iron supplements before blood donations

[RiRi]

hi everyone

I'm scheduled for a/p on june 26/27 and I am giving my first unit on 6/11.
My dr said not to take any iron, but the blood bank just told me on Fri 6/1, that I needed to take iron. Has this happened to anyone?

Thanks
Maria

[lelc2002@yahoo]

RIRI- I had to take Iron prior to blood donations per the Dr.s office. Ly-
I also took folic acid & vitamin C, I believe.... :)

[trulyaries]

Per my surgeon's (and blood bank) instructions, I have been taking iron (feosol/sulfate 325 mg 3xday) since before my donation, and continuously since then until one month after my surgery.

This was my third surgery and third time donating, and each time I was given instructions to take iron.

I guess I would question your doctor's instructions.
Trulyaries

[shorty]

Maria~I can now actually speak with some experience: I just today completed my last blood donation (I was able to give 3 units all together over the course of the last month!). I did not begin taking iron until after my second donation. My iron percentage was lower than the first time I donated, so I decided to begin taking it. I was not instructed to begin taking it by my doctor until 2 weeks before surgery. This was 3 weeks prior to surgery. On my third donation my iron level was too low and they wouldn't take my blood. Today I successfully gave my third and last donation. It all worked out and I was told 3 units will be enough and more! My surgery is June 19! Hope this helps!
Sue