Blood transfusion?

[Sefra22]

Is a blood transfusion necessary for AN surgery? I forgot to ask my neurosurgeon. If so, do most hospitals allow you to have your own blood stored for your own use?

[HeadCase2]

Sefra22,
  Neurosurgeons probably use techniques to limit blood loss during AN surgery.  I didn't need additional blood, but I suppose it is in the range of possibilities.  I asked about it before surgery, and was told that seetting aside blodd beforehand was not needed.  If this is something that concerns you, ask your neurosurgeon or ENT surgeon about it, or the admin person who assists them.  I'm sure it's a common question.
Regards,
 Rob

[krbonner]

A blood transfusion should only be needed if something goes very, very, very wrong.  This is not a bloody surgery.  But you can definitley follow-up to see what your docs say.  For me, the nurses went over everything, including transfusion information, during my pre-op appts a couple days before the surgery.

Katie

[Raydean]

I'd like to share that blood may be drawn before hand for lack of a better word, to be used as a
"blood glue".  My husband self donated 2 units for this purpose.  His residual surgery date was determined by the length of time it would take to to able to self donate 2 units.  My husband was not
in a desperate situation for the residual surgery.  "Blood Glue" made alot more sense to us then some of the other stuff that's used.  The Doctor was very clear in that this was not a transfusion type thing, and if I'm remembering right it  (blood glue) wasn't needed. But it was something that we both felt would be great to have if needed.  There's a fancy name for this type of thing, but since it's been 8 years truthfully I've forgotten the name, besides it was so much easier to say blood glue.

best to all
Raydean

[Battyp]

I know my op report said I only lost about 400cc of blood during the 9 hour procedure.

Blood glue sounds like something from a horror movie...I actually kinda like it  LOL

[matti]

I was required to give a pint of blood for storage. My doctor said it is very rarely used, but he likes to have it just in case. I can't remember exactly, but I lost very little blood during my surgery. I think Karla who had her surgery this summer did end up having a transfusion? Was it that they nicked a vein?

cheryl

[Captain Deb]

I self donated in North Carolina and they sent it to House for free! Good old Red Cross!
Capt Deb

[kerri lyn angel]

in my case it was just a part of the normal translab procedure to donate blood for yourself prior to surgery. this was to use for the "glue" they make and any situation that may arise where extra blood was necessary. there  was actually a special day set up just for this purpose and it had to be  done a specific length of time before the surgery . i think it was like no more than three days or something but dont hold me to that because i had days worth of pre op and had to travel a great deal to get it all done. thank god my husband brought me eveytime or i probably wouldnt have gotten where i had to go. i was declining rapidly.so anyway i thought donating blood to yourself was standard.

[ixta]

Shahinian had Artery/vein leads in my left foot and an arter/vein leads in my left hand, I am sure they were circulating my blood through a warming machine.  I did not need a transfusion. But if the need had arisen-let it flow-per my medical directive.

Sefra-
If you you are a JW or have other religious viewpoints on blood, surgeons are very understandable and can discuss blood alternatives or parts of blood that would be acceptable within the belief system. I would say that all General Anestesia surgeries warrant the possibility of a transfusion if needed, especially brain surgery-so concern about a transfusion possibility needs to be brought out right away with surgeons if blood is a personal issue with anybody. I am not a JW myself but have friends that are. The watchtower has Hospital Liasion comittees made especially for this reason. There are parts of blood that the governing body would allow a witness to accept-and I believe current policy allows Hemophiliac JWs to accept transfusions. If you are a JW, and a full on "theocratic" one, and have conviction on the issue-talk to your Doc alone.
So far over the last few years, WT policy has stated "its a personal choice". The giving of your own blood pre op would not be a problem I believe.

[Sefra22]

I am not a JW, I would just want my own if I need it. I have a fairly rare type (A-), and I donate blood on a regular basis, which is weird because I have a fear of blood, but as long as I don't see it, I'm okay.

[Shrnwldr]

I was told by my doctor that before surgery I will need to give a pint of blood.  The pint will be put on standby for that "just in case" scenario. 

[Jim Scott]

Sefra22:

Self-donating blood in anticipation of major surgery is not uncommon.  However, my surgeon - who is very conservative - never even mentioned it.  So, I did not self-donate blood.  Fortunately, I did not have a need for it, during or after the surgery.  I believe this is something specific to individual surgeons and hospital rules.  If your surgeon or the hospital want you to self-donate a pint of blood, they'll likely tell you.  If they don't, it's not considered necessary, unless you have a personal desire to donate your blood as a precaution.  Ask your doctor.

Jim

[Shrnwldr]

I have been asked to donate a pint of blood for my surgery by my doctors.