Blood Transfusion

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ebann
ebann Member Posts: 3,026
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

My Dr. called me today to say that my red blood count is to low. It is suppose to be an 11 and it is a 7. So I had to go to the hospital today to get blood work done. Tomorrow morning I have to go in and have 2 units of blood done. I have been so tired and have had shortness of breath. Just from doing the slightest things. Has anyone had a blood transfusion before?  They said they had to give me benadryl before the transfusion. I forgot to ask why? Does anyone know why. They say I will feel so much better. I am so looking forward to it. I am just not looking forward to going. It always seems like something is coming up for one thing or another.

Blessings

Elizabeth

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited September 2008

    My husband is getting red cells tomorrow.

     Be prepared. The give them slowly. It's two hours a bag.

    The place he goes doesn't give benadryl unless you've had a reaction -increased bp, heart rate- but some do give it as a precaution. 

    You'll feel better once you get them. There is a shot to create red blood cells but it's not recommended for those undergoing cancer treatments, doesn't improve outcomes.  

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited September 2008

    At the place I work, they routinely give Benadryl and Tylenol before blood transfusions.  Some people can have ' transfusion reactions', such as a fever,  or allergic type reactions.

    I've never had a blood transfusion, but a nurse I know has.  She had very bad vaginal bleeding, and admitted her to ICU.  She had at least 8 units of blood and took her in for emergency surgery. She's perfectly fine now. 

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  • ebann
    ebann Member Posts: 3,026
    edited September 2008

    thank you ladies for emailing me and letting me know this. I went in for my tranfusion today. I slept most of the time cause of the Benadryl. It took 4 hours. But I have more color to my skin and starting to feel a little better already. I know it is a positive thing. I think I was just frustrated because it was just one more thing to deal with. Again thank you!

    Blessings;Elizabeth

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