jcawork Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 I am at the threshold where I need one if my counts are not any better tommarow. Have you had low reds, how did you feel. I feel like total crap! Did you get a transfusion? Any reaction? And what were your numbers w/ you got it. Thanks, Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 I don't remember all of the exact numbers but I can tell you there was a remarkable improvement in Dennis after having a transfusion. His energy level was much higher and he just felt so much better in general. Based on our experience, I wouldn't hesitate to have it done. Hope you feel better, either way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 I have read several posts from members saying they have felt better after a transfusion. You could try a search here and see if that helps you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandyS Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 Go for it! When they sent me to the hospital for one, I cried the whole way there - I was terrified! Well hell, it was no big deal.....REALLY! And I DID feel better afterwards - I wouldn't say immediately, but the next day. Have NO idea what my numbers were at.... Good luck, SandyS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 Never had one But I have seen them many times. I feel like the guy who stayed at the Holiday Inn!! People would be so weak when they walked/wheelchaired in and when they left they could walk and always said they felt stronger. I know if I have to have one I will do it before the Procrit shots. They were too expensive and they took weeks to work! Cindy PS I never saw a reaction Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 Mom had this twice. No ill effects and she felt better. I agree with the rest go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted August 15, 2005 Share Posted August 15, 2005 Had both whole blood and platelets, and then back the next day for more blood. Only one time. Platelets were totally tanked.....12K. Hemoglobin was 6.00 and by they time they got me TO transfusion...it had gone down more, to 5.6. Hematocrit was also low...19.5. I did feel better after...more energetic. The next day, maybe...not immediately. But then I tend to be high energy most of the time ...but as I told you before Jen, the nurse reran my blood thinking the machine had made a mistake. She said with platelets only at 12K and hemoglobin that low, I should have been face down on the floor. Yet I walked in under my own steam. They made me go upstairs for the transfusions in a wheelchair, though! I walked out when I was done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daggiesmom Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 I had to have a blood transfusion while in the hospital for my last chemo (i think?). I felt better almost right away. It gave me a good boost. Hope you'll feel better soon. Enough is enough. Joanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynneH Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 Jim's experience was similar to Katie's Dad. Usually took a day or so and then he felt much better. He resisted having one when he needed it for so long and was glad he did it afterwards. Do take a book or plan to rest as it takes a little while (Jim wasn't a "patient" patient). Good luck, Lynne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kel M Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 Hi jen, Mom needed transfusions several times and the difference was like night and day. She could barely drag herself into the chair to get the blood and by the time we got home she had a bounce in her step. The staff were concerned about reactions, but they set the drip to a very slow click and Mom never had a problem receiving the blood. Like the others have said - make sure you bring your own entertainment, you'll be in there awhile. These transfusions were critical to her being able to continue and finish treatment. Kel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcawork Posted August 16, 2005 Author Share Posted August 16, 2005 Thanks for the responses. I told them no yesterday as it was day 15 post chemo and I should have been coming up by now. Went in this am for blood recheck and was above the transfusion mark, so no blood this round. Yikes, that was close. Still very anemic 9.4 and 26 on hgb and hct, but got Procrit and it is climbing, just slowly. Thanks again, Love, Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted August 16, 2005 Share Posted August 16, 2005 Good news, Jen. Now see, I'd go have a transfusion anyway....but one of my vodka variety transfusions. "Don't bother to infuse 'em doc, I'll just toss it right back down the old gullet!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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