ms,
i haven't tried it directly.
one time, when i was towards the end of my initial bleed out for hemochromotosis, i did make a trip down to the flats. did i have the malaise? no. i came back up to what was my last bleed- then ended up very anemic for a year...since then, a genetic test shows no hemochromotosis. i actually feel better (more energy) when a little anemic, even at altitude.

good suggestion to try to donate right before the low-altitude trip. i'll see if i can schedule it before my next trip.