HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Hello, The Last Time I Donated Blood, I Ate A

default
Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2020
Question: Hello, the last time I donated blood, I ate a low fat breakfast prior to. All went well. I left the donation center, was eating some jelly beans, and did a little grocery shopping. As I stepped in the apt, I began to feel faint. I then began to throw up. I am non insulin dependent diabetic but had not taken metformin prior to donation. Never had after effects from donation until now. I’m scheduled to donate again but feeling nervous about it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
perhaps the effects of lower blood volume...

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

the donation itself does not have any side effects except the reduction of blood volume. In most individuals, this is not too much to bear with and it usually only causes minimal -if it does at all- symptoms. Perhaps your age and your history of diabetes have made your arteries less compliant which may translate into an exaggerated blood pressure reduction after losing some blood volume. The most common first manifestation of this disorder is orthostatic (postural) hypotension which may present as faintness, nausea, vomiting, etc, and - if the individual does not lie down immediately - even syncope.

The body usually corrects the low blood volume soon enough though. Prolonged symptoms would warrant a careful assessment of potential cardiovascular (ischemic) complications.

I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Kind Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3819 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Hello, The Last Time I Donated Blood, I Ate A

Brief Answer: perhaps the effects of lower blood volume... Detailed Answer: Hello, the donation itself does not have any side effects except the reduction of blood volume. In most individuals, this is not too much to bear with and it usually only causes minimal -if it does at all- symptoms. Perhaps your age and your history of diabetes have made your arteries less compliant which may translate into an exaggerated blood pressure reduction after losing some blood volume. The most common first manifestation of this disorder is orthostatic (postural) hypotension which may present as faintness, nausea, vomiting, etc, and - if the individual does not lie down immediately - even syncope. The body usually corrects the low blood volume soon enough though. Prolonged symptoms would warrant a careful assessment of potential cardiovascular (ischemic) complications. I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance. Kind Regards, Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist