Giving blood with anemia

[kimblebee]

I found out in October that I am anemic. I have to go for a blood test tomorrow and I am not sure if there is anything I have to do before I give blood. I am scared that I will get really dizzy or pass out. I didn't know I had anemia until I ended up in the hospital in October because I had a hemorrage. I feel fine since then and I do take iron pills every day. Should I tell the nurse before I give blood? Any insight will be appreciated.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

An average person has about eight pints of blood (128 ounces) in their system. When blood is drawn there is about one ounce per vial; most people have fewer than four ounces taken. It wil not have any effect. And normally that amount of blood is built back up within a day.

 

[WhatATreat]

I think they check the iron level before you start the actual process of giving blood. I couldn't give blood one year because they said my iron level was too low.

 

[kimblebee]

Thank you for that. Now that I see it written down it makes perfect sense and I should have thought of it myself.

 

[kimblebee]

I should have clarified. I'm not giving blood as in donating it. I have to do a blood test for my doctor.

 

[msjprincess]

I was anemic most of my adult life and I never had a problem with blood tests.

 

[Disney1fan2002]

I found out in October that I am anemic. I have to go for a blood test tomorrow and I am not sure if there is anything I have to do before I give blood. I am scared that I will get really dizzy or pass out. I didn't know I had anemia until I ended up in the hospital in October because I had a hemorrage. I feel fine since then and I do take iron pills every day. Should I tell the nurse before I give blood? Any insight will be appreciated.

If you are nervous that you may feel dizzy and/or faint, yes, please mention it to the nurse before she sticks you with the needle. If you can lay down while it is done, that will help. Being anemic should not make you dizzy or faint, but if it is a fasting blood tests, chances are good that you may. If you do not have to fast, then make sure you eat a balanced meal and drink lots of fluids. If it is a fasting blood test, please mention you are anemic and have fasted. They will probably get you in a supine position.

I am a phlebotomist, and have had more than my share of fainters. Lying down really really helps.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you are prone to passing out then inform the nurse that you need to lie down when giving blood. Don't jump up right away after getting your blood drawn, give yourself a few minutes to gain your composure.

Also make sure you are well hydrated and eat a little something beforehand and have a drink and snack to nibble on afterwards.

My 14yodd is a serious passer outer as she has vasovagal syncope (fancy word for passes out) and my dh has passed out as well. He woke up on the floor of the men's room with his pants down after getting his blood drawn.

He knows to take it slow and easy now.

 

[Gigi22]

OP, don't worry! It seems really counterintuitive, but as an anemia sufferer, you may be in for a series of blood tests over time. When I had anemia, my dr. had me go in for monthly blood tests so that he could monitor the effectiveness of the iron medication I was on. Chin up, this too will pass!

 

[*JoGo*]

I have had my blood drawn too many times in the past few years for me to even count... and 3 years ago, just reading this thread would've made me vomit.

but now i can fast, have my blood done, then go to work. it's taken me a LOOONNNGGG time to get here though! (but i still can't see the blood, ick)

when i first started having to have my bloodwork done, i would cry. i couldn't help it, i'd just cry quietly. and apologize profusely! it was so embarrassing. i also learned to take a bottle of juice with me and i'd tell the phlebotomist that i cry and i may pass out, also do NOT let me see the vials. i also made sure someone went with me, and i'd sit in the chair for at least 10min afterward. i had a FAB phlebotomist, she really helped me through it. my ins. doesn't cover her lab anymore though.

i'm not going to lie, it was terrible. one month i had my blood drawn 2x a week. my elbows were massive bruises. i called my husband sobbing that i could NOT do this any more, i didn't care what was wrong with me, i'd rather not know than get stuck again.

prepare yourself - take juice, a friend, and sit still afterwards.
good luck! trust me, if i can do it, you can too!

 

[LuLuO]

Just remember to breathe. It sounds so simple, but I tend to hold my breath when they take blood...lol and that can leave me lightheaded. I just stare at the wall and concentrate on breathing very evenly.