Blood transfusion question

tangandchris
tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
edited July 2014 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

How long after getting a transfusion should I notice a difference in energy levels? Is it a matter of hours or days? thanks!

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  • peacestrength
    peacestrength Member Posts: 690
    edited June 2014

    Tang - Sorry you're going through this.  I didn't have a blood transfusion but came close.  My last Taxol treatment caused me to drop to a level where I was dizzy and nearly passing out.  My MO recommended a blood transfusion and said that I should notice more energy right away but would take a some time to renew my counts.  I hope you feel better soon!

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited June 2014

    I have no clue - never had a transfusion.  I've donated gallons though.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited June 2014


    Well I'm feeling more energy today, not much but a little.

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  • rosie06ct
    rosie06ct Member Posts: 220
    edited June 2014

    It was a gradual thing for me , had 5 but it was due to affinator killing my stomach inside and i developed a bleed ... finally fixed now on Gemzar 1 treatment so far

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited June 2014

    tanga - how low was your hemoglobin and how many units did you have transfused?

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited June 2014


    I was a 7.8 and one unit.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited June 2014

    You probably need another unit. They usually transfuse two for chemo-induced anemia with a Hgb below 8.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited July 2014


    Thanks for answering me specialk :)

    I wondered why they only did one, and I haven't even had blood work to check how it is now. I'm not as tired, but still tired. I'm on 2 different IV antibiotics right now too, so that is adding to the fatigue.

    anyway, thanks for the responses.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited July 2014

    I would ask for a CBC and see where your Hgb is and then maybe get another unit or two if you are still feeling too tired.  Look for symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion and feeling lightheaded - all can be from low Hgb.  Also, your unit(s) need to be leuko-reduced, irradiated, and CMV negative since you are a cancer patient.

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