Severe Anemia and Blood Transfusions?

HI all! Has anyone had any experience with blood transfusions for severe anemia? I am going into the hospital on Tuesday for these transfusions and wanted to know if there are any side effects or anything I should watch out for. Actually, I am so confused because when I went to my surgeon for postop visits, he said my iron was seriously low but, that supplements would take care of it. They didn't. He said that a blood transfusion is not an option and neither were B12 shots. I had to go to the emergency room the other night because of dizziness and low and behold my iron is even worse (really really low). The internist said that the only thing to do is to have transfusions and B12 shots and wanted to put me in immediately but I had obligations the next day. I am going in Tuesday and think I remember someone saying that the transfusions cause muscle cramps and other things. I just want to be aware of everything before having this done so there are no surprises. Also, don't let any surgeon tell you that with the BPD/DS you don't need B12 shots! Some of us obviously do. I am absorbing almost 0 iron and B12. I just recommend that people also see an internist along with their surgeon a few months after surgery just to be on the safe side. I went to 2 different bariatric surgeons and neither of them really knew what to do. Thanks for any answers to this. Just want to hear other's experiences. Barbara---BPD/DS 6/99--lost 165 lbs.

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