About donating blood

Hello everyone,
My RBC levels were close to the upper bound on my last blood test. I go to the local donating facility regularly (every 3 months, they don’t let me donate more often because its unhealthy, they say) since I want to lower my RBC levels and help people in need while I do it.
As they don’t let me do it more often, is there any other way to lower my levels? I want to do another cycle and I know that I will go over the limit since anabolics make my body produce more RBC.
And I sweat god damn a lot. Is there any correlation between?
Thanks a lot

Sweating would be correlated to electrolytes and people who sweat excessively should monitor sodium and potassium intake (make sure you're getting enough). It has nothing to do with RBC. And contrary to what mainstream media has taught us for years, you actually want iodized salt as we lose iodine when we sweat a lot and your thyroid needs iodine to function properly.

High RBC is one of those things that depends on genetics. Some people only take trt doses of test and get high RBC counts while others can run a gram of test a week and be within normal range...

You can impact you RBC with rigorous training and more importantly DIET. Adding iron rich foods like spinach, kale, and nuts will help normalize your RBC count. Don't forget to do cardio as that will help as well.

RBC count is one of those things that varies from person to person. Some guys take a small trt dose of testosterone and their RBC's go through the roof whereas others can run a gram of test per week and be well within normal range. It's just one of those things unfortunately but those dietary changes and more cardio will def help you.

combination of my sleep apnea and trt I donate every 30 days.

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Originally Posted by AlphaMindz

Sweating would be correlated to electrolytes and people who sweat excessively should monitor sodium and potassium intake (make sure you're getting enough). It has nothing to do with RBC. And contrary to what mainstream media has taught us for years, you actually want iodized salt as we lose iodine when we sweat a lot and your thyroid needs iodine to function properly.

High RBC is one of those things that depends on genetics. Some people only take trt doses of test and get high RBC counts while others can run a gram of test a week and be within normal range...

You can impact you RBC with rigorous training and more importantly DIET. Adding iron rich foods like spinach, kale, and nuts will help normalize your RBC count. Don't forget to do cardio as that will help as well.

RBC count is one of those things that varies from person to person. Some guys take a small trt dose of testosterone and their RBC's go through the roof whereas others can run a gram of test per week and be well within normal range. It's just one of those things unfortunately but those dietary changes and more cardio will def help you.

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Well since my hemoglobin is high, wouldn’t ingesting iron rich food make it worse? I was avoiding iron rich food as much as possible because of that. Can you explain how that works?

This is not for everyone, is the preface to my comment. I get in the tub (no water in the tub), clean my vein with an alcohol swab, and poke an 18ga pin into the vein and let the blood drain. It's messy but it works.

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Originally Posted by ScotchGuard02

This is not for everyone, is the preface to my comment. I get in the tub (no water in the tub), clean my vein with an alcohol swab, and poke an 18ga pin into the vein and let the blood drain. It's messy but it works.

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Scotch... You're just an out right badass brother. Your replies always impress me.

Best,
C-

A lot of people are not aware of when to actually donate. High hemocrit levels doesn’t mean you should donate.
When you have high platelets and while
Having high hemoglobin and hemocrit that’s when it’s a cause for concern.
Do the research brother.

There are two different types the bad kind and the not to be worried about kind.
Taking AAS doesn’t effect blood counts negatively.

Donating when having normal platelet counts can actually do you more harm then good as it’s very important to be normal in that area and not low.

Check all your levels and go from there. My mom is a nurse and I have done tons of research on this matter.


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Originally Posted by ScotchGuard02

This is not for everyone, is the preface to my comment. I get in the tub (no water in the tub), clean my vein with an alcohol swab, and poke an 18ga pin into the vein and let the blood drain. It's messy but it works.

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[emoji44]

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Originally Posted by Chrisp83TRT

A lot of people are not aware of when to actually donate. High hemocrit levels doesn’t mean you should donate.
When you have high platelets and while
Having high hemoglobin and hemocrit that’s when it’s a cause for concern.
Do the research brother.

