Refer to the first sentence. I just gave today and I basicly was just tired of being still. If you have orange juice after you give it sets you back to normal quickly. Be sure to eat 2-3 hours before going in and lots of water. They weigh you, take your temperture and test your blood for protein, if it is above 9 points, they won't let you donate that day but you can come back the next day and try again. Only the very good ones will poke you with the needle. I have never been poked more than once each time I went in. If you do as I have mentioned, you shouldn't have any problems. Key words EAT before,DRINK lots. No coffee, tea, sodas, 48 hours before. |
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 Veteran
Posts: 173
Location: Wyoming- where its always windy! | I have donated for a long time... I recommend going in the late afternoon or evenings when you have had a few meals and plenty of time to drink water. You want to eat a good meal a few hours before and then something with carbs immediately before you go. Avoid fattening food before donating as well, if your lipids are too high they can refuse you for that day. And drink a ton of water, I usually go for at least 64 oz spread out during the day and another 12-16 chug right before. It's not scientific by any means but if I'm peeing very frequently and my urine is crystal clear, I'm good to go. It makes your donation go faster and less side effects if you are well hydrated. If you are afraid of needles or can't stand the sight of blood it might not be for you as they stick you with a 16 gauge needle that stays Iin your arm during the entire donation. You will figure out what works for you, some people tolerate it, some don't |
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