therapeutic phlebotomy

**Joseph956** · 08-24-2013, 06:05 PM

What can i expect? They're not drawing double blood which I've read lays some people out for days so I'm relieved..

Also i just found out i have a job interview at 3 that same day and my draw is at 1:30. Is this going to be safe? Should i try and reschedule the interview?

Thanks guys!

**austinite** · 08-24-2013, 06:12 PM

Generally yes, it's fine. Some folks feel lightheaded. Be sure to eat a decent meal and make sure you're hydrated very well. Take an aspirin prior to going in, too. Process is very quick. Generally they should have some snacks if you feel you need any afterwards, and you can hang out there for a while if you don't feel comfortable leaving yet.

Personally I've never had any issues, but take the precautions above. If you have any doubts, I would reschedule your phlebotomy for an earlier time of day, or after your interview.

**Joseph956** · 08-24-2013, 06:57 PM

Yeah i was thinking about that... seems like the lab is booked all morning, plus i only took the afternoon off from work. I hope i can work around the phlebotomy because God knows I've been putting it off for too long.

Another question, i inject Sunday night generally... The phlebotomy won't affect my test levels?

**Beethoven** · 08-26-2013, 08:14 AM

How you feel depends on what's going on now. With me, my bp was much higher than normal, so I actually felt "better" after the draw. Usually some people feel light headed when all else is "normal" and are just donating. I have felt that way in the past when donating not on trt.

**Joseph956** · 08-26-2013, 03:22 PM

I'm here at the lab to get my phlebotomy done and my hematocrit level went down to 47 from a 51 two weeks ago.. I've been eating a grapefruit each night so maybe there is something to it! Hemoglobin is at 16 but my dr wants it at an 11 which is the lowest of the range.. This will be done during 2 draws.

Wondering if this is really necessary..

**austinite** · 08-26-2013, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Joseph956

I'm here at the lab to get my phlebotomy done and my hematocrit level went down to 47 from a 51 two weeks ago.. I've been eating a grapefruit each night so maybe there is something to it! Hemoglobin is at 16 but my dr wants it at an 11 which is the lowest of the range.. This will be done during 2 draws.

Wondering if this is really necessary..

Grapefruit is not really making the difference here. Could be a hydration issue between the 2 readings.

**Joseph956** · 08-26-2013, 03:28 PM

That's true austinite.. Today I'm really hydrated and two weeks ago i was fasting completely.. Do you think i really need this done austin?

**austinite** · 08-26-2013, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Joseph956

That's true austinite.. Today I'm really hydrated and two weeks ago i was fasting completely.. Do you think i really need this done austin?

Never hurts buddy. The only time it's not a good idea to donate/drain is when your hematocrit is too low, and they will reject you anyway in that case.

**Joseph956** · 08-26-2013, 04:52 PM

Had 500ml drawn like a champ! It took longer for them to run my insurance and assorted bs than to draw it.

Bp was reading excellent that i was actually kind of scared that it was too low but they were happy with it and i was on my way. Going back this coming Tuesday to see where I'm at.