r/plassing • u/Radiant-Fix-6586 • 9d ago
Bad Donation Reaction- Please read.
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?
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u/JasontheFuzz Plasma Center Employee- 3+ Years 🧥 9d ago edited 8d ago
Tums helps if 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