How can I boost my red blood cell count?

Last week I donated blood using a new method. Instead of a pint of whole blood, I gave a pint of red blood cells, a double red blood cell donation, where the plasma and platelets were returned to me.

I seem to have “induced anemia.”

They told me my blood volume would be back to normal in 24 hours, but I cannot donate again for 16 weeks, twice as long as between whole blood donations. By then my red blood cell count will be back to normal.

My problem is I am having trouble exercising as well as I did before. I feel like I am running at altitude, my blood can’t carry enough oxygen to my muscles.

Any ideas on boosting my red blood cell count faster? And no, I can’t get a shot of EPO.