donate blood without passing out

The bloodmobile comes to my church periodically, and I try to donate blood each time it’s there. I’ve never had a problem with fainting in the past, but yesterday I almost fainted after I was finished and sitting at the front drinking some orange juice and eating a cookie. The staff knew what to do, and got me lying back down with my feet elevated for awhile until I felt better. I was still feeling weak throughout the day yesterday, but I think I’m back to normal this morning.
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I googled “fainting after blood donation” last night, and read the following tips that might keep me from having problems in the future:

1. Eat breakfast in the morning. (I only had two donuts and coffee. It was something, but not a very good breakfast.)
2. Drink 16 ounces of water 1/2 hour before donating. (I had only had the coffee and a few sips of water from a water fountain.)
3. Tell the staff about your experience the next time, and they’ll make sure you don’t get up too soon after donating. (I think I’ll remember this for next time.) 2 years ago