Going to donate some life juice today.

"Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell." (oppisitelock)
06/08/2015 at 05:14 • Filed to: None

Anyone here know if I’ll be safe to drive home? I’m not squeamish or anything but some tell me you get a little woozy afterwards, others tell me they were completely fine though.

DISCUSSION (16)

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 06:10

I think you can, but you ought to take an extended rest and eat more than what the hospital gives you after the donation so that you can replenish your blood and energy levels.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
06/08/2015 at 06:12

Eat more, I can certainly do that. In fact there’s an excellent pizza place nearby where I’m donating...

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 06:27

It really depends on the person, honestly. I’m a big guy and am not squeamish. But, giving blood somehow screws me up. My best advice is to take it slow when you sit up on the table, and take the time you need in the canteen area (where they give you drinks/snacks) until you’re sure you’re good. Also, don’t look at the blood as it’s being drawn out of your arm. For some reason, that screws a lot of people up. Assuming this is the same process as the Red Cross in America, the thing that will hurt the most will be when they prick your finger to check your iron level. The needle stick is nothing as compared to the finger prick.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
06/08/2015 at 06:53

I’m not sure how they do it here, it’s just done at a community centre not any kind of medical facility. But yeah I get that it affects people in different way, maybe I’ll just cycle there then I can walk my bike back or cycle if I feel okay. Like you say I’ll take my time and get a big lunch or something first.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 07:08

Don’t cycle there. They always say to avoid physical activity for the rest of the day. Walking might be okay. Honestly, it’s less physical to drive most likely. I donate about 4 times a year. And I’m always fine to drive home afterwards.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 07:17

They normally give you a glass of orange juice and a biscuit afterwards to build up your blood sugars again. It’s almost worth it just for that.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
06/08/2015 at 07:22

Ah okay, I was thinking it’d be okay to ride there and walk back. I’ll just take the car.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > 4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30
06/08/2015 at 07:22

Can’t turn down free juice and biscuits.

Mattbob > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 07:33

make sure you drink tons of water. If you eat and drink enough, just be sure you give yourself a couple hours before you drive to wait out any unexpected fainting.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mattbob
06/08/2015 at 07:36

Will do, I’ll go for something to eat after donating and chill out a bit before driving.

Mattbob > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 07:39

I think the drinking water before hand is the most important. If you are well hydrated it also makes it way easier for them to get the vein. Good luck! I used to donate a lot, but I got sick of the calls I kept getting from the red cross so I haven’t been donating out of protest.

Tohru > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 08:03

Make sure you have a good breakfast and drink lots of water before donating.

The time I did that, I was fine.

The time I didn’t, I barely made it to the bathroom in time to crap out everything I ate for the past three days. I also almost passed out on the crapper.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Tohru
06/08/2015 at 08:09

Thanks will do. An excuse to have a nice big bacon sandwich for lunch.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Mattbob
06/08/2015 at 08:15

I’ve filled up my 1.5 litre water bottle to finish off before I go. Haha we get loads of leaflets through the door about it, but they have to go on the offensive since we have a shortage of donors here.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
06/08/2015 at 08:15

You’re donating COCAINE? I’ll take some!

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/08/2015 at 08:17

I’m donating most drugs known to man all at once, since there’s so much in my blood at all times.