I’ve only donated plasma twice, but both times were extremely difficult for me.
The first time, I definitely wasn’t hydrated enough. The percentage on the machine was moving incredibly slowly, and after about an hour and a half, I had only made it to around 50%. The donation eventually stopped at 57%, and I was on the verge of passing out for most of it. I wasn’t able to complete that donation.
The second time, I took preparation seriously because I didn’t want to get deferred again. I started eating and hydrating properly about 24 hours beforehand. I drank 8 bottles of water + 1 gatorade throughout the day before and the day of my appointment. I ate full meals with plenty of protein, and when I checked in, my vitals and protein levels were all good.
I made it all the way through the second donation — 100% completed — but around the 65% mark, I started feeling awful again. I became extremely sweaty, pale, nauseous, and felt like I was about to pass out. It was honestly a fight to finish. I had to work HARD to stay awake and keep myself from fainting or throwing up.
I have my third donation today, and I've amped up my hydration even more this time. I'm so anxious though, because I need the money but it's so hard for me. I can’t be the only person who struggles this badly with donating plasma, even when I prepare correctly. I need the money so I'm going to continue doing it.
Please, yall. Are there any tips or tricks I'm missing that could help my experience? I saw something about Tums helping?