The "convert" has a question?

[libzo2]

Friday night, full moon, broke down and crawled into the local ER to get the TRANSFUSION.  With my Hmg at 6.9, they gave me two units of O-neg, RHng blood through the night.

This led to a thrilling momment when the another patients husband tried to lay in my bed accidentally thinking he was in the right darkened room.  Yes - that was distracting.  Stop laughing - its not funny.  I have a serious question . . . . . .

I am back home feeling human (and a little excited) and realize I am at a strategic point that probably needs special action so here it goes.  My transfusion raised my Hmg to a luxurious 10.6.  My Doctor's PA had me stop all Riba last Wed but to continue the Incivek.  My last pill is this afternoon, next Pegasys shot is Sunday and I have no instructions as to how to proceed with the game plan change?  Do I take my Procrit shot and what strength?  Do I resume the Riba and what strength?  The crack I am in is still dark to me.  Hoping you might have an incling?  Thanx

By the way - I once was a transfusion virgin but now I know it is OK.  Libzo

[working dog]

thats great your feeling better...i know what its like with hgb that low..its such a drag...good luck and check in with your doc.....billy

[eureka254]

Hey, probably a good thing you were in the ER with your hgb on its way back up... otherwise, at 6.9 and dropping, it wouldn't have been long before someone's else's spouse in your bed wouldn't have raised an eyebrow or any other part of your anatomy. :)

[libzo2]

I drink your responses.  We have some great attitudes here.  I have to admit when the nurse asked if there was a "DNR" inplace before the transfusion, I was really nervous but the relief was indeed a great mercy.  I realized that I may have used fear as a form of self-sabotage because of my toxic brain.  I mean I was willing to let my Hmg get in the 6's before doing something that was available.  Your advice means so much as it is based on your personal experience which I almost trust more than the Pros.

I wonder if that lost spouse got my phone number -  just kidding.  I am going to have a nice big belly-laugh now.  Most exciting night I've had in a while.  =:)

[eureka254]

The "convert" has a question...
I once was a transfusion virgin but now I know it is OK...
------------------
Now, there's an inverted version of convert if there ever was one :).

Nothing wrong with enjoying life with decent hemoglobin for one day before you resume the grind... Monday's just a day away, and give your docs a call in the morning for the new plan... okay to just take a break and enjoy being a "10" and not having to take a pill or a shot to do it :).  Besides, procrit doesn't work fast enough that a day would make a difference.  Take care, glad you're feeling better. ~eureka

[fretboard]

Just move forward with your meds except the Procrit until you talk to your doctor.  Since you are off the Riba, the hope is your HGB will stay in the normal range since you've had a blood transfusion.  Do not inject the Procrit until you talk to the doctor!  good luck

[can-do-man]

Its clearly stated that 12 is the cutoff for procrit, a HGB of 10 is when most doctors will begin procrit.......... Always best to call your doctor.

[uncledudeness]

when i got my 3 pints i was off riba completely the week priot. generally over 10 is the cutoff for procrit. i started the riba a couple of days after the xfusion; 800 mg.

you need to call your doc and get a plan together...weekly cbc's are a must too.

it does feel great to have the HFB up...mine went up to 11.2 after the 3 pints....good luck.

[pcds]

You might want to call your docs office and ask when they open. I had lots of HGB problems but never went below 400 per day riba.  Sometimes I use my own judgement, but it has gotten me in trouble with my blood levels.  Like most of us here we hate dose reductions.  My HGB jump after transfusion didn't last long.  Hopefully after a few weeks post incivik your blood levels will improve as mine did.  Still need neupogin no and then, no procrit for weeks now.  Full doses of riba a peg.

I've been told no procrit if HGB is in10.3 or higher.