stinkoman
08-13-2009, 16:26
This isn't exactly AT, but that's unimportant.
This coming week I plan on hiking a flat sandy trail in south jersey (Batona for anyone curious) however there is a blood drive on Sunday. How long should I wait before hiking after donating blood? The hike is more important to me right now, so if it's unsafe, sadly I will donate blood some other time. Thank you all!
Lone Wolf
08-13-2009, 16:34
http://www.roadcycling.com/training/Ask_the_Coach_Training_and_Donating_Blood_001816.s html not hiking but similar
johnnybgood
08-13-2009, 16:36
You will be okay to hike this coming week.
Just remember to drink plenty of fluids following your blood donation and stay well hydrated for the first 48 hours.
Have a blast on your hike.
Totally agree with Johnnybgood. Stay extra hydrated & you will be fine.
Thank you for donating !!!!!!
the goat
08-13-2009, 17:51
you'll be fine. i've never had an issue with long-distance running, weight-lifting, or binge-drinking after giving blood.
If you're otherwise healthy, which I'm guessing you are since you're giving blood, you should be fine as long as you stay well hydrated and eat well in the immediate 48 hours or so after donating blood. When you donate blood, you drop the number of red blood cells in your body, which are the oxygen carrying component of blood. However, RBC's are continuously produced in the red bone marrow of large bones, so replacing them isn't a huge issue in a healthy person. Just replace that volume by drinking plenty of water and eating well and you should be just fine to enjoy your hike.:D
If you ever decide to donate after a hike, make sure you tell the staff. I fainted for the first time in my life after a week-long hike (I was a vegetarian at that time and my iron was marginal).
peakbagger
08-14-2009, 11:39
Donated one Friday at 2 PM, climbed Huntingtons Ravine on Mt Washington the next day. Ate and drank well Friday night and watched my fluids on Saturday while climbing.
Thanks for giving blood in the summer, the blood centers have a tough time getting donors during vacation season.
Kerosene
08-14-2009, 12:11
I typically wait 18-24 hours after giving blood beforel I engage in strenuous activities (weightlifting, soccer, biking). Hydration and eating certainly help.
I gave blood while on my thru last year in Waynesboro, VA. I experienced no adverse affects, but then again I never do when I give blood. Just drink lots of water, and you will be fine.
-Hare