I normally give whole blood every six months or so, and can fit this in with my riding pretty easily with no real detrimental impact on my performance. But the blood people have suggested, because of blood group, that I would provide more benefit if I donated platelets.
Anyone have any experience of donating platelet in terms of impact on riding. I realise it involves taking whole blood, extracting the platelet bit and pumping the rest back in. And consequently it's possible to donate more often and theoretically would have even less impact on performance.
I have done some searching on t'net some some opinions but nothing very scientific
The blood service would be equally happy if I carry on giving whole blood, but interested if any experience out there. Happy with anectdotal/personal experiences as well as any pointers to official advice or any research.
I give platelets every 6 weeks. I often ride there and the only problem is waiting for my heart rate to go down before I can start the donation (the hospital is at the top of a big hill). I've never had any problems afterwards.
Thanks - good to get some personal experience - I will give it a try and see how it goes
I've done it every 4 weeks for a few months. Takes a lot longer, usually 90m, which is why I CBA while working, it would take up half a day with the travelling
As you don't lose any red blood, I don't see how it can affect riding, I certainly felt no ill effects, though I wasn't training (or doing anything) hard.
I've been giving platelets nearly every month for about three and a half years now. I've not had any ill effects and haven't really noticed any lethargy after (maybe ever so slightly tired the following day -although that may be in my mind - but still ok to go for a ride or run). Takes me about 70 minutes for a triple. With a busy work schedule and two young boys it seems to be about the only time I get to myself. 70 minutes of peace and quiet, a cup of tea and a biscuit, a book/magazine/iPod/laptop, I quite enjoy it!
Think in the fitness Q and A bit of last months mag there was a question about this, and the Dr said that platelets was better than whole blood for performance for the reasons you outlined.
If you do it and decide it's not for you, you can always go back to whole blood.
The only downside for me is the time commitment as it's a 30 mile round trip now but seems a small price to pay.