don't mind me, I just need your help

[BookstoreEscapee]

I've never donated blood because I'm afraid something similar would most likely happen to me. I don't do so well with blood tests (also they usually have trouble finding a vein - so far my record is four attempts, the last of which used the baby needle they use for kids; I was 27).

I wouldn't be surprised if people couldn't hear you speaking. I've passed out in public a few times, and at home with my parents there, and I always know when it's going to happen. I try to say something but it just doesn't quite come out. One time I was standing in a crowd of people, and my dad was right behind me. I tried to turn around to tell him I needed help, but I was so dizzy and beginning to black out and I couldn't tell which way was "around"...and I woke up on the floor and almost everyone had left the room to give me some air. I've also passed out in the middle of an eye exam, and again tried to tell the doctor I was feeling dizzy and couldn't quite form the words; next thing I knew I was lying back in the chair and the doctor was standing next to me.

I second that doctor suggestion. If you do donate again, don't go alone. I'm glad you seem to be feeling better now. Go give that man a hug

[RecoveringKinkoid]

You might find this interesting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitty_Genovese

It's about the infamous woman who was murdered in New York in front of 38 witnesses, none of whom intervened or even bothered to call the cops. To this day, the phenomenon of diffusion of responsibility is called "Genovese Syndrome" after her last name.

There might be a name for it, but it still sucks.

I find it extremely interesting that most of the people in the SCA, of which I've been a member of for almost 30 years now, do NOT seem to suffer from this phenomenon. I have often wondered if there is a certain personality that is less likely to exhibit this phenomenon is attracted to the SCA, or are the ideals the SCA holds valuable and people's belief in them what innoculate thems? I'd be interested in knowing what other groups are like that, I'm sure mine is not the only one. It's a "group psychology" thing, and I find it fascinating.

[Samaliel]

While I also second the suggestion regarding seeking medical advice, most blood donation operations around here offer a snack to the donors, sometimes even a sandwich meal (a sub, a carbonated drink and something like a brownie or a cookie). It seems to prevent most such incidents.

[Metody]

Is it possible that you donated packed red blood cells as well? They actually take more RBCs from you in one donation of packed cells than they do in a standard blood donation, so it can really knock the hell out of you - especially if you aren't expecting it and so didn't prepare. Most places offer it as an option since it's so easy to piggyback on top of standard apherisis. If you glanced over at the bags of what you donated, and one of them looked black instead of vaseline-colored, then you donated packed cells. If you call the center and ask them, they should be able to tell you what kind of donation you did; they have to keep track so they know when you can next donate.

And the next time you donate, ask them for one of those giant stickers they had out sometimes. The whole point of those stickers is to help avoid problems like you had. You might also want to consider getting a bag of hard candy (Werther's hard caramels!) and sucking ont hem afterwards, just so there's plenty of sugar in you. Just in case.

I've done apheresis literally hundreds of times, and I've never had a problem like you described - except for when I've done packed cells too. Those packed cells can be heck!

[CorDarei]

there was a guy in dallas who went into some kind of seizure at a bus stop. a guy robbed him of his wallet while he was shaking. Caught on video too. you might want to be thankful you weren't robbed. Glad to hear you're ok.

[Geek King]

there was a guy in dallas who went into some kind of seizure at a bus stop. a guy robbed him of his wallet while he was shaking. Caught on video too. you

Ok, that right there? That's why I don't laugh at the "He needed killin'" jokes anymore. I will merrily spend my good karma hoping he gets some form of horrible, horrible retribution. That's even worse than to accident victim in Atlanta who stole a rescuer's phone when he loaned it to her so she could call her family. He finally had to shut down the account and sue her for damages over the charges she racked up over a couple of days.

[unclejampuff]

I only donated platelets, because the bag was a yellow-ish fluid. Not dark at all. I had a can of pop and a candy bar during the process, and had a decent amount of food that day. I also am a smoker and I wonder if that had something to do with it.
I'm due for my annual doctor's exam next month, but I'm moving in a week and don't exactly have the extra money for it.

[Lingering Grin]

It might have been a some weird drop in blood pressure.

Obviously, less platelets = less clotting = thinner blood.

Did you take any aspirin or anything similar that day? Drink alcohol the night before? Stuff like that can thin your blood even more. Which could cause a drop in blood pressure, and cause you to pass out.

Just a thought.

[unclejampuff]

Did you take any aspirin or anything similar that day? Drink alcohol the night before?

Naw, I rarely drink except on vacation, and I know better than to take aspirin. I've never had problems with blood pressure, either. I'm baffled.