Question:
donation for self

Has anybody needed to have a blood transfusion? With everything that is going on in the world I would rather have my own blood than use somebody else's if possible.    — Heather A. (posted on October 4, 1999)

October 4, 1999
I have not had my surgery yet either... and I am not sure of the statistics around blood loss with this surgery; but if you are wanting to do this, you should speak with your surgeon. I realize in today's society there are things to be worried about when it comes to unprotected situations, and if you are that concerned about tainted blood you should be voicing this to your doctor. I do know that it can take a lot of time to get enough blood built up from yourself for transfusion purposes. Good luck with everything! :-)
   — Jamie T.

October 4, 1999
I had to have 4 units ... prior to surgery because we discovered in my pre-op tests that I was severely anemic. It's a 1 in a million (literally) chance of you getting anything from the blood these days, everything is tested so well, however the risk is still there. There is rarely if ever blood needed during surgery, as my surgeon stated, this isn't a "bloody surgery" so you shouldn't lose a lot of blood. However, if on the off chance they might need blood for you and you'd be more comfortable using your own blood. Contact the local blood bank and make arrangements with plenty of time in advance so that your last blood draw is far enough in advance of your surgery for you to rebuild. Good Luck!
   — Sherrie G.

October 4, 1999
In 35 patients I have not needed to give anyone a blood transfusion. It is rare to need one. On the other hand, if your hospital can then use the blood for someone else when you don't need it, then it would be a nice thing to do. Also, the body requires a lot of calories to make a pint of blood so bleeding it out will help you (a little) with your weight loss. Don't give it though if you are anemic already !
   — Bruce B.

October 5, 1999
Hi: I spoke with my surgeon about this very subject at length when I last went to see him. He said that there is bery little blood lost during the surgery and there would be no reason for a transfusion. So I would not need to donate any blood. I to, do not want any blood from anyone else. Of course, if something goes wrong, I have requested that blood be taken only from my family. My mother happens to be a match.
   — Dannielle K.

October 10, 1999
I asked the same question before my surgery. With HIV and AIDS I wanted to use my own blood. My surgeon's office informed me that the is very little blood lose and no tranfusions are needed for this procedure.
   — bperrin

August 7, 2000
Storing your own blood is still not a safe way to go, as you cannot be sure you will get your own blood. You should tell your surgeon about your feelings, and fill out a standard form called A Durable Power of Attorney, requesting they not give you blood. You will find that doctors that are up to date in surgical technique and are careful do not need to rely on blood to take care of their mistakes. Find another doctor if he insists you may need blood. That's not a good sign. I did a lot of research on this subject prior to my surgery and I filled out this form. This form limits the doctor's ability to give you blood when you are unconscious and also gives directions as to what you want done with your body should the worst happen, i.e. donate organs, etc. or you go into a coma. It's a legal document, like having an attorney there to look after you. Anyone can use it. I believe the hospital will have forms as well as your local stationary store. I got mine from my elders in my congregation. Blood transfusions are not safe, and much information has been made available to the public about this. If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact me.
   — Toni B.