Blood Donation

I’m training for my first tri, going satisfactorily. I usually donate blood avery 3-4 months, but am worried what effect it will have on my training (in the water, I need every last molecule of oxygen). In the past I was able to mountain bike well with the xc geeks within 2 weeks. Is this the recovery that I can expect for the swimming portion as well?

Read this: http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/2001/06_01/news.htm
.

I normally postpone a blood donation if it falls in the week prior to an important race.

Generally I feel like I am back to normal or close to it within a week. It varies for everyone though and as an experienced donor you should know how you feel after a donation already.

cheers,
dt.

It normally takes me about 2 weeks untill I start feeling strong again. After 3 weeks I feel like I’m back at 100%.

jaretj

I’m going back in my memory banks to 1987 on this, so please take it with a grain of salt: After donating blood, the red or white bloodcell count (whichever one carries the oxygen) takes up to 6 months to get all the way back up to 100%.

I’ll be happily corrected if there’s updated info.

Eric,

That’s a great reference. Thanks.

Jose

No problem. Glad to help. Plus, as a regular donor, I wondered myself.

I’ve been a regular donater for years in all the countries I have lived in. Sadly, after living in the UK for a few years, no other country will now touch my blood because of CJD fears.

Cheers,
dt.