could not donate THIS TIME

Don't feel guilty, you've already done more than most people do.

I can't give blood because I might have mad cow disease

Ah yes, the walk of shame. Done that a few times. Being vegetarian means it's harder to build up iron.

Don’t be hard on yourself. You have just recovered from surgery (hope you are feeling better now) and you set out to do a good thing. I’ve also been rejected from donating blood because of low iron several times, but luckily iron levels can be improved through diet and supplements (if necessary).

I’ve been told that I can’t donate for six months after any surgery. I’ve had multiple from a hysterectomy, to a laparoscopic meniscus tear repair. And every time they say “can’t donate blood”.

It sucks, but it’s for your safety and others.

Don't feel guilty! They're just being extra careful because they want you and the people you donate to to be safe. Being unable to donate due to surgery recovery doesn't surprise me at all - I once got turned away because I hadn't gotten checked up at the doctor a few weeks after a nasty (but luckily very superficial) scooter accident. I felt fine but they just wanted my body to focus on repairing itself first.

In this case the saying is true: you (quite literally) cannot pour out of an empty cup.

Rest up, head back when you can, and hopefully they give you some snacks!

It's OK. Just have patience, you'll be back in no time.

Shoulda had oysters beforehand. That could have pushed you over the line

In the US, you are still able to donate plasma so you can keep the iron contained in the red blood cells in your body

As an American I'm hearing "free blood test" lol

Pairing vitamin c with iron helps with upyake efficiency

I can't donate blood because I'm on lithium. :(

6 months for being off by less than 1% seems harsh. Thanks for being a donor.

I've given blood maybe a dozen times, plasma 3 or four. Last time I went to give blood they pricked my finger and I went so pale they wouldn't go through with it. My diet wasn't any different that I knew of but I immediately was like well hell.. maybe I can't do this anymore. I'll try again in the future I'm sure, but I just figured it meant I was getting older.