Passing out is just a drop in blood pressure. You can actually raise your blood pressure immediately. Cross your legs and squeeze, while at the same time tightening your stomach muscles. I have personally used this technique while donating plasma and it always works.
Wow that's really interesting! I hope I never have an experience again where I'd have to try this, but I'm very curious to see if it would help me like it's helped you!
I donated whole blood for the first time a few weeks ago. Everything went well until towards the very end. Suddenly I felt light headed and vision got darker, I started feeling warm and sweaty, nauseas, I felt a panic attack starting. I told the staff I wasn't feeling so well and they immediately reclined me so my head laying flat while my legs were elevated and placed ice packs on my back and chest. I didn't faint but was on the verge of fainting. This was a very scary experience for me and hope it won't discourage me to donate in the future. I did everything right which was puzzling. My iron checked out good, I had protein, I stayed hydrated, I had breakfast and ate right before and during, my blood pressure was even slightly elevated.. probably because I was a little anxious, but I don't have a fear of needles or blood
This happened to me my first time. I think every time this happens is because the plasma centers do not have good staff trained to calculate the amount of plasma that is healthy enough to take. It should never be above 800, they always take 880 from me saying it’s my weight but they should use BMI. They also ignore the warnings like especially for me the machine has indicated multiple times that they should stop but they continue. And I have lost 8 pounds and I’ve calculated they should be taking 80ml less because of that weight loss. They are just greedy.
@user-lj3pz8jd6r oh wow, yeah maybe that is what happened to me because I remember them saying that it takes 10 minutes in total. And then I remember them saying I'm 8 minutes in and almost done, then minutes flew by and I was still hooked up and that's when I started feeling ill.
This has happened to me every other time I donated, I couldn't figure out what was going on, turned out my blood pressure was so low because I was too relaxed. I stopped watching movies and started doing stuff that "keeps me awake". No issues since
half way into it i passed out and i ended up embarrassing myself now i'm searching if i'm not the only one so i feel less ashamed happened just one hour ago xd
You’re definitely not the only one! It happens to the best of us, sometimes regardless of preparation. I feel you though, it’s embarrassing to draw people’s attention when you need help.
@@micaelagarcia3251 i have no idea maybe because i didn't get much sleep i was joking around with the nurses until i got dizzy . The worst part is that wanted to help someone here we donate blood and plasma for free so when you fail halfway into helping someone sucks
I've been donating plasma since December, today was the first time I passed out and threw up during the process. I felt very clammy and dizzy but someone noticed that I looked pale and got a technician, I was on my last cycle, they flushed me . I felt better.
So today I donated plasma everything that you're describing happy to me but it was my fault because I ate four hours prior to turn it in and they asked me when was the last time I ate I told him 8 a.m. and I was at the center at 11:45 a.m. they told me next time I have to eat a good meal and drink lots of water they even gave me a list of foods that I should be eating that have high protein and stuff like that
I was perfectly fine through my first 14 donations. During my 15th, on the second or third cycle, I was trying to write something on my cellphone, and suddenly got dizzy with my eyes jerking around, and felt like i might pass out. I decided I had been looking down so much, my blood might have been constricted going to my brain. I looked up, breathed deeply, and prayed. Within a minute, i returned to normal. Now I don't look down or try to write in my mobile. I look up, breathe and pray for the recipients of the plasma.
I've had "reactions" a few times, my cause is always the very end when your blood volume is at its lowest, as soon as the saline starts I feel perfectly fine. It is a bit scary but for the most part, for me, there's absolutely nothing I can do to avoid it happening short of just not donating so for me it is just a chance in part of the process. I've never been under hydrated, needed more than 1 bag of saline and I always eat within an hour before going in. It also helps to eat a small snack & bottle of water on the way to AND from donating. I bring water & a peanut butter sandwich I eat on the way there & back home. It helps a lot. I've never bled after being bandaged but I have had the bandage put on so tight my hand went numb... I ask them to X the bandage now because it's a problem for me.
Some advice from an avid almost pass outer, keep moving your feet, I found out that the reason I kept feeling faint was because I was too relaxed, my heart rate was too low
Update.. I've donated 3 more times since this post and have had no issues. My issue was dehydration. I also noticed I donate much faster when properly hydrated. It's almost a chore to drink as much water in a day as recommended but it's noticeable in terms of doing plasma donations.
