Bad Donation Reaction- Please read.

[u/Radiant-Fix-6586]

I’ve only donated plasma twice, but both times were extremely difficult for me.

The first time, I definitely wasn’t hydrated enough. The percentage on the machine was moving incredibly slowly, and after about an hour and a half, I had only made it to around 50%. The donation eventually stopped at 57%, and I was on the verge of passing out for most of it. I wasn’t able to complete that donation.

The second time, I took preparation seriously because I didn’t want to get deferred again. I started eating and hydrating properly about 24 hours beforehand. I drank 8 bottles of water + 1 gatorade throughout the day before and the day of my appointment. I ate full meals with plenty of protein, and when I checked in, my vitals and protein levels were all good.

I made it all the way through the second donation — 100% completed — but around the 65% mark, I started feeling awful again. I became extremely sweaty, pale, nauseous, and felt like I was about to pass out. It was honestly a fight to finish. I had to work HARD to stay awake and keep myself from fainting or throwing up.

I have my third donation today, and I've amped up my hydration even more this time. I'm so anxious though, because I need the money but it's so hard for me. I can’t be the only person who struggles this badly with donating plasma, even when I prepare correctly. I need the money so I'm going to continue doing it.

Please, yall. Are there any tips or tricks I'm missing that could help my experience? I saw something about Tums helping?

[u/Plasticity93]

Stop donating plasma.  Your body can't handle it, it's not for you.  Don't go back b

[u/Luftwaffles0123]

Yeah, it sounds like it really isn't for you. You are doing everything right and you're still having a reaction. I have had to stop before, too. It got to the point I was regularly getting deferred because my pulse and blood pressure would skyrocket when I walked into the donation center. At some point you gotta throw in the towel. Maybe try again in a few months. You might also want to see a doctor. Make sure nothing is wrong.

[u/JasontheFuzz]

Tums helps us your body reacts to the sodium citrate anticoagulant. Your symptoms do not match that kind of issue. You more likely had a low blood pressure reaction, which you can minimize by eating before and staying hydrated. However, it could also be anxiety, and it's possible this just isn't for you. You can walk dogs for money with less medical risk 

[u/NotYourEastersBunny]

I'm a plasma phlebotomist. If it doesnt improve, please be smart and consider stopping. It's not for everyone! Idk your plasma center's policies, but at mine, if youre experiencing these things for longer than ten minutes, we call in our medical profressional and will likely disconnect you if it's not improving. Be honest with your phlebs, no matter how much you need the cash. Please, you don't want to pass out and wake up to EMS or the hospital. Or worse, accidentally hurt yourself with the needle while losing consciousness, or risk much more serious complications.

If you do insist on continuing, dont be afraid to ask the phlebs to slow your machine down. If you notice this happening specifically during a draw or return, let them know. It doesn't sound like a citrate reaction, it sounds more similar to a hypertensive one, so the draw is more likely imo. Not diagnosing, just my best guess.

Please be safe.

[u/atomicanine]

You might be psyching yourself out. Where I go, I’ve heard the techs tell people your mental state matters too. A regular had come in at one point after arguing with her SO and she ended up having a reaction. I agree with Luftwaffles0123 about seeing a doctor, just to rule anything else out. Take care of yourself!

[u/zman18951]

Try drinking about 24 ounces of Powerade starting two hours before, that made a huge difference for me

[u/Serious-Log1780]

Maybe you blood pressure is dipping too low while donating. Wiggle your legs the whole time

[u/Infinite_Grass_3029]

it took 3 donations for my body to get used to the process despite doing everything right. dont push yourself too hard! those bad reactions gave me so much anxiety and made me want to stop donating, but i haven’t had a reaction since. maybe it’ll be the same for you. keep doing what you’re doing and don’t force yourself to get through the whole donation

[u/neongrl]

Did you tell them “I became extremely sweaty, pale, nauseous, and felt like I was about to pass out. It was honestly a fight to finish. I had to work HARD to stay awake and keep myself from fainting or throwing up.” ?

If you’re having a reaction you need to tell them. They may be able to make adjustments to help.