After coming out to get my well earned snacks, I started feeling poorly, again, I told the poor volunteer that I was not feeling well. Put my legs up again, and she called the nurse over. I noticed a slightly blackening of my peripheral vision. I was able to take some juice, and start eating while on the floor. But they wanted me in a chair, so I stayed in a chair for another 20 minutes. Eating some snacks, and juice.

I left after almost a 2 hour lunch time, and went back to work. My stomach felt a little off, and I noticed I had to breath a little harder. As time when on, the symptoms lessened. But what I learned is despite my health, I can’t really give blood, if , say I have blood pressure of less than 100. I know everybody is different. And you may not be able to catch yourself, Like I did.

We decided after talking with the nurse, that I tried to hydrate to late before giving blood, and had I gotten more fluids in the previous day, I probably would have been ok.

On a side note, 5 hours after giving blood, I measured 94/59. Probably had lower blood preasure right after giving, and that is why I went into shock.

Hope someone finds this useful.

I wonder if other people feel HIGH after donating blood???? The sugar & refreshments only intensify the euphoria!!!!!!!!!! Am I borderline diabetic? or something too? what would happen?

Your BP is low, but that is probably normal for you, and is just fine. Taking a pint out, though, would likely drop your BP to the point where you won't adequately perfuse your vital organs. This can cause fainting, heart problems, kidney damage and other bad things.

If you were injured and had a major blood loss, you might see adverse effects more quickly. However, if you are young and otherwise healthy, your sympathetic nervous system would kick in big time and the adrenaline would probably keep your BP high enough to keep you going.

People who have high blood pressure are at risk if they lose a lot of blood because of something called autoregulation. Their organs are used to the higher pressures, and they are unable to tolerate pressures that would be normal for you.
References :
I'm a doctor

Low pressure can be a symptom of all kinds of things, and you can give blood only if you can be shown to be healthy.

I hope this helps.
References :
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003083.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood_pressure/article.htm

You won't DIE quicker than other people because you have low blood pressure. Actually, an open wound might bleed out SLOWER on you than on someone with HIGHER blood pressure.

They just can't take the risk of faintings during the process.
References :
I fainted when I gave blood at 17 and was told to never come back! They ALMOST didn't get enough blood out of me for it to be worthwhile, and if not, they would have wasted a lot of time (and juice and cookies) on me for no return.