Blood Transfusions for Anemia (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> Health and Safety



Message

MistressDarkArt -> Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/6/2012 9:40:02 PM)

Long story short: I have an internal bleed and have been severely anemic for several months without knowing it. They're going to fix the bleed but have warned me it will take months to get my blood count high enough to feel normal again on my own. I've been offered a transfusion to get me jump started.

For those who have had transfusions for anemia and/or medical folks reading this: can I expect to feel more energetic and alert right away? Should I expect any unpleasant side effects from the transfusion?

Thanks all :-)




smartsub10 -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 6:13:51 PM)

I had a friend who had a similar problem who opted for the transfusion. She felt great afterwards. She told me she forgot what it felt like not to be tired all the time.

I've worked in clinical laboratories most of my career and I can assure you that the blood supply in the United States is very safe.



Hillwilliam -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 6:15:20 PM)

There are no unpleasant side effects from transfusions.



kalikshama -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 6:23:56 PM)

I've got nothing regarding blood transfusions but if they start talking supplements down the road:

Due to very heavy menstrual bleeding, I'm anemic, and once my iron level was so low the doctor said "One point lower and I'd give you iron intravenously."

The first supplement the VA gave me did nothing for me. I forget what form that was - probably cheapest.

Now they are giving me Ferrous Gluconate, which raises my iron level but not my energy.

I've started taking Thorne Research Iron Picolinate and something has raised my energy lately - may be that.

I've never had the constipation typical with iron supplements, but since taking vitamin C to bowel tolerance, I've never had a problem with constipation.



MistressDarkArt -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 7:32:52 PM)

Thanks everyone.

Unfortunately, the offer has been rescinded with the last round of CBCs. There wasn't enough time to schedule the transfusion between test results and Monday's 'procedures' to locate and fix the bleed. After that...I may exert my 'dominance' to see if I can get the doc to play ball. I've been exhausted long enough and it's fecking scary looking at my white eyelids, lips and gums. I feel like a veal calf kept immobile in the dark...

Good thoughts for Monday, please? Thanks y'all.



Hillwilliam -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 7:36:25 PM)

MDA. I'm an ex coach and athlete so I know a bit about building endurance and was wondering if EPO might be on the table.

That is the recently banned 'blood booster' that cyclists used for years. I don't know of any bad side effects to it. It just tells the body to start cranking out extra red cells which seems to be what you need.

Might you ask you doctor about that? Then, as hard as it will be, let him be the Dominant.[8D]



lizi -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 7:37:41 PM)

Good luck MDA, I truly hope this all goes well for you and that they find the answers.



kitkat105 -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 8:11:53 PM)

Thinking positive thoughts xo

If I were you, I would push the issue. You are already 'compromised' plus having surgery. I think that is classed as medical necessity if ever. There is no reason why they can't transfuse you prior or during the procedure.



MistressDarkArt -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/8/2012 9:51:10 PM)

Thanks so much for the kind thoughts, all. I've been struggling with this crap for months and it feels great to know it will be resolved soon.

Hilly, I've never heard of EPO. Do you have a preferred link to learn about it?



Hillwilliam -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/9/2012 5:30:45 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MistressDarkArt

Thanks so much for the kind thoughts, all. I've been struggling with this crap for months and it feels great to know it will be resolved soon.

Hilly, I've never heard of EPO. Do you have a preferred link to learn about it?

http://www.washington.edu/research/pathbreakers/1985b.html



MistressDarkArt -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/9/2012 1:10:56 PM)

Thanks Hilly :-)



Duskypearls -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/9/2012 2:51:17 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam


quote:

ORIGINAL: MistressDarkArt

Thanks so much for the kind thoughts, all. I've been struggling with this crap for months and it feels great to know it will be resolved soon.

Hilly, I've never heard of EPO. Do you have a preferred link to learn about it?

http://www.washington.edu/research/pathbreakers/1985b.html


In veterinary/human medicine, EPO (Erythropoetin) is commonly used to treat anemia due to chronic renal disease/chemotherapy/etc.. Erythropoetin is a hormone naturally produced by the kidneys and is necessary for the bone marrow to produce red blood cells (RBC's). Hemoglobin in the RBC's is what carries oxygen If the kidney is no longer able to produce enough erythropoetin, it can devastate the bloods oxygen-carrying capacity. "E" stimulates RBC production and initiates hemoglobin synthesis.

EPO, short for Epogen, is injected subcutaneously or intravenously, one to three times weekly. It can take 2-3 weeks to feel an effect. It is said to be useful for mild to moderate anemia, but not severe. "E" may or may not relieve tiredness.

One should also be aware using "E" increases the risk of blood clots.



Hillwilliam -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/9/2012 5:21:37 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: MistressDarkArt

Thanks Hilly :-)

You're very welcome MDA. Good luck at the doc's/



kiwisub12 -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/9/2012 6:24:00 PM)

My late dom had to have blood transfusions- and every time he did, he felt better within 12 to 24 hours. It was almost miraculous. If you get one, you will love the effects. [:)]



kalikshama -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/10/2012 11:42:41 AM)

Positive thoughts! Let us know how it went.



hlen5 -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/11/2012 10:47:17 AM)

Best of luck on whatever course of action you choose!!



LadyHibiscus -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/11/2012 11:12:54 AM)

Hope all went well, MDA!



MistressDarkArt -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/11/2012 7:40:34 PM)

Hi folks-

Thanks for the well-wishes.

The combination endo/colonoscopy showed nothin'. Insurance has denied a transfusion.

F*ck all this, I'm gonna buy an accordion. [&:]



kalikshama -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/12/2012 8:56:29 AM)

That sucks!

How much if you pay out of pocket? Is there an appeal procedure?



MistressDarkArt -> RE: Blood Transfusions for Anemia (9/12/2012 1:01:43 PM)

Hi folks-

Mix-up about the insurance; it was the hospital being mercenary about getting their share of the deductible before they gave service. That "billing-verification" gal got a tongue-lashing (and not the nice kind!) I sorted her out with a quickness!!

Being transfused as I type this. I asked for blood from a 250 lb. college football player with a cute butt. [8D]
It's great...they give you lunch, all the cranberry juice you want, muffins, internet access, pillows, heating pads, warm blankies...I already feel better!

PS: to Kalikshama: $990 for one unit.



Page: [1] 2 3   next >   >>

Valid CSS!




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy
0.0625