Haemochromatosis - can't withstand phlebotomy, anyone else?

Yes, most definitely, I have heard of others having an IV saline drip at same time.  Also make sure your feet are elevated.  The only time I did not and I had those problems.  If you are bleeding too fast, use a smaller canula to slow it down.

Good luck.

 

Hi, Christ - some hints for your consideration:

Make sure you get in enough salt starting at least a day ahead of time.  Those of us who don't eat processed food can easily run short on salt if we're not in the habit of adding lots of salt when cooking.  Salt was the critical thing for me – nothing worked until I realized that I needed to bump up my salt intake from my usual ½ tsp of salt a day to 1 tsp or even more.

Wiggle your toes during the blood draw so that you're pumping blood back from your legs as efficiently as possible.

And, as Sheryl says, ask to be laid back with your feet elevated, and to have the blood drawn out more slowly.

 My last hint is to take a rehydration drink with you - my favourite is half mango juice (but any high potassium juice would be fine), half water, and 1/8 tsp of salt.  If you put the drink in a camelbak or other hands-free drinking system with a straw, you can keep on sipping even when you're lying flat.

Hi chris.

I have the same. My blood is really slow to draw and my blood pressure always drops.

I now have half a pint of saline before the blood starts to draw and another half pint whilst they take the blood. They still have to check blood pressure every 5 mins to make sure it's not dropping off too much. I also drink 3 litres of water before I get there.

It is getting better and is now only taking about 40 mins where as it started off taking about one and a half hours to take only half a pint of blood. They always take blood pressure at the end and won't let me leave until it's back up to what it was when I arrived. Sometimes I manage a full pint sometimes less but something is better than nothing.

Laura

I always have an IV of saline before my blood draw, it really helps with the blood pressure and light head feeling

 

Thanks all, good advice which I'll try!