I had a reaction to the citrate during apheresis (triple unit donation), causing calcium depletion — heart palpitations, high blood pressure, some dizziness, finger tingling, jaw tension, etc.. It didn’t subside right away, so they had an ambulance take me to Millard-Fillmore Gates. A few hours later, I was released as being fine. A little scary, though … just before I was done donating, my chest felt “fluttery” and the feeling came and increased quickly. After a couple Tums (calcium), it subsided just as fast, but I still felt a little too light-headed to drive.
I’ll be taking it easy a couple days, lots of fluids, the usual. I just don’t look forward to the bill.