Is there a doctor in the house? I think I REALLY #*$@ed up!
 

I'm hoping to get some help here, though I doubt the situation I'm in can be rectified soon.

Here's the deal. 2 weeks ago, I donated blood. Not only did I donate, but I did the double red cell donation. I was talked into this by one of the nurses on site. I was told that I would feel better upon leaving after the double red-cell donation than I would feel after a regular donation, (which I've done many, many times) since they replace the plasma and other fluids with this process that are not replaced with a regular, whole blood donation. What they refrain from telling you is that if you are an athlete you are going to be sucking wind for some time afterwards!

Now, the problem. My LT has dropped significantly. My endurance SUCKS. I have NO lungs. And I have an MS150 in 4 weeks in which I pull my 8 year daughter on a pedal trailer. From what I've read, it will take up to 120 days to completely restore my red blood cells. (They don't tell you this when you are donating -- not yet anyway.) Obviously, I don't have that much time.

Can anyone offer me some advice as to how I can increase my red blood cells -- SOON?

Blood transfusion. Try to get your own cells back.

You can be the first person disqualified from an MS150 for doping.

Take some iron pills, OTC type ok as long as there is at least 100mg of FeSO4 or 180mg of Fe gluconate, the most common iron sources. One with each meal for a week and then twice daily for several weeks. Your bone marrow has already started to crank up and with a bit of extra fuel (Fe) will replace the blood donated in 2-3wks.
Your LT and wind will return to status quo. Expect #2 to turn grey or black while on iron supplements.
Steve

If you want to get your iron a little more naturally, eat lots of Red Meat (BEEF). Keep it lean though. You don't want to clog the arteries too much. But, a heavier diet of red meat for the next few weeks will help.

And lots of fresh spinach salads. I think spinach is naturally rich in iron as well.

Good Luck