Donating Blood

[Jolt]

I have been donating blood on a regular basis since I was 18 - as in 40 years, wow. I did have some gaps but for the most part I try to donate at least 4 times a year.

I have always struggled with low Iron but the last ten years I have been pretty good, until this year. I should preface that I haven't had a blood panel done by my doctor but will do that this next month.

So went to give blood on January and my hematocrit level was to low for their standards. Then I was successful in April but feel pretty puny for about 48 hours. Yesterday I donated again. His first check of my hematocrit was low but then he tried again with the other hand and it was well within the acceptable range. But again, I now have very little energy despite drinking a ton of water before giving and throughout yesterday. Fell asleep at 8 pm last night.

Is it age? Anybody else go through this? My blood pressure is always on the low side - but that has been that way my entire life. Resting heart rate is typically somewhere in the 60's which isn't low.
And I should note I am not underweight (nor overweight)
Just curious if anyone else goes through this. Hoping to go out on the bike this morning, will see if I can make it over the hill

I usually feel kind of wiped the day I give blood too...that seems normal. I just do any exercise I want to do that day before going in to donate, and then usually take it easy for a day or two after because I do feel a difference. As far as low iron, do you take any iron supplements? I usually take iron (along with vitamin C, which helps with absorption of the iron) a couple times a day for a few weeks after giving blood, to help rebuild the red cells and replenish iron stores. So far my hemoglobin level at each donation appointment has been good, but I also have only been donating for a little over a year.

[lph]

I'm afraid I feel pretty wiped out for a week... Granted, not as bad all week, but I'v learned the hard way to really take it easy for the first few days, and gradually ease into activity again. Moving around slowly is fine, any energetic exercise and I hit the wall.