Gave blood for first time in 10 years!

(Jeanne Wagner) #1

Y’all! I was able to give blood today! I haven’t been able to donate for the past ten years because my hemoglobin was always too low. It needs to be 12.5, and today it was 13!!! I would try a couple times a year and would always be sent packing. I told her I was Keto and was met with an uncomprehending look. I was offered juice and I said no thanks, I don’t do sugar I am diabetic. I was told I would need to replenish the sugar because I was giving a lot of blood. I said no I won’t I burn fat not sugar. A confused and slightly consternated look reflected back at me. In the end she said she didn’t take the usual amount but a smaller amount because of what I told her - Keto, diabetic, and ‘dieting.’ Still useable. I still feel good about it. I was sent off with an admonition to drink lots and lots of water today. And a pretty bow tied around my elbow!!

Any reason I really should disclose that I eat Keto when donating blood? I figured it was better to err on the side of caution and disclose it. It was a nice dark red so I guess not too much fat in there either.

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(*Rusty* Instagram: @Rustyk61) #2

I don’t see why you would need to tell them that. Makes no difference and saves you the headache of be judged.

#3

My wife gives blood a lot, she likes to make them aware they have zero clue what they’re talking about when they push the juice and cookies on her.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #4

Rusty and Lfod are both right. Depends on what you’re up for. There’s no medical reason for them to know about your ketogenic diet, but educating others is a fine goal.

Congratulations on a fine non-scale victory! :bacon::bacon:

(Jeanne Wagner) #5

Thanks for the feedback you guys. I think that I won’t tell in the future so that I can give the full amount. I don’t need to educate them, and I’ll probably walk away with the juice if they insist, and just put it in the work fridge. Or toss it.

It’s been over a couple hours since I did the deed and I’m feeling fine. Just drinking a lot of water. :+1:

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #6

Maybe if we asked them for some bacon nectar instead of the juice . . . ? :smiley:

(Jeanne Wagner) #7

Yes I would take that!! :rofl:

(Ethan) #8

I’d probably tell them a terribly snide comment about how they are saving lives, but trying to kill me with that juice and cookie and then make them watch me drink 8 oz of heavy whipping cream.

(Jeanne Wagner) #9

omg! That’s hilarious!!!

#10

Kudos, I actually got an iron blood test last doctors visit to see if I should give blood, which was middle of the road, was wondering if I was high with all the red meat, but no. You’ve reminded me that I should anyway, those who can, should. I imagine it’s good for the a1c :grin:

(Jeanne Wagner) #11

My iron is probably not stellar still, but I’m very pleased if’s higher. At least high enough to donate it seems. :smile:

(Ellen) #12

Go you! Giving blood is so important and helps save so many lives, I never bother telling them about keto, but even back in the day I didn’t have the juice & biscuits. You are litetally a life saver.

#13

Congrats on your NSV!

As a comparison…
When I lived in Sweden for 3 years and donated blood, they served a smörgåsbord complete with cheese, ham, fish, and hard bread. Every time I donate blood, I am reminded of how refreshing that was to be recharged by real food and have wondered why they do not offer something of nutritional value at blood donation centers in this country.

America is so backwards when it comes to nutrition.

#14

No - people who eat sugar should disclose…
Seriously - Good For You – You saved somebody!!
:+1:

(Brian) #15

OK, so the thread does bring up a question…

Is there a reason to have some kind of intake after giving blood? If so, what would be an appropriate intake for someone who’s in nutritional ketosis? Should a person giving blood bring along their own keto drink or fat bomb or some other something to show that they’re sorta kinda “with the program”?

I don’t know. I haven’t given blood before. But I’ve wondered whether it might actually be good for me to do so from time to time.

(Jeanne Wagner) #16

Dave you got that right!

(Jeanne Wagner) #17

Brian, I brought my own filtered water with me so I could drink it during the donation.They had more cold water there but I declined. I had forgotten that the blood donation bus would be there today or I would have brought my own snacks and I think walnuts would be good. Cheese too, maybe some prosciutto. Hah, a shish-ka-bob! But literally I only had water today, and I am just fine. I kind of view giving blood like voting - it’s my civic duty. I am so glad I am able to participate again. :wink:

(Beth) #18

Love the visual of chugging heavy whipping cream while the staff stands there dumbfounded!

(Jeanne Wagner) #19

Thanks!!!

(Karen) #20

Given gallons and gallons. Got the pins, but sadly, my nephrologists says no now. Bless you for giving! :pray:

K