ANEMIA

I'm a diagnosed iron deficiency anemic. My first transfusion was 1996, 9 pints + 2 that came right back out (I had a bleeding ulcer too). My last transfusion was October 2003, 4 pints. I haven't had an RBC since then, but my body's telling me that it's probably time for another transfusion. But I really can't afford it. If I'm lucky and just need 2 pints this time, can I maybe last on 6 or 7 pints of blood for awhile until my body makes more blood by itself?