Unwell day after blood donation

[TellySavalashairbrush]

I have been a regular blood donor for at least the last 5 years and have never had any issues before. I gave blood again yesterday, feeling perfectly well. I drank and ate to ensure I didn't feel faint or weak both before and after the donation.
About 3 hours after giving blood I started to get stomach cramps, and a bit of a headache. I have woken up today and feel pretty rubbish, headache is worse, nausea and loose stools. Has anyone else experienced this or is it a virus that coincidentally started just after my donation.

The only thing that was different was I had a trainee nurse initially trying to put the needle in. She was lovely, but faffed around for ages finding a vein- I've never had issues with them finding a vein. Eventually after asking to try the other arm she gave up and asked another nurse to have a go. He managed to find a vein immediately and all went well.

Any insight much appreciated.

Sounds like a coincidental virus to me. On the blood.uk website have you checked out the list of side effects of giving blood?

Nausea, sweating, dizziness, headache are fairly common after a blood donation but should pass quickly. Keep your fluid levels up and hopefully you will soon be back to normal.

It sounds like a virus but I think you are meant to report any illness that quickly after donating so maybe give them a call to be on the safe side...

Bottom paragraph here: www.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/after-your-donation/

Sounds like a coincidental gastro bug. I would give them a call to report it. The number should be on the little card they gave you.

It sounds a rotten coincidence, I hope you feel better soon.

Thank you all. I will give them a call. Never reacted like this before.

Yes I think worth giving them a call. How does the needle site look?

I've never felt ill after though I did have a spurt of blood then fainted after my 15th donation. I've managed a couple of donations since then, but the last two have been low iron so not allowed. I'm now taking Ferroglobin instead of Floradix, and if the iron isn't high enough next time it's three strikes and I'm out.

Sometimes our bodies tell us we can't give any more!

Just to update- I gave them a call and they were lovely. Said they would make a note of it and that my health was their priority. I really hope that they can still use my donation, its so important to keep supplies going.
I still feel pretty grotty, so its bland food and paracetamol for the rest of the day. Thank you all.