Thanks for the info on donating. I had eaten, a big bowl of oatmeal, but it was about noon when I started to feel sick and faint, probably it was a combination of dehydration and needing to eat. I am actively reminding myself today to drink more water - I brought my Sigg bottle with me today.

I also checked some online resources and they said nausea wasn't unexpected, so I'm not going to be concerned about that. And it went away after I ate. I do hope the feeling of being a little out-of-breath goes away. (But that could also be allergies or the humidity; it's getting to be the bad time of year for that).

I've fainted a couple times in the past but it was only when I was taking (horse-pill sized) antibiotics and I swallowed the pill "wrong" and thought I was choking (when I actually wasn't). The EMTs my mom called (the first time it happened) said it's not uncommon for people to have a vasovagal response like that in that situation. (So at least I know what it feels like to be ABOUT to faint so I can sit down and prevent it).

I did get a tiny bit lightheaded once before after giving blood, but sitting down fixed it and it was nothing like what I had yesterday. I really did think I was either going to pass out or spew and I did not want to do either one of those.

I guess next time I will need to drink more water beforehand, and ideally eat something with protein in it first thing.