Blood donation before a big ride?

[enzed]

Hi everybody.

Just 1 hour ago, I did my every 10 weeks blood donation.
The rule is everybody needs to get weighed before donating - and as usual I'm in the 72-74Kg range.
My blood preasure was fine, but my iron count isn't that high - me thinks it has something to do with my "monthlies" due soon.
It took around 9mins to fill the "blood bag", not my fastest time. Oh well, next time I'll be faster.

Each time I keep doing it, the easier it seems to get. I can watch the bag fill up with blood & not get quesey.

Would I do long ride tomorrow? - Probably not. But i should be okay for Friday.

Happy riding

[Aquila]

Way to go, Enzed!

[enzed]

Thanks for that - it's nothing special really. My left arm just happens to be a "good bleeder" when it comes to giving blood.

This time around I was that close to failing the iron count test. I was tested 3 times (106/116/124). If the iron count is below 120, you get banned from donating for 3 months.
And to top it all off, my left arm is still a bit sore - that would have something to do with the fact that it took 2 tries to hit the blood vessel with the needle.

I've even managed to get a freind to start doing it. I went with them their first time & they ended up getting light-headed & nearly fainted.

Happy blood donating

[bmccasland]

And to help your (our) iron count, don't forget to eat raisins and/or green leafy vegetables. There are other food sources, but those two are my favorites, ones I'll actually eat.

I'll be donating tomorrow.

[Rumblefish]

And to help your (our) iron count, don't forget to eat raisins and/or green leafy vegetables.

I love spinach, and it's my best friend before donation time.....I skimped on it the one time and my iron was too low and was banned from donating for 3 months like Enzed said they do to you. (I was super disappointed too I seem to get a bizarre pleasure out of donating )

It's great to hear about all of you who donate as well!