Not allowed to donate blood today as haemoglobin too low

[kittycrackles]

This would have been my 9th donation. I was very tired and breathless after my last donation in Jan so have been taking iron pills since then.
For the first time today they said I was measuring 124 and the cut off was 125.
Clearly the supplements aren’t doing their job. Although not clinically low( I am told) I would like to find a way of raising my levels for next time.
Any tips?
I am on my period but they said it shouldn’t make that much difference?
Thanks

I also tried to donate but couldn't because I've had a blood transfusion (after giving birth over 20 years ago) since 1980 ! , such a shame as I've got a rarer blood group and wanted to try to help out in a small way

@Blackopal I do indeed receive a text letting me know which hospital my donation was issued too. They are the best kind of text.

I haven’t ever had a text. Maybe it isn’t a Scottish thing?

Or mine has never been used?

The texts are brilliant. First time I donated I had a text to say my blood had gone to the hospital my dad had died in. Made it very special.
I am normally extremely keen to donate. I really look forward to it. This time however , I wasn’t keen. Perhaps some part of me knew that all was not right.

@BlackCatsRule88

I’ve been in the exact same situation. Iron tablets didn’t bring it up enough but by cutting out caffeine so the tablets are absorbed properly I have managed to bring it up to acceptable levels and can now donate. I just switched to caffeine free tea and I don’t notice the difference.

I understand why they can’t take my blood when it’s low but it’s so frustrating as you just want to help!

Exactly. Being one digit off was frustrating. I drink so much tea though. I will take my iron at night now. Maybe spatone mixed with an effervescent vit c tab?

Happened to me too @kittycrackles. It seems to be worse during the summer. For me it helps to sleep well the previous night and drink loads. Period definitely a factor. @Blackopal yes texts are lovely they tell the hospital and date the blood was used.

Happened to my DH. He made sure before next donation day he ate lots of spinach and red meat. He was fine.

MyDM can’t donate because she had a life saving transfusion 20 years ago. So she would be here without you amazing people 🥰

Wouldn’t!

Same here this week OP, mine was 123. So disappointing but actually I do feel quite run down so probably for the best that I didn't donate. Going to up my red meat and leafy veg intake.
Annoying that we have to wait another 3 months!

I've been turned away the last 2 times because of slightly low levels.
I was told if it happens a third time I can't go back so have been putting it off as I'm scared of being struck off!
I've managed to get an appointment in August so will definitely try to eat better and take an iron supplement in the few weeks leading up

@Blackopal

I don't like blanket rules like 'periods should not make that much difference'. I was told things like that until they discovered my level was 43..

Steak, iron tablets and vitamin C can all help. Of you were breathless after donating that does sound like an anemia symptom, maybe you do need the break?

Also I would like to say thank you for every one for these donations.

I had to have several transfusions. Every transfusion I have, I look at the bag and think about the person who gave it. The nurse told me that when a bag is used a text is sent to the donator, I hope that is true, I was very grateful to the people who gave mine.

It is true, @Blackopal - I'm in the waiting phase now, having given blood on Tuesday! I absolutely love getting that text. It just says something like 'your donation was used at Anytown General Hospital' rather than 'your donation went to fellow Mumsnetter Blackopal who needed it for blah blah blah' but I have a vivid imagination and I do spend a few minutes thinking about all the different reasons the recipient might have needed it and feeling glad to be able to help.

Thanks for the replies, so glad it is true.

I have never been able to give blood for different reasons. When I received it, really made me see it for the gift it is. I found it really touching,

I told the nurse I would def try again to give blood, she then told me I wouldnt ever be eligible now I had received some!

Gasp0dethewonderdog. Ha, I have a similiar imagination and had time to create full back stories to every bag of blood!