Transfusion

[LookingForward12]

Hemoglobin has dropped to 7.7. On my way to check into hospital for transfusion. Doctor also taking me off ribavirin for four days. Start back at 600 on Tuesday.
Any words of wisdom or positivenress greatly appreciated.

[LookingForward12]

If I have to do another one, I will.  It seems to have worked well for me.  They did not give me another Procrit shot last week as my hemoglobin was so high they felt it wasn't necessary.  I think I'd rather do the transfusion.

[LookingForward12]

When I went into the hospital at 7.5, I received four units of blood.  Each unit took about four hours to drip into my system so it was an overnight stay. My hemoglobin went from 7.5 up to 13.4 from that. It even increased a little more by the end of the first week after. The doctor ended up keeping me an extra night on fluids because my blood pressure had dropped pretty low as well.

The first week after the transfusion, I felt a little better but not much.  I definitely had some color back, however.  This week I feel incredibly good and I am just hoping that the 'fix' continues to work for the next two weeks while I finish up this Incivek.  Oh, I also noticed that some of the side effects I had initially from the Incivek that had kind of abated a little as I developed anemia, came back when I had the new blood.  Go figure.

[rockymoe]

I  have had to have 2 transfusions and I'm still on reduced Riba and I'm crashing again. Seems like once I drop under 10 even on Procrit I crash. I get 2 units each time. I was ticked off after the last one as I came down with Bronchitis and never got the benefit of feeling better for the 5 weeks my hgb is up.

[texaslady68]

I am severely anemic.  Blood at 7.9 and my doctor wants me to go to hospital tomorrow for blood transfusion.  Can anyone tell me about how many pints this is going to require to build me up?  Also, does it require an overnight stay in the hospital.  Can I eat prior to going to hospital?  Any advice would be sooo appreciated.  I have no idea about blood transfusions.

Many thanks!

[Advocate1955]

Glad you're feeling better and happy to hear that the transfusion will help you get to the main goal:  staying on treatment.  As far as words of wisdom, I don't have any, other than I have noticed that many on this forum recommend asking for weekly labs once anemia occurs in order to keep a close watch on the hgb.  Hang in there!
Advocate1955

[dscj]

48 weeks. i was on incivik for 12 weeks and i'll be on the riba/interferon (if i stay undetected) until november. my doc wants to watch closely as he raises the riba back up to see how it affects the hemoglobin levels. good luck to you and lets stay transfusion free!

[LookingForward12]

Are you on 48 or 24 week therapy. Believe me, although a little worried at first, I do see the transfusions as a godsend! Some color back and feel better, plus will be able to stay on Incivek for my last month! Ribavirin holiday for four days then start back on Tuesday.

[dscj]

the other way to look at this is that transfusions are a godsend! i had 3 transfusions over a month, 3 bags, 2 bags, 3 bags (basically ea 2 weeks apart). i would not have been allowed to continue without getting my levels back up. procrit is working now and i'm up to about 13. lowest i got was 5.8, other two times in the high 6's. i'm done the incivik now, been done for about a month. the riba has been cut back to help with the anemia. feel good but waiting to see what happens when the riba is at full strength.

[LookingForward12]

Frijole, will post all that for you when I get home. All that blood only raised Hmg to 12 :)
A lot of my stats you can find on my home page. Also journal entry with weekly bloodwork until anemia took over but will update that next week. Yesterday was shot number 9, so have been on treatment since jan 13 - triple with Incivek. I believe  my liver was just stage one. Mild to moderate scarring and showing inflammation.

[frijole]

Sorry you have to transfuse -- and that is a lot of blood!  How many weeks have you been on tx?  If you feel up to it - what is your start date, what was your pre tx VL, have you treated before and do you know what the grade and stage of your liver is?  Thanks, frijole

[LookingForward12]

Just started unit 3 of blood. Feel better already. Have some pink color back in my nails..

[working dog]

your doing fine....i only did 2 units of blood and i was lower hgb then you...got headaches for a few days after...my hgb went up to 9.1...you'll maybe get 1.5 raise in hgb per unit...i also think 4 units is an awful lot of blood...ya know you may feel pretty bad throughout tx...i did...be careful..take it real easy....billy

[80mecheng]

That's a lot of blood.  I don't know how you did anything at 7.7.  I was down to 9.2 and dropping and couldn't do much of anything.  Added procrit which after 5 weeks has stabilized hmg but really has only come up to 9.8.  Still feel lousy.

[LookingForward12]

Doctor has ordered 4 units. Waiting for typing now.- have a great nurse who is talkingy ears off and keeping me laughing so that's good. Am looking at this like a little stay cation :)
Thanks for  the info and positive thoughts.  xo looking forward to feeling better!

[80mecheng]

Food taste lousy during treatment in any building but I get your point.

[uncledudeness]

my HGB was at 7 when i checked in. after 3 pints i felt great. took a week off from tx. it takes about 3 to 4 hours per pint. you will feel much better after the fill-up. not to worry. good luck....oh, and the food sux at the big building with beds, but that's not important now.

[Bovary73]

Hi,

I had my first transfusion last Friday when my hgb dropped to 8.1. Got 2 x 400 ml and started and got some color in cheeks and lips right away. Felt better after one day and had a "wonderful" week this week! I must say that after this experience, I think most of my sx have been because of anemia til now. Good luck! Have you discussed starting with Procrit with your doctor/nurse?

You will feel so much better soon now! :)

[stormy456]

I guess that answers the question I asked in my note to you this morning.  Have seen quite a few posters that have had transfusions and felt much better right away.  Bet that will be the case for you as well, I'm so glad your doctor is so responsive.  Be well, and update us when you return.

[milliehepc]

I can only offer positive thoughts.  And with your great name - lookingforward - to the best outcome to a warrior.
millie

[flcyclist]

Sorry, no experience, but just wanted to extend some well wishes and hope you feel much better after the transfusion.  Many have gone through this, so hope they chime in.