Plasma donation (fainting)?

I donated (sold) it about a month ago. I left the facilty drove home, then drove to get some lunch, then passed out in the restaurant. Before fainting, I felt super hot, and dizzy, then just dropped. The paramedics were called, they stated that my blood pressure was very low, (they didn't give me exact numbers) was this just a fluke, or can some people just not do the plasma thing. It was scary, but I need gas money to get to work. Anyone been through something similar, or have any tips for prepping myself for the next time?

I didn't realize that they paid so much for plasma that somebody can afford gas. Sign me up.

It is pretty normal after giving blood to feel faint or light-headed. You should have eaten a sugar cookie or drunk some OJ before getting on your way.

I usually need to not look at the needle when giving blood because that alone is enough to make me feel light-headed.

All you can do is have a decent blood sugar level and HYDRATE. If you drink 12-16 oz of orange juice, I think you're all set.

i havent really got any tips but WOW!

When you're at the center and you start feeling hot, they put an ice pack on your neck and fan you until you feel better. The reason you felt this way was because of the low blood pressure. This happened to me about two weeks ago. My blood sugar dropped too low during donation. I didn't faint, but I got really hot and then dizzy, like you said.

I would just make sure you have had at least 64 oz. of water before you donated, and that you ate within an hour prior to donating. Some people can have bad reactions, but that doesn't mean you can't donate ever again.

Next time you sell your blood.

Only give a pint (600mls)
Take cookies and a fruit juice.

Sit and eat your cookies and drink your drink and sit for about 15 minutes. Get up slowly and if you are dizzy call a nurse, where you donated, they will look after you.

I can no longer give blood due to a blood condition, but prior to that I used to be a regular donor (we don't get paid here), and would give blood once every 2 months.

I would get my cookie and my drink (supplied by the Red Cross), sit for a while then go about my business.