blood transfusion

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Permalink Reply by Baldylocks on April 9, 2008 at 3:05am

You will feel better after the transfusion. When my hemoglobin got that low, I had to be in a wheelchair. I never thought twice about the "someone else's blood" thing. With my first transfusion, the nurse said, "No, I don't know if it's girls blood or boys blood". It was kind of funny because I hadn't thought of that until she said it.

Please don't worry about it, it will all be fine and you'll feel better. I had about 7 transfusions and I always felt better after.

Horray, for blood donors!

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Permalink Reply by Raw Warrior on April 9, 2008 at 3:23am

I've had a blood transfusion and I felt much better and my pulse normalized. I didn't think of someone's else's blood as I knew that I needed it. You'll heal quicker when your body isn't having to work so hard with such a low hbg. Are you taking any iron supplements? Eat iron rich foods as well. Maybe look at this as a 'top-up' to your health so you can feel better and spunkier. The lightheadedness won't go away on it's own. Please be careful. Are you feeling short of breath with even minimal exertion?

Let us know how your doing.

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Permalink Reply by Mikey on April 9, 2008 at 4:29am

When I was going through chemo, I had more blood transfusions than I can count on both hands! Every month when my hemoglobin was low, they'd have to wheelchair me into the transfusion room because I was too weak to stand. But I ALWAYS felt better after receiving the blood. It's amazing what a difference it makes. Don't be worried about it, you'll feel so much better when you're done! xx

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Permalink Reply by genie on April 9, 2008 at 7:53am

I don't know about where you live, but here we can receive dedicated blood transfusions. This means that some one you know can go to the blood bank and give blood that will then be given to you. I know it has to be a couple days in advance, so it doesn't work in immediate emergency situations, but it's a great idea if you know ahead of time.

I've had transfusions twice. The first time, my hgb was 5.2 (ooooh) and I got four units. I surely didn't enjoy that. Then I lost a lot of blood during my hysterectomy, so I had two more. Before the hyster, my son tried to go to the blood bank to provide me with his good healthy blood, but it was closed due to a hurricane.

There was a recent study showing that donated blood that is fresh works FAR better than the stored stuff, so that's another good reason for a dedicated transfusion -- you'll know exactly how old it is.

Whatever happens, you will feel better!!

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Permalink Reply by Sherry on April 9, 2008 at 8:04am

Diana, Like others who have already responded, I had countless transfusions during my treatment....hemoglobin, platelets - I just couldn't get there on my own using natural methods. As genie mentioned, the blood should be fresh - there is a date on the bag it was donated. I know there are two sides to the coin, but you will feel better overnight. Your body is working on healing and the transfusions will help immensely. I second Baldylocks' comments - bless all blood donors, I am so thankful for them.

Keep us posted.

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Permalink Reply by Whole_Body_Healer on April 9, 2008 at 1:37pm

Blood transfusions will help you feel better. I thought about the transfusion as something that interconnects us all...life force energy. That helped to not think of it as "foreign", but simply coming from another part of me.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on April 9, 2008 at 7:11pm

I go in every month just about for several transfusions. I almost always feel so much better afterwards. I like to think of the blood as a sustaining life force. Someone else's generosity (people here are no longer paid, it is only volunteering for several hours to give their blood for free) is saving my life. And then I encourage everyone I know to donate, so that I feel like I'm "paying" back the service. The school I teach in held a blood drive in my honor. Think of receiving the blood as an honor as well. It helps.

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Permalink Reply by farmgirlErin on April 9, 2008 at 9:56pm

Hi! It will make you feel better, you'll be glad you did it. I recommend having someone you know donate it for you if you're nervous about the blood itself. I tried to do this for my dad a couple weeks ago as he just had knee replacement but my blood's not quite "all there" yet after the cancer&chemo. I just thought what better time to do it than when I have this port, stuff goes in and out of me so fast! But anywho, if you DON'T get blood from someone you know, you can "pray" over the blood. I mean, you can bless it in whatever way you see fit by calling on your chosen higher power. I believe in this. We bless food before we eat, right? I'll be sending good thoughts for your transfusion. Hope this doesn't sound too hokey.

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Permalink Reply by diana dancy on April 10, 2008 at 12:54am

Thanks everyone i will relax and just take in the life force i am sure i will feel better, i need the energy boost.
i am having alot of pain in my muscle in my legs, i guess this could be caused by low hbg...

well thanks again i appericated it

diana joy

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Permalink Reply by Jody Carnes on April 11, 2008 at 4:26am

Diana,

Hello, I hope your feeling beter. I had my first trasfusion two weeks ago and as everyone says it works. I thought I was dehydrated, causing dizziness, shortness of breath, palpitations, confusion and then l I started fainting. Funny, nobody noticed I wasn't getting any oxygen to by brain! I felt better before the transfusion was over. I also had an injection to kick start my red-blood cell making skills. I like what I hear about planned donations I had never thought of that. I will look into it in my area. Blessings.

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Permalink Reply by Guy on April 11, 2008 at 7:35am

get the blood.
you need hemoglobin....everybody does!
g

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Permalink Reply by Helen on April 11, 2008 at 9:07pm

Look at the donated blood this way: people who take the time out of their day to voluntarily get stuck by a needle to give blood must be good people in my book! My hubbie always gives blood when there are blood drives because he believes in the philosophy of what you give you get back in return. I am sure many donors feel the same way. They want to help others out in their time of need. I agree with the other person who said to look at it like life energy. It is and what a beautiful thing to share when you need to. Good luck. I'm sure you will feel much better. Take care.

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