Blood donation and rebuilding blood supply

[Tap]

Boyfriend likes to donate blood every couple of months. The past few times he feels a bit weak for a few days after. I give him a good multivitamin, d/k, iron, b complex/c for a few days until he feels normal again. He already drinks a liquid IV every day . 

I am sure that there are better options… any suggestions? 
 

Next time I would like to preload him a bit to see if it helps. 

[Terabith]

I donate every 8 weeks, too.  I take D and a multivitamin daily.  I do have to deliberately up my hydration ideally the day before/ day of and then afterwards.  But a lot of times, I do feel a bit weaker for a couple days afterwards.  I noticed my workout was harder and I often get a couple of high heart rate notifications the day after.  

Sometimes we'll use it as an excuse to eat steak afterwards, but honestly my iron always tests great since my hysterectomy, even with all the blood donation, so I don't think that's really the issue.  The extra protein probably doesn't hurt.  

Mostly I just plan to take it a bit easy the day after.  Not like I'm sick or anything, but less intense exercise and try to go to bed a bit earlier.

[wintermom]

Water to hydrate is good, too. I see he's already taking electrolyte fluids.

My dh donates plasma regularly, and it doesn't drain the body in the same way. He bounces back quick. It may be an idea to alternate, or just go with plasma for a few months. 

Is he experiencing any additional symptoms that may also be causing him fatigue (e.g., illness, allergies, trouble sleeping)? 

[Ottakee]

We all donated today as well.  I am early 50s and so notice some effects.   I do hydrate well before and after and add electrolytes.   I also plan on taking it easy for a few days afterwards….no bike hikes, etc

[Terabith]

I've donated plasma and platelets exactly once each and shudder.  I absolutely hate how I feel with anything that circulates and goes back into my body.  It takes like three hours instead of the MAYBE one hour regular blood donation does (if I have to wait); both arms are out of commission; I get so cold, and it makes me feel shocky and weird.  I'm told that's because of having calcium depleted during the process.  I'm B positive, so they want me to donate platelets, I think it is, but I really have very little interest in doing that.  Also you have to go to the center where the parking is a nightmare and they only have shelf stable snacks, as opposed to donating at my church that hosts blood drives every eight weeks with delicious baked goods and deviled eggs.

[Tap]

6 hours ago, wintermom said:

Water to hydrate is good, too. I see he's already taking electrolyte fluids.

My dh donates plasma regularly, and it doesn't drain the body in the same way. He bounces back quick. It may be an idea to alternate, or just go with plasma for a few months. 

Is he experiencing any additional symptoms that may also be causing him fatigue (e.g., illness, allergies, trouble sleeping)? 

Nope. The first time he didn't feel good, we figured it was something else triggering it. But the past 3 times, he hasn't felt great for a day or two. I will just keep feeding him and he will be better by Sunday for sure, but hate to see him feel poorly when he is trying to be helpful. 

[wintermom]

13 hours ago, Terabith said:

I've donated plasma and platelets exactly once each and shudder.  I absolutely hate how I feel with anything that circulates and goes back into my body.  It takes like three hours instead of the MAYBE one hour regular blood donation does (if I have to wait); both arms are out of commission; I get so cold, and it makes me feel shocky and weird.  I'm told that's because of having calcium depleted during the process.  I'm B positive, so they want me to donate platelets, I think it is, but I really have very little interest in doing that.  Also you have to go to the center where the parking is a nightmare and they only have shelf stable snacks, as opposed to donating at my church that hosts blood drives every eight weeks with delicious baked goods and deviled eggs.

Interesting. I wonder if body size has an effect. My dh is 6' with a very solid frame. He finds plasma donation much easier than full blood donation. I have no idea. I've given blood a few times 3 decades ago. I had to stop due to low iron. 

[Arcadia]

https://stanfordbloodcenter.org/pulse-spring23-what-really-happens-to-your-body-after-you-donate-blood-effects-risks-and-recovery/
“As many donors can tell you, the most common side effect of blood donation is feeling more tired following donation. This is particularly true of whole blood and double red blood cell donations, as they result in temporarily lowered levels of red cells, which carry oxygen in the blood.

…

In the days after donation, red cells are replaced at rapid rate, but it typically takes 4–8 weeks to replace all the red cells lost in a whole blood donation. Taking iron supplementation after a donation can also help ensure more rapid recovery post-donation since iron stores and hemoglobin are closely tied. We recommend whole blood donors take a low dose of iron (e.g., 18mg) for 60 days after donation to fully recover the iron lost with a single donation. (Frequent platelet/plasma donors can also benefit from taking iron supplements due cumulative red cell loss over multiple donations.)“

[Arcadia]

16 hours ago, Tap said:

Next time I would like to preload him a bit to see if it helps. 

Preloading with red meat works for me for major blood draw. I have to up my intake a few days before. Does he have a vasovagal reaction to blood draws? DS19 and I have vasovagal reactions but they last at most a few hours. 

[Arcadia]

FYI  https://www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/preparing-to-give-blood/

“Having a snack before you donate can help maintain these blood sugar levels. Ensuring that your diet contains foods rich in iron - such as meats and green leafy vegetables - will help to keep you feeling well during and after donation.

…

The fluids that you lose during donation can cause a drop in blood pressure – causing you to feel faint and dizzy.

To help prevent this from happening we ask you to drink 500ml of water immediately before you donate - we’ll give this to you before you donate. Please help us reduce our plastic usage by bringing your own refillable bottle.

It’s also important to ensure that you are well hydrated in the days leading up to your donation. This will help to compensate for the fluids lost during donation, and will help to bring your blood volume levels back to normal.

It is essential to avoid alcohol before and after donating as this may affect hydration levels and delay recovery.

…

Avoid doing any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting the day of your donation – both before and after you’ve donated.

Keeping your body in a rested state is important to give it a chance to replenish the fluids lost during donation, which will help you avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded and keep you well.”