I agree, it is the psychological feeling of lost control that can trigger a bunch of reactions, fainting, puking, etc. I had this happen the very first time I did plasma donation (at a blood clinic, not a plasma center). It wasn't the plasma loss. It was combined a new inexperienced phleb, a new machine that was not set up right, and a moment when no phlebs were in the bay, I fainted, then afterwards puked. After that, I never got sick again.
Hi Zach! Thank you for all of your amazing information. I have now been donating for a month. Towards the end of donating I start to see stars but I feel fine. Have you ever seen stars while donating? I drink lots of water and an ensure before I go in.
You’re welcome! 😊 I have definitely felt lightheaded before and in particularly bad cases I’ve felt sick, but I don’t think I’ve seen stars! It could just be that each person reacts differently. It sounds like you are preparing well! How’s your protein consumption?
I donated splasma today and I passed out my blood pressure dropped was very pail and I ended up vomiting on myself i was so ashamed and embarrassed of the whole situation it's weird that this happened to me because I have donated splasma before and this never happened to me before.I was told that it was due to me getting dehydrated from not drinking sufficient fluids before my appointment.
Oh man that’s terrible! I’m sorry to hear that. They could be right, but it’s hard to say exactly why your body reacted that way, especially since you’ve donated before…
I don’t know a lot about dialysis but it seems like a pretty similar process! The needle sizes are about the same, 17g for plasma and 16g for dialysis according to Google. So yeah I think just based on having a decent sized needle in your vein there is a risk for bleeding through if the bandage isn’t tight enough!
I've done this many times over the years. I've also gone years without doing it. I'm now 67 years old. And still healthy. Heat here is in the 90's and 100's now. So I'm not so sure. Convince me?
Honestly I’m at the point where I don’t know if I’m for it or against it. I think it just depends on your personal situation whether or not it makes sense. For me it doesn’t make sense right now so I’m not currently donating.
@@zach_in_black i donated whole blood several times with no noticeable side effects, then one time i almost passed out a hour later and then recovered but i was very weak for the rest of the day
@@Jimmyhaflinger oh dang that’s scary! 😬 yeah it’s not bad most of the time but when you have an experience like that it can ruin the whole thing for you.
@@Mikemathews33 well they ask you if you’ve donated at another center since the last time you donated there, so you’d have to lie during the screening… I’m not sure what would happen but people are already concerned twice a week is bad for you, so 3 times can’t be healthy. I would guess you’d get deferred, maybe permanently
@@Mikemathews33 I wouldn’t, and I probably couldn’t even if I wanted to. It definitely takes your body time to recover and it would be really difficult to workout after. I’ve worked out before and it’s been fine though, as long as I had enough of a break for my heart rate to settle.
Passing out is just a drop in blood pressure. You can actually raise your blood pressure immediately. Cross your legs and squeeze, while at the same time tightening your stomach muscles. I have personally used this technique while donating plasma and it always works.
Wow that's really interesting! I hope I never have an experience again where I'd have to try this, but I'm very curious to see if it would help me like it's helped you!
I donated whole blood for the first time a few weeks ago. Everything went well until towards the very end. Suddenly I felt light headed and vision got darker, I started feeling warm and sweaty, nauseas, I felt a panic attack starting. I told the staff I wasn't feeling so well and they immediately reclined me so my head laying flat while my legs were elevated and placed ice packs on my back and chest. I didn't faint but was on the verge of fainting. This was a very scary experience for me and hope it won't discourage me to donate in the future. I did everything right which was puzzling. My iron checked out good, I had protein, I stayed hydrated, I had breakfast and ate right before and during, my blood pressure was even slightly elevated.. probably because I was a little anxious, but I don't have a fear of needles or blood
That’s happened to me a hand-full of times. It’s the worst!
This happened to me my first time. I think every time this happens is because the plasma centers do not have good staff trained to calculate the amount of plasma that is healthy enough to take. It should never be above 800, they always take 880 from me saying it’s my weight but they should use BMI. They also ignore the warnings like especially for me the machine has indicated multiple times that they should stop but they continue. And I have lost 8 pounds and I’ve calculated they should be taking 80ml less because of that weight loss. They are just greedy.
@user-lj3pz8jd6r oh wow, yeah maybe that is what happened to me because I remember them saying that it takes 10 minutes in total. And then I remember them saying I'm 8 minutes in and almost done, then minutes flew by and I was still hooked up and that's when I started feeling ill.
