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AIBU?

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Original poster

Rejected from donating blood....

80 replies

FollowYourOwnNorthStar · 11/08/2018 00:29

....due to high blood pressure.

More of a WWYD really, I suppose.

I’m so upset. I’ve been donating for 20 years with no problems. I’m 39 and thanks to the donation service recording all my BPs, I now see my BP has been creeping up over the last few years. I’ve booked an appointment with my GP, but does anyone have any suggestions?

I’m so upset! I know it’s such a silly thing to be upset about and I will shake it off, but I feel upset. Trying to put my finger on why.

OP posts:
Lolly86 · 11/08/2018 00:32

You'll be able to donate again once it's under control. I'm on two lots of medication for my high blood pressure and I donate. Get it sorted out for your own health anyway and then you should be ok to donate again

garethsouthgatesmrs · 11/08/2018 00:33

be grateful they have identified something which you probably wouldn't have noticed yet otherwise.

there are so many reasons for high blood pressure so we can't help you identify why.

I was turned away the other week because i had a sore throat so believe me you are not alone.

SparklyLeprechaun · 11/08/2018 00:37

They check your blood pressure when you donate? I've been a blood donor for more than 20 years, the only thing they ever checked was the iron level. Anyway, get it seen to, once it's under control you can donate.

EBearhug · 11/08/2018 00:38

I'm on Ramipril for high BP and as long as your meds have been unchanged for at least 6 months, you can still donate. New prescription or a dose change means you'll have to miss a session or two till you get to 6 months again, but don't think it means you will be barred forever.

Obviously certain medications mean you can't donate, but don't make assumptions about which ones until you've phoned them up and spoken to them. Their query line was very helpful, I found.

TrudeauGirl · 11/08/2018 00:39

I've only ever had my iron levels checked befure blood donation, which was good because I ended finding out I was anaemic.

Hopefully once you get your pressure down you will be able to donate again, good job they found it.

ILoveMyDressingGown · 11/08/2018 00:39

I have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I was given a machine and had to measure it twice a day and write it down. I did that for 3-4 weeks, went back and was given ACE inhibitors. I have to take 1x 2.5mg daily and it brought it down from 140/95 ish to a more normal level.

Original poster
FollowYourOwnNorthStar · 11/08/2018 00:42

Thanks all. Maybe i’m upset as I consider myself healthy and this has come as a shock? Not sure, trying to figure it out.

But yes, I should be grateful they identified something I wouldn’t have otherwise known about.

OP posts:
RB68 · 11/08/2018 00:43

you have a choice - loose a bit of weight (if an issue) and work on fitness OR go straight on tablets

Pardalis · 11/08/2018 00:44

Thanks to all of you blood donors. I would be more than happy to donate as frequently as I could. But as I've received it I cannot donate. Due to vcjd concerns.

Hoping one day this restriction will be lifted

GoodHeavensNoImAChicken · 11/08/2018 00:48

Hugs to you! Flowers

It can be a big shock even when it sounds so trivial to some people. If it helps, rememebr BP increases with age and it may not be down to anything you’ve done, it’s just one of those things. There’s also a genetic component. Have a good look at your diet re salt content too but other than that try not to worry.

Definitely see the GP and tell them how you feel about it as well, it’s easily treated and you’ll soon be back on track :)

Thank you for donating blood all these years.

ShastaBeast · 11/08/2018 00:54

My BP is high and I’m not sure why, borderline for meds. I work out and have a healthy BMI. I’m trying to drop a few more pounds and up the exercise. It doesn’t seem fair when plenty of people have worse lifestyles and normal BP I figure it’s just bad luck/genetics and maybe stress. I have an auntie with high BP who has always been slim. It

Original poster
FollowYourOwnNorthStar · 11/08/2018 01:02

Yes, I started when I was 18 as my Dad always did it. I would just go with him, and the habit continued all through uni and working life. I always had a very low blood pressure in the early years! Possibly my head needs to realise I am no longer 18 [smile)

I will definitely see a doctor, but I have googled, and I see weight loss and exercise will also reduce it. I really should do both, so I will take this as a challenge, and aim to have reduced by BP in 12 weeks time for the next appointment.

OP posts:
agnurse · 11/08/2018 01:06

High BP often has no symptoms. I have donated blood in the past and they always checked iron, pulse, and BP.

sweetsomethings · 11/08/2018 01:11

I know how you feel I got rejected too as I had to have a blood transfusion after my son. Felt awful as i always felt great after it’s something so simple to do but can change a life .

