Blood Doning

[Mrs H.]

Young Neville has decided to become a blood donor. His first opportunity to give blood is next Wednesday - but on the Saturday after he is running in an Interland selection race which we have put some effort and expense into attending at his request - so he would like to do well.

A is this a good idea?
B how long after giving blood would you leave before going training?
C how long would you leave before competing?
D how long would leave before competing in an important race?

ps - if it is of any relevance young Neville is 17 years old, 6ft 1ins tall and weight 10st.12lb

[lincolnsteve]

found this artical on the subject.

http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/06_01/news.htm

There are a few pages about it on google if you search, all seem to be a bit different tho. Personally if I wanted to do well i'd give it a miss

[Crispy]

Mrs H I would have thought that regardless of the physiological effects, which are different depending on which research you read, Young Neville is going to be concerned that doanting blood IS going to have a negative effect on his performance. I'd say give it a miss this time; you can donate any time, but there are not many opportunities to compete for an Interland place.

Chris

[mharky]

After donating 450 mL (1 U) of whole blood, plasma volume falls 7% to 13%, then recovers within 24 to 48 hours. The hemoglobin level decreases by 10 to 20 g/L. With an adequate iron supply, hemoglobin returns to baseline after 3 to 4 weeks (Mollison, Engelfried & Contreras, 1987).

So what does this mean for endurance exercise?

variables make it difficult to predict how much or how long donating a pint of blood will affect athletic performance. However, recovery after blood donation is fairly fast. Eichner writes: "In my anecdotal experience, maximal performance can return to normal within 1 to 2 weeks, and surely returns to normal after 3 to 4 weeks (Eichner, 2001).

A study on the effects of blood donation on 10 competitive cyclists before and after donating 1 U of blood found that maximal performance was decreased for at least 1 week after blood donation. (Cyclists were measured by maximal exercise testing at baseline and at 2 hours, 2 days, and 7 days after phlebotomy.) Although researchers found that maximal performance was decreased, submaximal performance was unaffected (Panebianco, Stachenfeld, Coplan, et al. 1995).

So, in answer to your questions.

A - Giving blood is a good idea, 4 days before a targeted competition is NOT.

B - Submaximal training, 2 days after donating (e.g. Friday); Maximal training, at least 1 week after phlebotomy.

C & D - 2 Weeks. ish.

Hydration is the best recovery strategy. Donors need to drink not only what is offered afterward at the blood donation center, they need to aggressively hydrate over the remainder of the day (Christie, 2001). He advises endurance athletes to think of the blood donation day as a rest day, and to tread cautiously the next day because hydration stores may not be replenished and delayed vasovagal effects may occur.

[Mrs H.]

Thanks you for your prompt replaies everyone - I was of that mind myself - but sometimes you need someone else to say it

[Duxxer]

I've been giving blood for over 30 years and would suggest that his Young Neville's performance on Saturday would suffer significantly after giving blood on Wednesday.

I used to run five miles each way to and from work and could give blood at lunchtime without any ill effects, but would notice the difference on the way home and for a few days afterwards. The effect is similar to running at altitude - not surprising as the body's oxygen carrying capacity has been reduced.

The effect is likely to be more pronounced on a first-time donor than on someone who has done it many times and the recovery may take longer.

However, it is a worthwhile thing to do, so Neville should try to find an alternative session. At University, they always seemed to invite me in the week before the KIMM and I opted out of those opportunities to donate. Now, with the internet, it is much easier to find another session that doesn't clash with a major event.

So
a. yes it's a good idea
b. he could either train beforehand, if possible, or treat the donation day as a rest day, then train at reduced intensity for a few days, being careful to listen to what his body was telling him and being aware of the possible effects
c. he could compete after a few days, but not seriously and again taking note of what his body was telling him
d. very difficult, but for a first time donor with such an opportunity as Interland, I would suggest two or three weeks to recover and do himself justice

[Duxxer]

also, when he does decide to donate, he should avoid tea and coffee and drink plenty of water/squash/juice before and after - this helps the recovery and also makes it easier for the nurse to find a vein

[Freefall]

For some stupid reason I gave blood a couple of days before the JK and was very tired for the three days. My most recent opportunity to give blood was turned down once I mentioned my leg was (and still is) in plaster. Now I think there are times one has to put oneself first!

[Copepod]

For the past year, I've been working on a project which involved going to random blood donation sessions throughout England, Wales & Scotland. Earlier, I was a blood then plasma donor for many years, until prevented by a chronic medical problem. I'd agree that it's best to choose when to give blood - I used to notice that running up the 3 flights of stairs where I was living for much of the time as blood donor made me a bit breathless, whereas normally I had no problem. So, best to check on http://www.blood.co.uk (for England & North Wales) or the appropriate service for Scotland / Northern Ireland / most of Wales. Also, essential to drink plenty (preferably not alcohol!) before donating and have a meal within a couple of hours before donating. First time donors are not offered a hot drink after donating, but are given squash or water and biscuits / crisps etc, depending on what's available. The Wets End Blood Centre in London gets a donation of fruit for donors on Wednesdays, and some manufacturers give short dated crisps for donors. Mince pies are usually offered close to Christmas. You can donate in any session, although extra information & samples are taken if it's your first donation in a new region or new service. Anyway, Neville, go for it when you're ready.

[Mrs H.]

Thanks again everyone - Neville and I have decided that as the last Interland selection race is at the beginning of December and the first FCC race is at the end of February, mid December will be optimum time for his first donation and maximises his chances of getting a mince pie. (just checked on Copepods link - Wednesday December 13th to be exact)

It will also bring him into line for a second donation by June when the FCC and his A levels are over.

[Gross]

I know someone who will go to the frezzer & pull out some blood for you to put back in if you want

[Adventure Racer]

I know someone who will go to the frezzer & pull out some blood for you to put back in if you want

Are comments like that wise? What if all the young impressionable orienteers who look up to you take you seriously?

[bedders]

all the young impressionable orienteers who look up to you

Surely you meant both rather than all?

[Gross]

no worse than saying cyclist aren't a bunch of druggies

[Gross]

all the young impressionable orienteers who look up to you

Surely you meant both rather than all?

you mean there's more than one???