This is exactly what happened to me this morning during my 5th time donating. I’ll take a break and go back in September.
This has happened to me every other time I donated, I couldn't figure out what was going on, turned out my blood pressure was so low because I was too relaxed. I stopped watching movies and started doing stuff that "keeps me awake". No issues since
half way into it i passed out and i ended up embarrassing myself now i'm searching if i'm not the only one so i feel less ashamed happened just one hour ago xd
You’re definitely not the only one! It happens to the best of us, sometimes regardless of preparation. I feel you though, it’s embarrassing to draw people’s attention when you need help.
It’s not your fault. I’ve never passed out in my life. We’re you nervous or why did u pass out?
@@micaelagarcia3251 i have no idea maybe because i didn't get much sleep i was joking around with the nurses until i got dizzy . The worst part is that wanted to help someone here we donate blood and plasma for free so when you fail halfway into helping someone sucks
I've been donating plasma since December, today was the first time I passed out and threw up during the process. I felt very clammy and dizzy but someone noticed that I looked pale and got a technician, I was on my last cycle, they flushed me . I felt better.
Oh dang that’s terrible! I’m glad they got you taken care of. Are you going to go back?
My blood pressure dropped severely low at the last cycle. I was burning up, looked ghostly and had a queasy tummy. I’ve been deferred for some time.
I have my second visit on Tuesday and you have no idea how your videos have helped me through the process! Thanks!!!
I’m so glad! Good luck! I hope this time goes better for you.
@@zach_in_black I will for sure let ya know and thank you!
He is giving his experience and tips on how to avoid passing out
I donated blood a few times a year, but I sure wouldn't try to make a career out of it and sacrifice my health
So today I donated plasma everything that you're describing happy to me but it was my fault because I ate four hours prior to turn it in and they asked me when was the last time I ate I told him 8 a.m. and I was at the center at 11:45 a.m. they told me next time I have to eat a good meal and drink lots of water they even gave me a list of foods that I should be eating that have high protein and stuff like that
Ah dang that sucks. Yeah it’s surprising how much stuff like that can make a difference!
I was perfectly fine through my first 14 donations. During my 15th, on the second or third cycle, I was trying to write something on my cellphone, and suddenly got dizzy with my eyes jerking around, and felt like i might pass out. I decided I had been looking down so much, my blood might have been constricted going to my brain. I looked up, breathed deeply, and prayed. Within a minute, i returned to normal. Now I don't look down or try to write in my mobile. I look up, breathe and pray for the recipients of the plasma.
@@asinheaven oh man! Feeling like you’re going to pass out is awful. I’m glad you found a strategy that works better for you 👍
I've had "reactions" a few times, my cause is always the very end when your blood volume is at its lowest, as soon as the saline starts I feel perfectly fine. It is a bit scary but for the most part, for me, there's absolutely nothing I can do to avoid it happening short of just not donating so for me it is just a chance in part of the process. I've never been under hydrated, needed more than 1 bag of saline and I always eat within an hour before going in. It also helps to eat a small snack & bottle of water on the way to AND from donating. I bring water & a peanut butter sandwich I eat on the way there & back home. It helps a lot.
I've never bled after being bandaged but I have had the bandage put on so tight my hand went numb... I ask them to X the bandage now because it's a problem for me.
Good advice! Yeah that’s true, it’s just an unfortunate possible side effect of donating.
I always bleed alot, haha. I am just a bleeder.
Don’t get stabbed walking out. With low plasma you will bleed out before the ambulance can get you to,the hospital.
@@danielstevenson1250 solid advice!
This exact thing happened to me donating my first time this week. Scared to try again.
@@adamsmith583 dang it I’m sorry, that really sucks. I don’t blame you!
Some advice from an avid almost pass outer, keep moving your feet, I found out that the reason I kept feeling faint was because I was too relaxed, my heart rate was too low
@@corawaggoner3116 Good to know, thanks for sharing!
Update.. I've donated 3 more times since this post and have had no issues. My issue was dehydration. I also noticed I donate much faster when properly hydrated. It's almost a chore to drink as much water in a day as recommended but it's noticeable in terms of doing plasma donations.
@ thanks for the update! Glad to know it’s going well for you now.
