Has anyone donated blood while Raw?

[Misoi]

I enjoy coming here for my questions and everyone's always such a big help. :p Once again I have a burning question! I've been thinking about donating blood for the first time. Before, I was petrified of needles but now I feel I can handle it better. My question is, has anyone here donated blood while being raw? Have you been turned down because you are Raw(for whatever strange reason)? Do you feel it is safe to do so?

[Crazy Healer Lady]

My iron levels are FANTASTIC when raw!! especially when drinking green smoothies.

I almost blacked out the last I donated blood (a week ago), but don't worry about that. I had been having troubles with blood pressure. I've got them under control now (turns out I was just needing to eat at different times of the day... PLUS I couldn't sit afterwards, because of back issues, and had to stand. Yeah... not good! So remember to sit for a while after). I have donated many times before without trouble.

Main things to keep in mind:

Drink LOTS of water throughout the day
EAT LOTS OF FOOD the entire day!!

I wholeheartedly believe in giving blood. You'll do great! And you get a sticker, too! :D

You may want to bring your own juice, depending. They give you juice and cookies. Although you can get away doing it vegan, there's no way to eat their stuff raw :P

[Misoi]

Haha. I'll probably bring a basket of fruits with me. :p

[Lady Green Jeans]

I did twice. Crazy Healer Lady is right, my iron levels were fantastic. Felt really drained for about a week after each donation, though.

The blood bank keeps calling me--a couple times a week for me to donate. I asked them to only call if the need becomes critical since I get so drained. I guess my blood type is rare so they need it more often. It is sure a good feeling to know you are helping someone who really needs it.

A young girl who had heart surgery was the recipient of my first donation. Do not know who benefited from the second.

Will probably donate again before Christmas as they have called twice this week with a need.

Oh, I HATE needles so I look the other way and tell them to take what they need and let me know when they are done. Works for me:).

[Crazy Healer Lady]

Lady Green Jeans, how did you find out your blood helped that little girl?

[dread head vegan]

i haven't donated blood while on raw but i have donated plasma a couple of times.

[Lady Green Jeans]

Crazy Healer Lady,

I work for a nonprofit and a program through the military sent an email telling about the little girl's situation and asked for donors (was my blood type). I was one of the first three to volunteer to donate. She came through the procedure and was doing well was the last I heard. Of course there's a good feeling knowing you helped a specific person, but I feel any time my donated blood is out there, maybe someone in a tough spot really needs it. That I guess would be worth being so drained after donating--they may not have the chance to rebound like I or others here probably would.

[Eva]

Crazy Healer Lady,

I work for a nonprofit and a program through the military sent an email telling about the little girl's situation and asked for donors (was my blood type). I was one of the first three to volunteer to donate. She came through the procedure and was doing well was the last I heard. Of course there's a good feeling knowing you helped a specific person, but I feel any time my donated blood is out there, maybe someone in a tough spot really needs it. That I guess would be worth being so drained after donating--they may not have the chance to rebound like I or others here probably would.

I donated blood several times in college. I would always come thisclose to passing out because of my low iron levels, but I really wanted to do it so dealt with the weakness I felt afterwards. Then... I was in an awful motorcycle accident right after college, and I lost a lot of blood. I am so glad it was there for me when I needed it. I'm sure the people who donated blood I received did not know who they helped. But just knowing I/you/we/they helped SOMEONE is such a wonderful thing. This is a good reminder to donate blood again soon! I don't know if I could or it would make sense while I'm overseas, but I'm going to make it happen when I get back to the States in a few weeks.

Thanks for the reminder. :)

Plus, you get a free blood test to check your iron. LOL, that's a benefit!

[Crazy Healer Lady]

Eva, thank you so much for sharing that!! It really helps to have a face to put to the deed, you know? Thank you :) I'm glad that you are OK after all that.

And Lady Green Jeans, thank you for letting me know! You must have felt great.

[oai]

i donated blood, & they call me every time they're in my area for more blood. :p

[Raw Angel Mom]

If you didn't have problem before, i don't see why it would be more complicated now. Actually, you have more oxygen in your system when you do raw food, especially if you eat leafy greens. If you have low blood pressure, then this is something else.

On cook food, i couldn't donate blood because of my blood pressure. I passed out each time, but now, i would love to give another try to see, if i would be ok this time. It should be interesting, lol.... I would love to be able to donate blood if i choose too.

Best wishes!