There are two different types the bad kind and the not to be worried about kind.
Taking AAS doesn’t effect blood counts negatively.

Donating when having normal platelet counts can actually do you more harm then good as it’s very important to be normal in that area and not low.

Check all your levels and go from there. My mom is a nurse and I have done tons of research on this matter.


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Well, thank you for your post. I didn’t know that. Then I’ll surely check my platelets before the new cycle :)

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Originally Posted by Charlie67

Scotch... You're just an out right badass brother. Your replies always impress me.

Best,
C-

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Thats what I’ve thought at first glance too, lol. He is a monster!

Actually, high hematocrit is a concern, it's just that a high platelet count and a high packed cell volume is even more of a risk. I've been told this by my cardiologist and my oncologist.
A slightly above range Hct isn't anything to freak about but when you start seeing levels of 54%+ , the issue needs to be addressed.

Also, taking AAS can certainly affect blood counts. There are numerous studies that even try to weed out the culprit whether it be DHT or T, but yes AAS can cause erythropoiesis. It has been well documented.

Not hammering away at anyone in particular, just sharing information. :)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/art...1/#!po=33.5616

So how long should I wait in between my donations? And which AS is more likely (or most) to increase RBC and platelet counts when compared to others?

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Originally Posted by The God Himself

So how long should I wait in between my donations? And which AS is more likely (or most) to increase RBC and platelet counts when compared to others?

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Here in the US you have to wait a minimum of 56 days in between whole.blood donations and 112 days in between double red donations.
If you are one that donates frequently, you should pull an iron panel periodically which would include serum iron, total iron binding capacity, serum ferritin, and transferrin. Usually if one is donating too frequently, you will see a low ferritin level. Also, keep track.of your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
As far as which AAS increases Hct the most, I don't know that there is a definite answer. Personally, I find that when I incorporate a 19-nor along with testosterone, that my Hct and Hgb rise faster than if I were running an equivalent amount of only testosterone. However, that is probably dependent on the differences in physiology from one person to the next.
I would suspect oral anabolics would increase Hct quicker, but that is just based on personal experiences.

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Originally Posted by almostgone

As far as which AAS increases Hct the most, I don't know that there is a definite answer. Personally, I find that when I incorporate a 19-nor along with testosterone, that my Hct and Hgb rise faster than if I were running an equivalent amount of only testosterone. However, that is probably dependent on the differences in physiology from one person to the next.

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FWIW, I *think* you're probably right that it's based on other physiological factors, but i find the same thing. They do a finger-prick iron level before I give blood, and i give regularly. When I'm on mast or tren, my pre-screening iron level does seem to be higher then on a Test or even Test & an oral. But it could just as easily be because of what I ate the day before. I try to stay away from red meats a couple days before I give so I don't get bounced out based on my iron levels.

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Originally Posted by Charlie67

FWIW, I *think* you're probably right that it's based on other physiological factors, but i find the same thing. They do a finger-prick iron level before I give blood, and i give regularly. When I'm on mast or tren, my pre-screening iron level does seem to be higher then on a Test or even Test & an oral. But it could just as easily be because of what I ate the day before. I try to stay away from red meats a couple days before I give so I don't get bounced out based on my iron levels.

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That's one thing I've been fortunate not to get called out for. I donate at the hospital blood bank and although I run high, they haven't deferred me (yet).

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Originally Posted by almostgone

Actually, high hematocrit is a concern, it's just that a high platelet count and a high packed cell volume is even more of a risk. I've been told this by my cardiologist and my oncologist.
A slightly above range Hct isn't anything to freak about but when you start seeing levels of 54%+ , the issue needs to be addressed.

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Brother , do your research ... there are two different types of high hemocrit .... one bad and one normal.

The high hemocrit that AAS users have are the same as if you are living in high attitudes .

The only way it would be a cause for concern is if your diet is shit.
Do your research. And not the research where you just google high hemocrit and see a wed md article.

