Blood Transfusion in Morning-Kinda Scared

[Jan214]

I know that some of you are old hats at blood transfusions, but I am having my first one in the morning.  My hemoglobin is 7.5 and apparently 12-16 is normal.  They told me I would be able to come home tomorrow night if everything goes well.  I have been so tired, and so weak that all I can do is go from the couch to the bathroom and back.  Everytime I get up I feel dizzy and weak.  I've been stupid.  I don't have my bloodwork done every week, but I won't be skipping anymore of those.  

I do have an irrational fear of getting a transfusion because I have always felt that once you start going down the transfusion road with cancer, it isn't long before you die.  I know that is stupid, but this cancer is just really starting to p*ss me off because it is starting to make me feel afraid and I don't fricking like that AT ALL.

Sorry to be babbling, but my brain isn't working well.  I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that doing this will make me feel 100% better & that I won't catch some really heinous disease from the blood. I would also like to hear how you felt and how you reacted to your transfusions.

I really miss you all, and if this works I will be back on more and I can't wait for that!!!  It didn't occur to me, but of course a low blood count is going to make me feel withdrawn and lethargic. Well, it would be nice to be able to blame it on the blood instead of depression.

Love
Jan

[Jan214]

Thank you all so much. Marty, you are so funny and it was just what I needed.

I had blood transfusions for 3 days in 1981 after my oldest daughter was born and it made all the difference in the world. They really mean it when they say "your life's blood".  Without it you feel like you weigh no more than a piece of paper. Six years after her birth I got a letter telling me to get an AIDS test because they hadn't been screening for that in 1981. They have known about AIDS since the mid 70's.  I know it isn't like that anymore and they are really careful.  I think the fear comes not so much from the blood supply as the actual need to have it.

I have always said that even though I have had to be on chemo for 2 1/2 yrs without a break, and in spite of the constant heaving, I have been lucky because I haven't had any blood problems like so many of you have. It is just one more thing that isn't in the "plus" column anymore if that makes sense.

Cory is rushing me and I can't rush so I better get moving, but thank you all so much for all of your reassurance and kind words. I am SO grateful that you are all always here for me no matter how long I am away from here.

Love you all,
Jan

[marie3B]

After reading all this now I want some blood too!!  My hemogloboin is too low too and I have to take so much iron it messes with my already half-blocked bowels.  I hope the blood makes you feel good again Jan.  I know the feeling of being so drained.  I feel like I am not up to dealing with anything (except the baby) and I am not even on any chemo now.  I am always saying it would be nice to see some of my friends, then when someone does stop by or call I don't even feel like I can handle it. I am always anxious for the mailman to bring me the mail.  Then I get the mail and feel overwhelmed that I have extra paper to deal with.  Am I sounding crazy??  Anyway, I am thinking of you and hope you get re-charged.  Love, Marie

[doicat]

This is one thing I can give advice about to you instead of you calming me through my whimpy fears..I had blood transfusions after my surgery...I was NOT rebounding after the surgery and the blood was like fairy dust and magic juju juice.  Before, I felt like Cr*p, after became a human being again.  There is Nothing like new blood, we can't create it.  So, instead of getting some poison pumped into you, like CHEMO!, you will be getting Gods healing blood.  Take it and let its healing power do like Marty said...it will kick some butt!  Take care and relax...this is a GOOD thing going into your body for a change.  You deserve it!
Love you
Teresa

[yrrek]

You will feel so much better, you will probably even notice it while you are being transfused.  I am an RN and have given blood to my patients, so it was good to see how it felt on the other side.  There are so many checks that must be done when blood is given, so rest assured that you will be fine.  Low H&H really has so many effects on the body, so get ready to feel like yourself again!!  Love, Kerry

[gma718]

I know I didnt have OVCA but when I had my hysterectomy and all the problems with it I did need quite a few blood transfusions...like around 6 i think...I also had to have 2 after the birth of my older daughter...after I delivered my daughter I felt so weak and had the worst heart palpatations...my level was 5....having such a low blood count makes you feel very anxious, nervous, dizzy, weak, tired, breathless, etc,,,please dont worry...I hope you stay calm...I didnt feel anything when it was being pumped into me...but I did feel better after receiving it...I was scared too...but when the Dr told me life or death I did it...Please feel good and you will see how much better it will make you feel...I'll be thinking of you...Love, Gia

[Kathleen78]

Jan,

I am a medical lab technologist and work in my hospitals blood bank.  I was given 3 units of blood this past summer.  So now I've been on both sides of a unit of blood.  There is very very little chance you will have any noticable reaction to the transfusion and a very very very tiny chance of you getting any disease from the unit itself.  As a blood banker, I can say with much confidence that we take our job very seriously and do everything in our power to protect the patient.  

As for my own transfusions, I felt nothing at all.  I do have to say that I did look at the unit to make sure it was the right blood type (sorry I couldn't help it!).  Afterwards, I did feel a lot better and had more energy to do things.  No more being breathless going up the stairs to my apartment.

Kathy