Quote Originally Posted by ny biker View Post
I've never done this, but I think I would like to.

How does it affect your ability to exercise -- short bike ride or other cardio, weight training, long bike ride -- and for how long?

Thanks
Haha, I bike home from the donor clinic (I usually walk the first half though, to make sure I'm not going to pass out). I weigh about 150. Last few times I've donated, I've had bad reactions - light headed, kind of feel like throwing up, ugh, it kind of sucks but I'm determined to stick it out and keep doing this. I've also had problems passing the finger-prick test - iron levels I think? My body has made it clear that it's better for me to wait a few weeks over the minimum before donating again, which they say is common for women.

Drink a lot of water before you go, the day before as well as day-of. Take it easy for a few days after, you can still do things but listen to your body and stop if you need to. Just don't make plans that might get you stuck in the middle of nowhere, and you'll be fine.

The reason I started donating again was I read a book called "Blood: the epic history of medicine and commerce". It's really good and it's still my favorite non-fiction book after all these years.