I agree, it is the psychological feeling of lost control that can trigger a bunch of reactions, fainting, puking, etc. I had this happen the very first time I did plasma donation (at a blood clinic, not a plasma center). It wasn't the plasma loss. It was combined a new inexperienced phleb, a new machine that was not set up right, and a moment when no phlebs were in the bay, I fainted, then afterwards puked. After that, I never got sick again.
@@DDeden oh man that’s terrible! 😫 I’m glad you’ve been good since though.
@@zach_in_black I had thought the machine was sucking out my blood, and it was beeping & lit up, a little too exciting & spooky for a newbie.
@@DDeden haha yeah fair enough!
Hi Zach! Thank you for all of your amazing information. I have now been donating for a month. Towards the end of donating I start to see stars but I feel fine. Have you ever seen stars while donating? I drink lots of water and an ensure before I go in.
You’re welcome! 😊 I have definitely felt lightheaded before and in particularly bad cases I’ve felt sick, but I don’t think I’ve seen stars! It could just be that each person reacts differently. It sounds like you are preparing well! How’s your protein consumption?
Chew 3 or 4 Tums before sitting in the chair. You also don't have to pump as fast as they want you to. Slow down if you feel weak.
I’ve heard that! Interesting. Thanks for the tip!
I donated splasma today and I passed out my blood pressure dropped was very pail and I ended up vomiting on myself i was so ashamed and embarrassed of the whole situation it's weird that this happened to me because I have donated splasma before and this never happened to me before.I was told that it was due to me getting dehydrated from not drinking sufficient fluids before my appointment.
Oh man that’s terrible! I’m sorry to hear that. They could be right, but it’s hard to say exactly why your body reacted that way, especially since you’ve donated before…
I got 330ml out of 777 and almost fainted, they had to lay me down and end the process.
I was so disappointed, I really want to try again
@@TomWilding1 dang I’m sorry, that’s no fun.
I almost passed out bad bad after 5 min of being hooked up
@@joshuagrose-borton3736 oh dang! Did you finish the donation okay?
This sounds like Dialysis patients doing the treatment the way they bleed sometimes. Is this similar to donating.
I don’t know a lot about dialysis but it seems like a pretty similar process! The needle sizes are about the same, 17g for plasma and 16g for dialysis according to Google. So yeah I think just based on having a decent sized needle in your vein there is a risk for bleeding through if the bandage isn’t tight enough!
It's very different from dialysis but the reactions are similar. I worked as a CCHT and at a plasma center
Tomorrow is my first time donating any advice that is super important to do?
Just make sure to hydrate well and eat before you go! I wouldn’t stress too much, it should be just fine. 😊 good luck!
@@zach_in_black thank you! And why when I’m trying to drink more water I just keep avoiding it.
@@micaelagarcia3251 yeah for some reason it’s kind of hard to drink enough water honestly!
I've done this many times over the years. I've also gone years without doing it. I'm now 67 years old. And still healthy. Heat here is in the 90's and 100's now. So I'm not so sure. Convince me?
Honestly I’m at the point where I don’t know if I’m for it or against it. I think it just depends on your personal situation whether or not it makes sense. For me it doesn’t make sense right now so I’m not currently donating.
have you also donated whole blood?
I have. That’s definitely a process that takes more time to recover from!
@@zach_in_black i donated whole blood several times with no noticeable side effects, then one time i almost passed out a hour later and then recovered but i was very weak for the rest of the day
@@Jimmyhaflinger oh dang that’s scary! 😬 yeah it’s not bad most of the time but when you have an experience like that it can ruin the whole thing for you.
I’m going to donate 3 times next week. Mon,wed and fri at 2 different locations. What will happen if I get caught?
@@Mikemathews33 well they ask you if you’ve donated at another center since the last time you donated there, so you’d have to lie during the screening… I’m not sure what would happen but people are already concerned twice a week is bad for you, so 3 times can’t be healthy. I would guess you’d get deferred, maybe permanently
I donated atleast 30 times ive been fine
Nice! Glad it’s gone well for you.
Can I workout after
@@Mikemathews33 I wouldn’t, and I probably couldn’t even if I wanted to. It definitely takes your body time to recover and it would be really difficult to workout after. I’ve worked out before and it’s been fine though, as long as I had enough of a break for my heart rate to settle.
That's scary
You're giving medical advice. Big mistake
Sounds like he lying