grr [blood donation]

[stuberyl]

Baseline hemoglobin level needed to meet standard for blood donation: 12.5

My hemoglobin level at time of testing: 11.9

Very annoying.

I got an A for effort, rewarded by a free cookie and a ticket to the attendant barbecue. But I'd rather have merited the prizes.

Comments

[winterredwood]

Maybe you need a big, bloody, medium-rare steak! Or not.

Women sometimes have low hemoglobin levels because they lose blood every month. Some lose more than average. Don't know if that could be the cause?

[stuberyl]

Could be, though I strongly doubt I lose more blood than average.

In any case, the RN suggested I stick with the iron supplement and try again in 3 weeks. She also gave me a list of iron-rich foods, food than enhance iron absorption, and foods that diminish it. Of course, on the list of iron absorption-unfriendly foods was found most of the things I eat regularly. :)