I used to donate regularly, (I donated for the first time in my SR year of HS) but the last couple of times I tried to donate my BP was too high but am on meds again and lost some weight, so hope I can donate again soon.
I am also CMV negative which is much needed for babies and cancer patients who need a blood transfusion.
It is really pretty much painless and doesn’t take all that much time. I think I even read somewhere that donating blood can actually help reduce HBP. I’ve also donated plasma a few times which takes longer and more involved but still no really a big deal.
The biggest thing to do before donating blood is to drink a lot of water before and after and avoid some strenuous physical activity after, but for only the 1st 24 hours.
If you’ve even had a relative who desperately needs blood, please consider donating. Be the stranger who donated to save their lives to save someone else’s.
Doctor Explains: What REALLY Happens To Your Blood After Donating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVFUF1rCJV4