Donating Blood

[Minimoof123]

Just wondering if anyone here donates blood, how long do you allow before getting back on the erg?
I only started donating last year and restarted the more dedicated rowing this year, so tomorrow is the first time I will be donating whilst wanting to row also.......
Guess I could just go nice and slow on Saturday?

[MPx]

I've done it many many times. There's a couple of things to consider.
Probably best not to row on the same day as you'll increase the risk of a re-bleed - not that that's the end of the world, but it can be messy.
The real problem is the very variable time it seems to tale to recover back to the same erging state you were in before the donation. The blood people claims you'll be back fully topped up in two days. Even if that is the case it knocks my performance for considerably longer. I've come to expect about 2 weeks, but my last donation seemed to keep me off the boil for about a month. How much of that is purely mental weakness is another matter entirely. It also affects my aerobic capacity more than anaerobic so the sprints/intervals aren't as bad as 2k and above.
Overall though its fine ... so just carry on training!

[DavidA]

Just wondering if anyone here donates blood, how long do you allow before getting back on the erg?
I only started donating last year and restarted the more dedicated rowing this year, so tomorrow is the first time I will be donating whilst wanting to row also.......
Guess I could just go nice and slow on Saturday?

I just waited until the next day.

David

[VeloMark]

From a quick Google search...

How long will it take to replenish the pint of blood I donate? The plasma from your donation is replaced within about 24 hours. Red cells need about four to six weeks for complete replacement. That's why at least eight weeks are required between whole blood donations.

So yes, plasma volume will return quickly, but red blood cells (that carry oxygen) take much longer.

[Minimoof123]

Thank you all, I am pleased to say I managed to get my 10k in before the donation, and ive just done another 10k the day after donation, but i choose to go at a much slower rate, just to be safe, 48 mins today, I'm normally around the 38 min mark.

[lframari]

I find that I can row the next day, but it is does tax the system noticeably for a week but then it gets much better for me. You can still do the distances it just won't be a PB.

As for the question is it good to give blood. I am not sure of the health benefits for the donor (the did believe in leaches to cure illnesses in the Middle Ages ) but it sure helps the recipients and there is always a blood shortage. As for the psychological, it gives me a good feeling that I am helping others. Plus if you weigh yourself right after you give you will have lost half a kg or 1.1 pounds It does come right back after you drink some water.

[MPx]

I'm no medic so dont know for sure, but having been donating for so many years I've received endless spam on why I should continue to do it...and not once do I remember it ever being suggested that it would be good for me physically. Much more that it wont do any harm...and of course a major plus psychologically in feeling good about helping others.