Did anyone have to get a blood transfusion?????

[lauralynn]

I'm having my translab/with BAHA implanted surgery on April 14th.  I had to fill out my consent for surgery forms.  When I gave them to my surgeon's office they noticed that I didn't want blood products.  That scares me.  I'm going to try to donate my own blood...they said I could probably do a pint of my own.  Did anyone have to get a blood transfusion during their surgery?  Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Lauralynn

[Kaybo]

Lauralynn~
There was just a whole thread on this started by Anissa - in fact, I thought that is what this was!!  Steve....oh Steve...he can find anything - I don't know how to put in the threads!!

K

[EJTampa]

I think you are talking about this thread here.  Lots of good replies and should be helpful to you Lauralynn.
 
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=8993.0
 
Ernie

[Kaybo]

thanks Ernie!

[wendysig]

Lauralynn,

While you can probably make an autologous blood donation, my doc went as far as telling me that he tells  patients not to do this.   A minimal amount of blood is lost during this surgery and he had never heard of anyone needing a transfusion.  If it would make you feel better to do it, then I doubt there would be a problem, but from what I understand, you'd have a better chance of being struck by lightning on a clear, sunny day than needing it.

Wendy

[chelsmom]

Hi Lauralynn,

I just saw this topic and had to jump in.  My daughter also had a very large tumor and we were told that the surgery was not a bloody one and there was really no need to donate her own blood.  Unfortunately her tumor turned out to be vascular and she needed 2 units of blood during surgery.  Her surgery was staged in 2 parts at 2 weeks apart.  During that 2 week period she received 2 units of platelets then another 2 units of blood during her second surgery.  I realize her situation was very unusual but I now believe every case is totally different.  She is now facing this again because of regrowth.  Her tumor was debulked and then radiated and is now growing again.  Like I said-very unusual.  I think that if you have the chance to self donate then do it.  It can't hurt.

[Jim Scott]

Lauralynn ~

Based on the previous posts and my own experience (my surgeon never even mentioned needing blood during my operation) it would seem as if 'donating' a pint of your own blood prior to the surgery is likely not necessary.  Of course, no one can guarantee the blood won't be needed.  If you would have more peace of mind going into surgery knowing your own blood is ready and waiting - on the slight chance it may be needed - go ahead and donate.  However, if having a pint of your own blood taken that probably won't be needed is an unpleasant prospect for you, I would skip it.  Your blood, your call. 

Jim

[moe]

Lauralynn,
Hopefully you read the thread from Anissa. I posted there.
Never say never.
Donate your own blood now, and your body will have a chance to rejuvenate the cells.
Maureen

[arkansasfarmgirl]

I did receive a unit of blood during my 11 hour surgery.  I just assumed that was normal.  I know my counts were already low from having given birth so recently, and I was/am pretty underweight, but I don't know whether that was why I needed it or not.

Vonda

[EJTampa]

Picked up my full medical records from the surgery.  My total blood loss was less than 25 mL.  Still, after reading some results from others here now, I would probably have given a couple pints just in case.
 
Ernie

[Brendalu]

Yep, I donated my own and they used both...............glad I did.  It is a different process than just donating for someone else or to anyone who needs it.  Make sure if you are going to do it, you get it done in time.  If memory serves me correctly a minimum of two weeks prior.  Good luck, you probably won't need it, I am just one of those that if anything can go wrong it will.
Brenda