Bruises

[Shan Xue]

i got bruises from platelet donation a couple of times. i think it occurs when the returning flow is too fast, never once at the drawing stage.

unlike other bruises, i learnt that rubbing on the bruised area only make it worse. after once rubbing on a bruised area, the bruised area is as long as 30 cm :!: i had to go to see a doctor after 1 week as the bruise still remain. after taking some medicine and rest, the bruise went away after another 1 week.

fortunately, bruises are a rare occurence and i think starting with a slower returning flow (<90) will prevent it from occuring. the faster you detect the pain and ask the nurse to help, the small the bruise :wink:

Hope this post does not scare people from donating :wink:

[z]

I have similar experience.

I used to have minor bruises after platelet donation. Usualy it went away a few days later.

Before platelet donation, I used to be a whole blood donor and usually i waited 24 hours before going for exercise, and it worked out quite well.

The first time after my platelet donation, as usual, i waited for 1 day. However, after swimming, I noticed big bruises. The bruises went away only after 1 week by itself.

The second time, I waited for 48 hours before exercise and it's ok.

Nowadays, the nurse reduced my blood return flow rate and I don't get minor bruises. However, i still waited for 48 hours before exercise.