Question:
Did anyone have a blood transfusion in the hospital?

I am wondering who else out there had to have a blood transfusion while in the hospital. 2 days after surgery I had to have one. My hemoglobin was down to 7. After the transfusion, it went back up to 11.6. Still, it seems a little strange to have someone else's blood in you. My Dr. said it wasn't real common to have a transfusion, but I have never been in the "common" range. Let me know!! Angie    — Angela Q. (posted on September 18, 2003)

September 18, 2003
I too had to have a blood transfusion. I was in ICU for 3 days and had to have 2 units of blood transfused when I was transfered to a regular room. And yes I felt extremely strange for a good while knowing that I had someone else's blood in me but you do what you have to do. I am 11 months post op now and I don't think about it much. I feel great and know that my doctor did what was best for me.
   — THE NEW M.

September 18, 2003
Yes I had 4 from bleeding internally. I'm fine now! :)
   — mrsmyranow

September 18, 2003
I Required 4 in emergency surgery (to correct an internal strangulated hernia at 2 years post-op). I didn't need any blood in my original surgery (lap DS). I needed yet another transfusion in the ICU (I spent about 3 days there) b/c of low hemoglobin. I remember it took sooooooo long to get the entire bag in! I just thank God I made it through. I'm also glad that the surgeon helped save my life by giving me the transfusions. I also thank the person(s) who provided it. I know I wouldn't have been here today without it. I think it takes a few months (?) until we resupply our own blood, so I wonder if the effects of a transfusion are permanant anyway --- All the best, Teresa
   — Teresa N.

September 19, 2003
My blood levels, iron and potassium tanked. It took 6 transfussions to bring it up. I felt good, looked good, was walking and doing everything I was supposed to. The doctors just didn't want me to leave the hospital till the numbers came up as I couldn't eat enough on my own to change them.
   — Helen C.

September 19, 2003
Angie: About 15 years ago I was bleeding internally, and after surgery the doctor wanted to give me a blood transfusion to help build me back up faster. It wasn't essential, but he highly recommended it. At the time I was the only person I knew who had had an AIDS test, and I felt the blood supply was probably not completely safe. They now have tons more safe guards, but 15 years ago I wasn't so sure. Anyway, I refused, and my doctor didn't force the point. A few days later I developed that pocket of fluid (sermona?) and had to be opened back up and packed twice a day by a nurse for 2 months. Maybe I could have avoided that had I taken the transfusion? I don't know for sure. I think if you needed the blood, it was a good thing it was there for you. I can see how it'd feel a little strange, but better that than somethng worse, right? I'm glad you're back up to a normal range now. Lets hope this is the end of any problems for you. Best of luck. S
   — sherry hedgecock