Question 1

i almost faint when giving blood,im petrified of it. can i drink 2 beers right bfore std test to calm my nerves?not a drinker but i know it would help

Accepted Answer

Alcohol and STD test: Alcohol will not affect the outcome of the test, if that is your concern. However, if this is your plan it is advised that you do not drive and reduce other potential risks that come with alcohol use. There is a very effective behavioral treatment for fear of blood and fainting. Consider consulting a psychologist, including those on HealthTap, who are familiar with treating this fear.  Be well.

Question 2

can you tell me what it's like to fainte giving blood an or giving platelets at a blood drive?

Accepted Answer

Faint w/audience: A faint is a faint. The anxiety and then needle poke can cause you to feel hot all over, then mildly nauseaus, a bit lightheaded and then wake up with a nurse attending you. Cool compress to forehead / back of neck will help it pass quicker (sometimes w/o fainting at all), as will elevating legs (donor chairs can do this).

Question 3

i get faintness after exercising, heartbeat feels faint, feels as not enough blood going to head, not low blood sugar as have eaten, have to lie down,?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: factors at play.  It is advised to obtain a complete history and physical   exam with your primary doctor, including full laboratory panel, EKG and possible see a cardiologist.

Question 4

faintness nausea diarrhea light pain around belly button all occasional but have been going on for at least a month. blood after wiping after bm once?

Accepted Answer

Talk: To your doctor.  Even though symptoms are occasional.  They keep reoccurring.   I suggest a full work up  blood work etc to try and find a cause

Question 5

ate breakfast and then 45 minutes later, dizziness, faintness, nausea, shaking etc. ambo came and took my blood sugar it was 3.9. why low after food?

Accepted Answer

Low glucose: You were clearly had hypoglycemia (h) and are not diabetic on medications. The possible causes of h, in your case are, too much alcohol, severe illnesses of the liver, such as severe hepatitis, can cause hypoglycemia. Another cause is a rare tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma) may cause overproduction of insulin, resulting in hypoglycemia. See a physician for help with your problem. Good luck.

Question 6

feeling in head like blood rushing..vibrating like with faintness and dizziness. feels like it has to do with my eye movement...simply moving eyes.

Accepted Answer

Vertigo: U likely have an inner ear condition called labrythitis. Please see a doctor to evaluate, rule out other causes and treatment.

Question 7

mon-thurs ive had chest tightness and heart palpitations. went to the doctor monday they did ekg and blood work & theyre fine ( potassium low ) now faintness when i eat. tried famotidine and symptoms still here. im anemic and have sickle c trait?

Accepted Answer

: What is the degree of your anemia? Has your anemia worsened recently? If your anemia is worse than usual or if it has changed, that could be the etiology of your symptoms. If the potassium is really low, that could also cause these symptoms. It will be interesting to know if your symptoms get better with potassium replacement. Follow your doctor’s advice. Good luck to you!

Question 8

are there any down side to giving blood?

Accepted Answer

Transient fatigue: Transient fatigue, tenderness or bruising at the needle puncture site--generally none that are significant or long lasting.

Question 9

how much time to recover from giving blood?

Accepted Answer

Depends on meaning..: Your body replaces the missing fluid volume within 24-48 hours. The red cells are usually replaced within about 10 days, but 56-day between donation period used to be certain recovery complete. Regular donors usually feel fine w/in 4-6 hrs, new donors 4-12. Good hydration helps.

Question 10

what to eat that'll help me with giving blood tomorrow?

Accepted Answer

Blood donation: Just a normal meal. Great that you are giving blood. That is a selfless act.  Hydrate well. Take care.

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Doctor answers about:

Fainting after giving blood

A member asked:

I almost faint when giving blood,im petrified of it. can i drink 2 beers right bfore std test to calm my nerves?not a drinker but i know it would help

A member asked:

Can you tell me what it's like to fainte giving blood an or giving platelets at a blood drive?

A member asked:

I get faintness after exercising, heartbeat feels faint, feels as not enough blood going to head, not low blood sugar as have eaten, have to lie down,?

A member asked:

Faintness nausea diarrhea light pain around belly button all occasional but have been going on for at least a month. blood after wiping after bm once?

A member asked:

Ate breakfast and then 45 minutes later, dizziness, faintness, nausea, shaking etc. ambo came and took my blood sugar it was 3.9. why low after food?

A member asked:

Feeling in head like blood rushing..vibrating like with faintness and dizziness. feels like it has to do with my eye movement...simply moving eyes.

A member asked:

Mon-thurs ive had chest tightness and heart palpitations. went to the doctor monday they did ekg and blood work & theyre fine ( potassium low ) now faintness when i eat. tried famotidine and symptoms still here. im anemic and have sickle c trait?

A member asked:

Are there any down side to giving blood?

A member asked:

How much time to recover from giving blood?

A member asked:

What to eat that'll help me with giving blood tomorrow?

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