Pardalis · 11/08/2018 02:29

Just to add - my son also had to have a blood transfusion when he was in Nicu after being born prematurely. I also feel sad that even at such a young age he cannot give blood in the future to pay back what he received. I do hope the restriction gets lifted. It seems such a small risk

EmmaGrundyForPM · 11/08/2018 02:39

My dh is a blood donor and on 3 occasions has been turned away because he "looks quite unwell". He's tried to explain that no, thats just how he looks (He's quite thin and looks a bit 'drawn') but they weren't having it.

Hope your bp gets sorted.

crabb · 11/08/2018 02:46

I’m Australian but lived in the UK from 92-94. As a result I am permanently excluded from donating blood here in Australia, due to the risk of vCJD. It’s sad as it’s something I’d really like to do, but I can understand the blood service can’t take risks.

Aquamarine1029 · 11/08/2018 02:51

I would do EVERYTHING possible in regards to weight loss and nutrition before going on medication. High blood pressure meds can have so many negative side effects, and the fact is most people can lower their bp to a healthy level through diet and exercise.

Stopyourhavering64 · 11/08/2018 03:00

Hypertension can be 'essential or 'idiopathic '.ie no underlying cause, so please don't beat yourself up about this
If you need to lose any weight this will help....but thin people also get BP....high BP has few symptoms
However it may also be genetic...do your parents have increased BP?
Your Gap will want to monitor your BP at home before stand medication in any case...this might involve a 24 BP monitor or you using a home Bap monitor over a week or so and get average readings
You may also have 'white coat syndrome '....as I do despite being a HCP!....My BP goes through the roof when I have check up in hospital!
Once BP has returned to normal limits you will be able to donate again....well done for donating so much so far

Stopyourhavering64 · 11/08/2018 03:03

GP and BP...not gap and bap! Hmm

Redteapot67 · 11/08/2018 03:14

I got turned away as a teenager once for being too thin. It was mortifying!

I think you are feeling bad for a mixture of reasons - your upcoming 40th is probably worrying you about ageing and it’s never nice to find out we have a medical issue

Try and get your bp under control. The kidneys (and heart) control bp so keep these organs healthy by lowering your weight and increasing your exercise.

Original poster
FollowYourOwnNorthStar · 11/08/2018 03:33

I stupidly thought BP was the same thing my Fitbit measured - I now know that is my heart rate. As my heart rates goes up and down according to the time of day, stress and work/home, exertion etc, I just thought a few deep breaths and sitting quietly for a period would bring it down acceptable levels. I used to think as I was often rushing to get to donation appointments between work in middle of the day, that’s why it was high sometimes.

I’m aware of how silly that sounds now I have written it out, but I guess I have been lucky to never had to think about BP or heart rate before, and so I didn’t know much about it other than things you occasionally hear or read around the place.

I’ve spent the last few hours reading and educating myself more. Whilst I am still upset, I’m going to use this as the catalyst to lose weight (according to the donation records - and my own eyes! - it had also been creeping up over the last 20 years) and exercise.

I am trying to reframe it as to be grateful that I got the wake up call via this method, rather than a health scare. I haven’t achieved that mindset yet, but hopefully in a few weeks I will go back, get better results and be glad then.

I still feel so foolish and upset. How could I have thought BP was heart rate, and how could I have kept letting it get this high???

OP posts:
echt · 11/08/2018 03:37

I’m Australian but lived in the UK from 92-94. As a result I am permanently excluded from donating blood here in Australia, due to the risk of vCJD. It’s sad as it’s something I’d really like to do, but I can understand the blood service can’t take risks

You can donate your life-saving organs, though: liver, lungs, kidneys. Smile

Yogafailure · 11/08/2018 05:48

I haven't given blood since I was a student due to low iron levels. Periodically I go back, they laugh at me and I slink off until next time.

Now I have high blood pressure thanks teaching but beta blockers seem to be helping. They have certainly stopped the headaches in their tracks.

emma2939 · 11/08/2018 06:24

No advice but just wanted to thank you for donating so much over the years Flowers I needed two blood transfusions when I was in hospital and feel so grateful to people who take the time to do it, I've always wanted to give back what I received but unfortunately haven't been able to yet due to pregnancys and then iron levels, my OH donates when he can x

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