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Hypoglycaemia + blood donation

Hi, I'm going to give blood on Tuesday, but I'm wondering if theres something I should say to the nurse about how I've been feeling at work recently. As I am a waitress, I have to be on my feet constantly going about. I am not allowed to sit down for anything. During this time obviously I can't eat, and we only get orange cordial to drink. I find that after about two hours, I feel very heavy, lethargic and most of all, jittery. My hands start shaking, I slurr my words a lot so people can't understand me and I get breathless. It's only when I go get some some food or energy drink that I feel fine again. In the past I have nearly fainted after low blood pressure, you know when everything goes red and you feel sick. My blood pressure has been fine after each time its been checked so they haven't done anything for me. Is this hypoglycaemia, what I experience when I need sugar to feel ok again? I have 2 weeks left in my job but I think I will be taking an energy drink to work everyday until then, otherwise people think I'm drunk!

Reply 1

generalebriety

It sounds similar to hypoglycaemia, yes, but you should really go and see a doctor first... :s-smilie:

Reply 2

grammar_king

I really don't think this is the kind of thing you should be asking us about. Go see a doctor, ask him/her about the blood donation too, and then confirm what he/she says with the nurse when you go to give blood. They have a big book there that tells them everything they need to know about what they can/cannot accept.

Reply 3

abc101

Yay you for going to give blood :biggrin:

Well I don't think it's surprising that you get faint and dizzy if you're on your feet all day and not eating anything - take a banana with you to have a bite of to keep your blood sugar up and eat a good breakfast to keep you going.

When you go to give blood, ask the nurse who deals with your questionnaire if how you feel will prevent you giving blood (when you go, make sure you've had something substantial to eat and drink already). There's nothing in the questionnaire or the quiz on the internet to suggest you can't give blood, but it's best to ask when you go along on Tuesday just to be safe. And have your drink and biscuits afterwards! I was well impressed with their refreshments, not stingy with the biccies at all haha!

Reply 4

Riddy

I think its a case of your job and not eating regular, I feel like that and can't control the shaking if Ive not eaten sometimes. Other days I can go a long time without eating..depends on the day and how much energy im using up.

Reply 5

space hopper

they will interrogate you very carefully before you give blood, and if they are in any doubt they will not take it from you. Honestly they won't just get you in there and take blood straight away. There will be forms and questions, and I am sure that there will be a point at which it will be necessary to mention it. There is plenty of time to chat to them about it.