Is it ok to donate blood?

Hi!

My church is doing a big blood drive and I needed a little advice. I am 5'4.5 and around 110 pounds. The information sheet listed that you need to be at least 110 pounds to donate. Do you think I will be ok since I am on the line? (or will I get really dizzy and pass out?)

I was going to go with the fact that most likely, I would be fine as long as I had a big lunch. Any ideas?

Maggie

I asked a similar question a couple of days ago.  (see next post)

ETA: The consensus seemed to be that I could give blood if I planned ahead (eating the right things at the right times beforehand), but if you feel questionable about it, don't do it, or at least talk it out with the volunteers there.

http://caloriecount.about.com/donating-blood- weight-loss-ft116629

I would try your luck if you do not have a blood disorder or similar. You'll find out if you can or can't at the drive. Eat a good breakfast, a good lunch and take a banana with you to eat afterwards, they help with dizziness.

They will weigh you there if you look questionable. And if you're too light, they won't let you. But just because you're under 110 or over 110 won't guarantee anything. I was around 195 or something like that the first time I gave blood, and I had eaten recently and everything, and I passed out on my way to the snack table afterwards. Whereas some of my friends who are like 115 were completely fine.

But yah. They'll weigh you at the drive.

If you really want to donate and you are right on the verge of the weight limit, eat a bunch beforehand and don't mention your weight.

I tried to donate about 3 weeks ago weighing 109. I didn't know what would happen to me if I didn't weight exactly 110 so I asked. They wouldn't let me donate. Plus, they said, "we need to know exactly how much you weigh when you're naked."

On the flip side of this, Victoria is right. I donated about 3 months ago when I did weigh enough and passed out in the middle of it. That's why I say eat a bunch beforehand; when they take that much blood, your blood sugar level will drop quickly (as they later explained) and this is what makes you pass out.

my doctor said it's better for women NOT to, since we lose a lot if iron every month already because of our «visitor».  but doctors are always conflicting on these kinds of things, and ppl always need blood.  so if youR'e iron-deficient, even slightly, then for sure don't do it.  but as long as you make sure to eat a good breakfast and aren't borderline/are underweight, go for it!

my doctor said it's better for women NOT to, since we lose a lot if iron every month already because of our «visitor».  but doctors are always conflicting on these kinds of things, and ppl always need blood.  so if youR'e iron-deficient, even slightly, then for sure don't do it.  but as long as you make sure to eat a good breakfast and aren't borderline/are underweight, go for it!

Thanks for all the replies! I think I will try it (it is Saturday) and will eat a big breakfast before I go!

I work in a lab and I donate every 56 days.  You will be just fine as long as you eat a good brakfast, lunch and drink plenty of WATER.  People pass out for many different reasons, not just because of their weight.  Just remember you are going to save at least 3 lives when you donate, and you get an awesome shirt!

I've done it 3 or 4 times and have gone all dizzy and sick every time. They had to lie me down and put a fan on me. It was so embarrassing. It doesn't put me off doing it though, but they said I've not to come back for 2 years

I was various weights when doing it so I don't think it made much difference in my case, also I had plenty to eat and drink. The frustrating thing is, I know its all psycological!! As soon as I see the needle or she starts wiping my arm with the cleaning swab thing, I start feeling awful! I don't know how to get over it!

I agree with those who say go for it. I think it really depends on the individual as far as whether you'll have any trouble. I personally have donated many times and never felt at all light-headed, and some of those times I weighed under 110 and hadn't eaten anything that day (not healthy, I know :/ ). So you can't know how you'll do till you try it. =)

Just wanted all you guys to know that I tried and they wouldn't let me because of my iron, not because of my weight!

Thanks for all the advice. I really was hoping it would work!

Maggie