I’ve had doctors tell me too much vit C is bad for you meanwhile it’s not ! If you are going to get your info from biased sources then you need to do further studying on the matter.


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Platelets are the huge factor in donating... high platelets are what is going to determine donating is necessary or not. Of coarse having high hemocrit and hbp is important to monitor, clotting is issue on hand and platelets and poor diet and lack of cardio will be the factor as to being at risk.

It’s all information you can find on the web. Trust me.

The main problem people want to overlook is diet. If you think eating meat all the time and constant animal protein won’t hurt your body , you are simply Wrong


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And yes I agree you should be definitely monitoring your health more if you are using 2+ more comPounds at a time as it will effect Your health if you aren’t taking care of yourself


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Originally Posted by Chrisp83TRT

Brother , do your research ... there are two different types of high hemocrit .... one bad and one normal.

The high hemocrit that AAS users have are the same as if you are living in high attitudes .

The only way it would be a cause for concern is if your diet is shit.
Do your research. And not the research where you just google high hemocrit and see a wed md article.

I’ve had doctors tell me too much vit C is bad for you meanwhile it’s not ! If you are going to get your info from biased sources then you need to do further studying on the matter.


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I'm sorry, but no, I am not incorrect. I've been "doing my research" since before I joined this board in 2004.
As I stated a high hematocrit is an increased risk. A high hematocrit level and a high platelet level are even more of a risk.
Thank you for your comments but I have "done my research". If we disagree, then so be it.

And no, I didn't play Google ninja and post random information, I've been doing with this for quite some time.
Have a nice day. :)


Edit: It bothers me that you refer to an article from the American Journal.of Physiology and Endocrinology, the NHS, or information from the Merck Manual of Hematology and Oncology as a WebMD reference. Very....... odd. Maybe you should read the posts containing accurate data closer.....brother. :)

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Originally Posted by ScotchGuard02

This is not for everyone, is the preface to my comment. I get in the tub (no water in the tub), clean my vein with an alcohol swab, and poke an 18ga pin into the vein and let the blood drain. It's messy but it works.

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Jeezuz dude!!!! I'm so glad you're on this forum

There is no way to remove RBC's from body without actually removing them. Blood donations help for sure, but a very short lived solution either way if you're on gear for extended periods. Instead of donating whole blood you should start doing double RBC donations. That's how you really lower counts considerably.

Like Scotch, I drain a pint once in a while in the sink. I just fill up a 16 ounce bottle and I'm done. Many will likely experience vasovagal syncope or response so don't attempt if you're not absolutely confident in your ability to do so and more important, don't do it if you cringe at the sight of excess blood.

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Originally Posted by austinite

There is no way to remove RBC's from body without actually removing them. Blood donations help for sure, but a very short lived solution either way if you're on gear for extended periods. Instead of donating whole blood you should start doing double RBC donations. That's how you really lower counts considerably.

Like Scotch, I drain a pint once in a while in the sink. I just fill up a 16 ounce bottle and I'm done. Many will likely experience vasovagal syncope or response so don't attempt if you're not absolutely confident in your ability to do so and more important, don't do it if you cringe at the sight of excess blood.

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I actually have to do the same myself occasionally or have a phlebotomist friend help when I'm running rich and not eligible to donate. I've had good luck using the 19 ga.x 3/4" long Excel scalp vein kit. The needles are the butterfly type and work very well, especially if you're doing it solo.
I have a problem maneuvering the needle and 5/32"/4mm poly tubing on my own. The wings give a little support against twisting and putting the bevel in the wrong orientation.

Edit: I've never had one clot on me yet and running around with high hematocrit just isn't wise, IMHO.

I've only ever done normal blood donations. Going to try Double RBC as mentioned here next time which happen to be next week.

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Originally Posted by tarmyg

I've only ever done normal blood donations. Going to try Double RBC as mentioned here next time which happen to be next week.

