Need some help with blood work...please

Hello ladies, I have been feeling so exhausted lately and so I went to my PCP and she ordered lab work. She immediately referred me to a hematologist  which took 6 weeks and all the while I was taking oral iron tabs. The hematologist ordered more lab work and she had given me the option of iron transfusions or oral tabs. We decided on the tabs, but then she called me and said that my numbers were falling from 6 weeks prior and there was no other option than to do a transfusion.  I was thinking it was an iron transfusion, but was told I would be receiving at least 2 units of blood through the transfusion. What is the difference between iron and blood transfusion? Do they hurt...yes I'm a big baby! Any help would be appreciated. Carrie RNY 4/02

Carrie, they are given through you vein the same way you got any IV while in the hospital.  Iron Infusion is for your low "stored iron which is called ferritin", blood transfusions is for  your hemoglobin which probably means both your hemo was very low like a 6 or so and ferritin was following right behind so they can probably give you both at the same time though I have always received my iron alone. I would think they would be doing this at a hopsital or cancer clinic so they can monitor you closely for allergic reactions. Last blood transfusions I had was 2001...my problems go way back to childhood not related to RNY.