Blood Loss - Less Anxiety?

[Omgblood]

I donate plasma twice every week however yesterday something went wrong and the process had to be interrupted.(or so they said) I ended up losing some blood. I really don't know how much I lost. But the most I could tell is that the container with my blood was about .... 1/8 full. Thats about how much blood I loss. I was kind of angry at first that they took my blood, because well its my blood and I feel entitled to it.

Well today my anxiety was much much much better. At school today there were only 2 or 3 instances I felt any physical anxiety. Mainly my heart starts pounding and my chest feels heavy. I gave a speech today, and though it didn't go how I hope it would turn out, my anxiety was much much less.

Can anyone offer some kind of explanation or insight to this? When will my blood 'regenerate' or restore itself?

My body feels a bit sore, slight tingling sensation at times. Is it still safe to work out and do cardio?

[Snuffy]

I've heard that heart problems can exacerbate or even cause anxiety attacks... A bit less blood to pump might mean lower blood pressure/less work for the heart, so maybe there's a connection there. You could always mention this positive side-effect to a doctor... Have you had any cardio-health checkups lately? (I'm only guessing, of course.)

Anyway, since it seems to have helped you to "lose" some blood, you might consider donating it; if doing so could keep the anxiety under control, it's definitely worth trying.

[Darth Smittius]

I bleed myself regularly.

[Omgblood]

Originally Posted by Snuffy

I've heard that heart problems can exacerbate or even cause anxiety attacks... A bit less blood to pump might mean lower blood pressure/less work for the heart, so maybe there's a connection there. You could always mention this positive side-effect to a doctor... Have you had any cardio-health checkups lately? (I'm only guessing, of course.)

Anyway, since it seems to have helped you to "lose" some blood, you might consider donating it; if doing so could keep the anxiety under control, it's definitely worth trying.

I was thinking the same. That less blood would reduce blood pressure. Anxiety-symptom-wise I've only felt hot flashes(and not heart pounding). During my work-out I feel like I get more tired easily, so I guess thats the trade-off.

Before this incident I would be totally against donating blood but now I'm considering it

[Ventura]

I think possibly because your blood pressure was lowered, have you ever had your blood pressure checked?

[BlazingLazer]

Hey, I don't feel anxious at a-


*boom*

[WintersTale]

Have you had your blood pressure checked?

[lonelyjew]

Your body is pretty good at regulating blood volume, or at least keeping it consistent anyways. Fluid you lost in plasma would cause a drop in blood pressure, which would lead to a change in the balance of forces that have fluid from the blood going to your tissues, and fluid from your tissues going to your blood. The end result would be more fluid being resorbed into your blood, and less going to your tissues. The effect wouldn't be terribly huge, but it would it make up for the overall loss. Your kidneys and receptors in your carotid artery and aorta would also sense the blood pressure change, having you feel more thirsty and putting less water into your pee, so you would keep more water than normal, and take in water from drinking.

By the next day, I doubt your blood pressure would have been lower, and in the mean time, any transient drop would probably have been taken care of with your blood vessels tightening up.

Actually, I think there is a direct correlation with people who have low blood pressure and anxiety, that is that if you have low blood pressure you are more likely to have anxiety. Strange considering stress from anxiety causes a high blood pressure.

[MJJ2009]

Maybe what happened gave your mind something else to concentrate on?

[Tony Mathew]

Hi there,
At least for now, your anxiety is a disability. You've clearly been making great efforts and putting resources in place for yourself and your brother. Try to remember that when you're feeling scared or trapped. You are doing a lot to rescue yourself. I am impressed. From what i've heard donating plasma can knock you off your feet a bit, I don't think you can do it every week I think it's every 3 months.
I believe it is a bit painfull as well...personally I think it's better to do it out of the goodness of your heart but if your family is really struggling and you really do need the money.

Regards,
Tony