Donating Blood...
 

Hey guys,

My wife and I were talking about this the other night. When you give blood would it not affect your workouts for a few days at least? I was saying that there would be an effect until all of the blood you donated was replenished. Blood volume and things like that related to losing blood. Am I wrong?

She told me to quit being so "selfish" b/c I didnt feel like giving blood b/c I thought/think that it affects my workouts.

I think it does for at least a few days or so... havent searched the net yet, b/c I like to ask for real input first!!

Thanks guys,

Kris.

I will affect your workouts for a couple of days.

I have given blood for 20 years and have noticed no ill affects other than my diminished mental capacity :)

Blood is like 98% water, so the actual volume is replaced within hours. The red blood cells are replenished within a couple of days.

My father has also been donating for nearly 15 years and doesn't experience any bad side effects in his demanding work what so ever... I think that your body will get used to the sudden loss of blood really quick if you should decide to start donate regularly.

Don't be a wuss. Donating blood will affect your workout maybe a few days, but you only donate every 56, so that is 53 days where you are unaffected. Each time you donate you could be potentially saving 3 lives. Be a hero and go to the blood services center.

Thanks guys,

Got the input I was looking for! Few days I can handle.

Later Guys and Gals.

I keep getting tattoos, and they won't let me give blood for a year afterwards... I mean, COME ON, it's not like I'm getting them done in Singapore.

I tried to give blood today, and apparently my viens are too small and my bones are too big and my blood didn't "flow" at all, so they had to stop taking and it was all for nothing. But nevertheless, my arm is killing me, and this might just be because of all the twisting they did to try to get the blood out, but I can hardly hold a glass of water in that hand.
I had two of my guy friends give with me and one of them was absolutely fine to run a few hours later and the other felt dizzy and weak. I guess you never know.

I've tried to give blood but it was unsuccessful. As soon as they start taking the blood my bp drops and I begin to pass out. This always happens with blood tests too. I've never heard of this happening to anyone else. I'm in perfect health to ... its just a weird freak thing i guess.

Nah, this happens to LOTS of people.... my best friend faints every time. In fact, wherever you have to get blood taken, it's pretty standard that they ask you if you need to lie down while they're doing it because so many people faint (although most places I've been have NOT been very good at remembering this).

it takes a number of days to a week to replenish depending on a number of factors. The body almost instantly replensihes the lost amount of total blood fluid with water (i.e. plasma) then through hormonal regulation, increases the amount of RBC until previous levels are reached.

As stated above, many find the post-dracula experience varied.

Remember that the aerobic capicity of the body is DIRECTLY proportional to the blood volume that you have. So until the hematocrit or red cell part is replenished, your maximal effort level theoretically should not be attainable. This does not mean to not train, just dont expect and personal max-effort bests within 48 hours.

I moved to Canada 6 years ago from the UK and I'm not allowed to give blood here.... ever. I might have mad cows disease!!!

Its stupid because I'm A-Neg and I feel its important to donate... oh well.

Thanks for the reminder, my 'down period' is done. Gotta find another local blood drive...