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I've done quite a few when running high Hct. They'll take 2 units of RBC, and return plasma, platelets, and some saline. The blood bank here likes you to call ahead to if possible, since they have an extra machine to setup, but I've gone in when they weren't busy and they took the double red/power red donations happily. The only thing with the double red donation here is you have to wait 112 days to donate instead of 56 but as Austinite posted it will lower your more than a whole blood donation.

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Originally Posted by almostgone

I'm sorry, but no, I am not incorrect. I've been "doing my research" since before I joined this board in 2004.
As I stated a high hematocrit is an increased risk. A high hematocrit level and a high platelet level are even more of a risk.
Thank you for your comments but I have "done my research". If we disagree, then so be it.

And no, I didn't play Google ninja and post random information, I've been doing with this for quite some time.
Have a nice day. :)


Edit: It bothers me that you refer to an article from the American Journal.of Physiology and Endocrinology, the NHS, or information from the Merck Manual of Hematology and Oncology as a WebMD reference. Very....... odd. Maybe you should read the posts containing accurate data closer.....brother. :)

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I didn’t say I’m using web md for my knowledge bro. There are plenty of well trained TRT physicians that state that just because you have high hemocrit means nothing. There are plenty of healthy individuals with high hemocrit that do NOT donate and love happy lives. There are two very different ways of high hemo. Look it up. It’s like saying someone who is using high amounts of protein will have kidney damage. There are many articles stating these are myths. There is a lot that goes into these studies that don’t just involve people using AAS


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Originally Posted by Chrisp83TRT

I didn’t say I’m using web md for my knowledge bro. There are plenty of well trained TRT physicians that state that just because you have high hemocrit means nothing. There are plenty of healthy individuals with high hemocrit that do NOT donate and love happy lives. There are two very different ways of high hemo. Look it up. It’s like saying someone who is using high amounts of protein will have kidney damage. There are many articles stating these are myths. There is a lot that goes into these studies that don’t just involve people using AAS


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I didn't say you did. You insinuated that I did when you told me to do "do my research". Read your quote below:

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Originally Posted by Chrisp83TRT

Brother , do your research ... there are two different types of high hemocrit .... one bad and one normal.

The high hemocrit that AAS users have are the same as if you are living in high attitudes .

The only way it would be a cause for concern is if your diet is shit.
Do your research. And not the research where you just google high hemocrit and see a wed md article.

I’ve had doctors tell me too much vit C is bad for you meanwhile it’s not ! If you are going to get your info from biased sources then you need to do further studying on the matter.


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I posted information from medical journals. I have " done my research" and not the kind that you get from WebMD.....bro. :). No biggie, we disagree. It's a public forum and that's what it is for.... discussion. :)
BTW, I am.very familiar with the difference between primary and secondary polycythemia and primary and secondary erythrocytosis and their treatments.
If the top TRT doctors you are referring to are Dr. Crisler or Dr.Neal Rouzier then you will note they state the importance of tracking red cell distribution width and ferritin levels when evaluating the need or lack of for therapeutic phlebotomies not whether it is primary or secondary polycythemia/erythrocytosis.
Again, it's a public forum and we all are free to express our thoughts and can even disagree and still be friends
But, I have "done my research"....bro.
Have a nice day. :)

I am very happy to see that a thread I’ve started led to constructive discussion and friendliness :)
And I’ve had plenty of helpful information

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Originally Posted by The God Himself

I am very happy to see that a thread I’ve started led to constructive discussion and friendliness :)
And I’ve had plenty of helpful information

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Excellent! That's what this forum is for. The exchange of ideas and information. Just because we may disagree that doesn't mean we dislike each other. :)

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Originally Posted by austinite

don't do it if you cringe at the sight of excess blood.

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Other people's blood I'm okay with. It's almost fascinating to see other people get blood drawn. Seeing my OWN blood gives me the creeps. I just got my blood drawn yesterday for my first labs and watching my own blood go in the vial made me a little uncomfortable. Then looking away and hearing the sound of my blood squirting and splashing every time she changed vials made me almost sick.