Throwing up after donating blood?

[moon]

My sister donated blood tonight. Shortly afterwars she felt really dizzy, and then she threw up. She had to sit on the pavement, and thought she'd pass out.

I can understand the dizzy after giving blood part, but I don't think it's normal to vomit afterwards. I'm worried.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Is she scared of needles?

My ex used to pass out and get really nauseated and sometimes threw up any time he had to get a shot or have blood drawn.

 

[moon]

Is she scared of needles?

My ex used to pass out and get really nauseated and sometimes threw up any time he had to get a shot or have blood drawn.

No, she isn't. She's never had a problen getting shots or giving blood before.

 

[mfd25wife]

I have been nauseated after donating blood and plateletts both. I have no fear of needles since I am used to them. I'm still not sure why it happens sometimes.

 

[moon]

I have been nauseated after donating blood and plateletts both. I have no fear of needles since I am used to them. I'm still not sure why it happens sometimes.

I'd only heard of light-headeness after giving blood, but I never knew of anyone throwing up afterwards, unless they are scared like ClarabelleCowFan's DH. I hope it just was a strong reaction and not anything serious.

 

[MushyMushy]

My DS was down for the count all night last night after giving blood! I can't believe it -- he's as healthy as a horse, but he fainted dead away halfway through it and they had a hard time bringing him around. He went to bed at 7:00 and slept all night long.

He did say that another kid was vomiting while he was there. So, fear or what I don't know.

 

[moon]

My DS was down for the count all night last night after giving blood! I can't believe it -- he's as healthy as a horse, but he fainted dead away halfway through it and they had a hard time bringing him around. He went to bed at 7:00 and slept all night long.

He did say that another kid was vomiting while he was there. So, fear or what I don't know.

How scary! At least she didn't faint. But we were worried because she felt AWFUL. Today she says she feels much better, but I don't know, it was a bizarre and strong reaction.

 

[Lintasare]

I used to give blood and I would get nauseous as well. A couple times I passed out cold. Sometimes I think it's a natural reaction to throwing up when you get nauseous. If she is feeling ok today then I wouldn't worry.

 

[Melmac]

I can't donate blood but every time I have it drawn for tests, I usually pass out and have thrown up a couple of times. I asked the nurse about it and she told me that it is does happen to some people but she was not sure why (I am not scared of needles). I found that I felt worse when I hadn't had much to eat that day. I usually do feel better the next day though. Hope she's feeling better soon.

 

[moon]

Yeah, she's feeling bettter today. She never eats much, so that may have been a factor.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I think that's why they give you something to eat and drink right after. They can give you something to hopefully ward off any queasiness, and it also allows them to keep you still for 15 minutes or so for observation; they don't want you don't faint or get sick on your way somewhere else.

 

[Jeninindy]

My sister donated blood tonight. Shortly afterwars she felt really dizzy, and then she threw up. She had to sit on the pavement, and thought she'd pass out.

I can understand the dizzy after giving blood part, but I don't think it's normal to vomit afterwards. I'm worried.

When someone donates blood, the circulating volume of blood is decreased. Your sister got dizzy afterwards because of what probably was a drop in her blood pressure - becoming nauseous during a drop in blood pressure is not usual.

From a Red Cross Information sheet:

"Dizziness, fainting and nausea are not uncommon post-donation
occurrences. When the body loses blood, the blood vessels constrict
to make up for the loss of blood. This keeps the blood pressure
normal. In some people, this process doesn’t compensate as well as
in others, and they become dizzy and lightheaded. Some people are
also prone to what is called a “vaso-vagal reaction.” These people
actually have their blood vessels relax rather than constrict during
blood donation, causing a drop in blood pressure."

 

[moon]

Iwasn't with her. She went by herself. I think they released her too soon. She felt sick while walking on the street. She went to a (losed) bank nearby and laid down on the sidewalk

I'm just thankful she wasn't driving!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I can't give blood, but I have thrown up after blacking out when getting up too quickly. This happened after losing blood once (from surgery when incision opened up), and just the other day after doing a colonoscopy prep. I got up too quick, blacked out and laid on the bathroom floor in a cold sweat, then later threw up. I think it was a vasovagal response. I was dehydrated. I have done this also when getting up too quickly from a deep sleep. Fun stuff! Glad she is ok.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Dizziness often leads to queasiness which leads to vomitting.

If she's concerned, call the number they give you after you've donated. They have nurses there to address the issue.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Iwasn't with her. She went by herself. I think they released her too soon. She felt sick while walking on the street. She went to a (losed) bank nearby and laid down on the sidewalk

I'm just thankful she wasn't driving!

No kidding! Oh my gosh, even just feeling so bad that she laid down on the sidewalk...!

 

[*Mommytobe22*]

I threw up after coming home from giving blood. I didn't eat before the blood drawing, (probably dumb decision) but, I'm pregnant, and I get nauses 24/7. Usually without throwing up. Should I be worried??

 

[bcla]

It happens rarely. Nausea happens less than 1% of the time.

Now I have seen the lightheaded part. Once I was getting ready to give blood when a woman passed out in the post-donation area. She just slumped over and her head rested on the table. People were asking her if she knew her name and one person apparently got her name wrong. I think she was just over the weight minimum.

 

[HM]

I felt so bad after the one time I gave blood, I had to lie down at the place for nearly two hours before I could get going again. If I get too dizzy, I get nauseous.

 

[bcla]

I felt so bad after the one time I gave blood, I had to lie down at the place for nearly two hours before I could get going again. If I get too dizzy, I get nauseous.

Once I gave blood in college and I rode my bike to school (about 5 miles and uphill going home) most days. So that day I asked if they thought it was a good idea, and was told it should be no problem if I took breaks off the bike. A lot of the route was uphill and I did feel more winded than usual. Probably should have reconsidered and just take the bus.