Blood transfusion

Hi, I had a transfusion, it wasn't because of low hemoglobin but rather because I got very sick with a rare side effect from chemo (long story) and so transfusion was part of the treatment. It was really no big deal, though they keep a pretty good eye on you during the transfusion if you haven't had one before to be sure you have no reactions. I didn't...also didn't really notice any difference in how I felt afterwards. Good luck!

gigilala - I worked in the hospital in Transfusion Services at the time I was diagnosed, so here is some info for you. It is indeed common to require a blood transfusion at the end of chemo, and sometimes sooner, depending on how your hemoglobin does during chemo - and whether or not you are symptomatic. Some need a transfusion when their hemoglobin is at 10 due to being lightheaded, lethargic, confused or dizzy. As minus points out above, most feel immensely better after receiving a blood transfusion. Generally at 8 or below, your doc will order a transfusion, even if you have no symptoms other than fatigue. The good news is that the chemo portion of your treatment is over and you will likely just need this one boost and your red cells will begin to reproduce and your hemoglobin will rise naturally after this. Here are a few things to know prior to transfusion. You will be typed and cross-matched - this may take place the day before, or the day of transfusion. This process identifies your blood type and any possible antibodies so that the optimal units of blood are prepared for you. If you have never been transfused, or don't carry a familial antibody problem, this is usually a fairly smooth process, but it can take more than an hour - this is why it is often done the day before. A cross-match is usually good for 72 hours. If you were to require subsequent units of blood several weeks from now another type & cross would have to be done at that time. Cancer patients have certain requirements due to compromised immune systems. The units should compatible blood type - either same type blood as yourself, or units that are able to be received - like I am A-, but can receive O- blood. Do you know your type? Those with a hemoglobin of 8 usually need two units of packed red blood cells to bring the hemoglobin up to an acceptable level. Your units of blood should be leuko-reduced, irradiated, and negative for the CMV virus. All three of these factors should be right on the label on the front of the units - ask the transfusing nurse to show you this. It is important that leuko-reduced blood is used - this is a process that filters out the white cells, and the vast majority of units are this way - even for non-cancer patients and it insures less chance of a reaction. Irradiation ensures less of a chance for Graft vs Host disease - and this is usually more of an issue for those who require many units of blood, but it is a precaution taken for those who are transfused and have had cancer. Lastly, the units should be CMV negative. Half the population has been exposed to CMV, which is a relatively harmless virus like the common cold. The other half of the population is negative for this. Unless you have been tested yourself - which is unlikely routinely, your units should be CMV negative due to immunological repression - this is to keep you safe from having to fight off CMV unnecessarily. The goal here is to give you the safest blood products for your situation. Plan for a fairly long stay on the day of transfusion, and dress in layers - some people get cold during transfusion. I would ask your doc if you can pre-medicate with Tylenol and Benadryl - or if they plan to pre-med you with these at the facility. Some docs are not believers in pre-meds, so don't worry if your doc does not plan to do this. Sometimes you can experience a slight rise in temp, or a rash so many docs like to use these two meds to prevent that. You will have vital signs taken prior to starting the units to establish a baseline - this should include a temperature. Usually vitals will be taken at 15 minute intervals throughout the transfusion - although sometimes it is done at 15 minutes in, 30 minutes in, then hourly, and it can take up to 4 hours to completely transfuse one unit. If the entire unit has not been totally transfused they should discontinue at the 4 hour point and discard it so as to avoid any potential for bacterial transmission, and move on to the second unit. Since each unit can take up to 4 hours, plus time to set up and do vitals - this can be a long day. You should feel better almost immediately, and I hope you do! Usually two units can produce a rise in Hgb of at least two points if two units are given. Do you have any questions about anything I have said here? Please ask if you do.