Undecided on a Blood Transfusion

Dear M.,

with a hemoglobin of 7, your husband will be fine. However, if it drops any lower and he has symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breaath or fatigue, he does in fact need a transfusion to prevent stroke, heart attack and kidney failure as all of those major organs require oxygen transported by hemoglobin. blood transfusions now a days are very well screened for hepc and hiv. However, there are still risks of getting the above illnesses namely 1 in 400000 for hiv and 1 in 200000 for hepc (around there). it all comes down to his hemoglobin level and symptoms. people can function at 7 and not be symptomatic often times these are chronically anemic patients though. but in your husbands case where the blood loss seems to have been acute, his compensation mechanisms may not be as conditioned and he may have symptoms.

hope that helps,
sincerely,
T.

When I was pregnant, my doctor informed me that I would be requiring a transplant. Not as much as your husband, but because of other medical problems, they expected me to lose quite a bit during the delivery. He informed me that I could have a family member donate the blood if I was not comfortable with their supply. I had my sister go in a week before my delivery and had her donate her blood. Now a days you can't be too careful about stuff like that. You should ask your doctor if that is an option for him as well. Good Luck!

now days blood transfusions are very safe, all donations are tested, and donors are screened. Here in Hawaii anyway, Good luck,

The blood supply in this country is extremely safe and with a Hgb that low the possible risks of having a transfusion reaction is much lower than the risk of not having a transfusion (kidney damage, heart damage). It takes 3 days to screen a direct donor (family member) and if your husband is symptomatic then he should be transfused now while they determine the cause of his low Hgb. Good luck with his health

have some family members give blood.. that way you will know where it came from.. most hospitals will allow that .. good luck and god bless

Hello,
I just had a blood transfusion last year in August. I had two units. They are very thorough about administering it. All I can say is that it saved my life. I am very thankful to the person who gave their blood.

B.