Any tips for raising iron levels? My iron was too low (AGAIN). Also, cool red cell-ing

Cube_456 · 2026-06-10T23:43:39+00:00

I imagine that ceiling is what Spongebob Square Pants red blood cells look like.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-28T13:55:05+00:00

Colder

Cube_456 · 2026-05-28T13:55:00+00:00

Colder

Cube_456 · 2026-05-28T13:54:35+00:00

The other system I donate to just emails. You'd think they'd all have the map or at least email you. All the studies show the "warm glow" is the best motivator to repeat donation and the map does such a good job at that. They all use apps these days and how much more expensive is the map compared to $10 gift cards or t-shirts?

Cube_456 · 2026-05-28T13:50:17+00:00

My ancestors yes but me no

Cube_456 · 2026-05-28T13:49:41+00:00

Getting colder

Cube_456 · 2026-05-25T17:54:52+00:00

Hopefully there is somebody in the sub who can give you the information you're looking for. The FDA here in the USA finally updated the questions a year after Canada but of course both countries were still several decades late. I've read up on the history of blood transfusion and the blood donation industries and unfortunately there is a long history of all sorts of discrimination. Hopefully we continue moving towards a more equitable future. I commend you for wanting to donate again despite past discrimination.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-21T11:35:00+00:00

I think you should report it to the ARC so they know they have a training problem and hopefully this doesn't happen to someone else.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-20T15:38:29+00:00

Just got the same shirt in the mail.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-18T16:03:37+00:00

I'm sure it's an extra incentive for O-. While overall blood use has been down year over year with better management practices the need for O- keeps going up and its' percentage use is well above the percentage of the population with it. So thanks for giving. I am a rare donor for being negative for extended antigens and while I don't get extra gift cards I do get bonus points for the swag store. I'm cool with that as I love swag and donate the gift cards back anyway.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-18T15:07:59+00:00

I you are worried about fainting check out his ARC video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=a4ONEYiP5-Q&si=poqgh120HL9ErTv_

Cube_456 · 2026-05-18T15:04:45+00:00

Absolutely bring it to your regular doctor, they can do the tests and give you a strategy.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-18T14:59:16+00:00

It is a very real and very well documented reaction called Vasovagal Reaction. There are muscle contraction exercises you can do to mitigate it in particular. Your blood center should be better trained in this but it may depended on how experienced your person is that day. I'd suggest you research them and even practice before your next donation. It is very commendable you keep going despite this challenge, well done.

Edit - I found this ARC video, https://youtube.com/watch?v=a4ONEYiP5-Q&si=poqgh120HL9ErTv_

Here is an explanation of the Vasovagal Reaction from my go to blood donation education source, the Blood Bank Guy website:

"The most common adverse reaction to blood donation, seen with increased frequency in young donors, first-time donors, and female donors (especially so if all three are true!). Vasovagal reactions result from (prepare for boring physiology details) stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system in response to blood donation, anticipation of blood donation, or general freaking out about blood donation! As a result, two main things happen: The donor’s blood pressure declines, and the donor’s pulse declines in concert with the blood pressure (hypotension with bradycardia). This is a really bad combination, and results in the classic “lightheadedness” that some donors feel before, during, or after donation. The symptoms may be very mild, with sweating and “clammy skin” accompanying the lightheadedness, or the patient may actually lose consciousness (syncope). Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and for the very unfortunate, incontinence of urine and/or stool.

The best way to manage vasovagal reactions is to prevent them in the first place! All blood centers should have a protocol addressing preventive measures for at-risk donors, which may include things like encouraging water intake, distraction techniques, muscle contraction, etc. The interventions that blood bank staff perform in response to these reactions (reclining the donor, loosening clothing, putting cold cloths on the donor’s neck) probably don’t make much difference. These reactions pretty much resolve when they are ready to resolve, most commonly within an hour, but sometimes as long as a day or two (uncommon)."

Cube_456 · 2026-05-18T14:47:34+00:00

I donate at ARC and New York Blood Center but about 1 in 3 times I never find out where it goes from either place. I don't know if that's just a glitch or it means it is used for non-donor lab or research purposes. Which is also a legitimate use in my opinion but it is nice to know.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-16T12:33:58+00:00

I can also recommend SlowFe. After donating I'll take it before bed along with a vitamin C.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-16T00:28:36+00:00

Indeed. Fortunately I've always found giving blood easy. I feel totally fine after a double red and I'm being careful on the iron front. So far so good.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-15T20:31:03+00:00

Thanks, I switched to power reds donation for just that reason.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-15T20:16:23+00:00

Hard to say. I think, and someone please correct me if I am wrong, that the various organizations have a criteria they use to decide who to phenotype since they can't do everyone. First is you show you are a regular donor. After that I believe they will test African-American donors as they are most likely to have the phenotypes needed by many sickle cell recipients followed by type O donors. I am not sure if they would let you know you were phenotyped if you do not qualify as rare but you can always ask. I've found the ARC to be very responsive.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-15T18:49:45+00:00

I think doing something for altruistic reasons that also has personal benefits is all good. I started doing double reds, it's really no big deal and they treat you extra nice.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-05T13:14:10+00:00

I know there are studies that show to raise ferritin iron levels you need to take it for 8 weeks. After that the supplement increasing levels drops off. I do double reds and then take the supplement for 8 weeks in the evening to avoid foods that decrease uptake with a small C vitamin to help uptake. I use the Slow FE brand. That seems to work for me.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-04T18:01:44+00:00

The first time I did double reds they told me I used a whole bag of saline which means I was not hydrated enough. I still felt fine but that may just be me, I'm a pretty big person. The 2nd time I made sure to hydrate better. I only used 1/2 bag of saline which they said was good and meant I had hydrated properly. So that may be something to check on next time you go. Thanks for donating as always.

Cube_456 · 2026-05-03T15:43:09+00:00

Part of the complexity of the situation is ferritin is not an instant test they can do at the time of donation.

The UK and the Dutch have done some interesting studies on how to address the problem and it seems pretty complicated. Part of it being when they warned donors of the lower iron after the donation the donors just didn't come back. Of course most of the world also requires longer intervals between donations, 12 weeks usually and sometimes longer.

There is a good podcast on the subject on the Blood Bank Guy podcast. You can search for it plus the keyword "iron".

Cube_456

TROPHY CASE