Question:
Anyone have blood transfusions post -op.

I asked my doctor about autologous blood donations and he informed that there would be no need for any transfusions with an Open RNY. As a RN, I question that. Wondering if anyone had to go a transfusion post op and for what reason?    — [Anonymous] (posted on June 17, 2001)

June 17, 2001
I did not donate any blood before having my open rny. I had no problems with blood loss from the wls however I did have complications when my gallbladder was removed at the same time. The clamp they place over the gallbladder artery malfunctioned and stopped working. They found this out while I was in recovery and I had to be rushed back in for a second surgery. I ended up having to have 13 blood transfusions due to the fact I was bleeding internally. This is not a normal complication but things do happen that you have no control over.
   — Debbie M.

June 17, 2001
I wanted to bank my own blood but could because I was on antibiotices and didnt have enough time. My pcp told me dont worry about it u wont need it. Well, little did he know I was going to have every complications possible and need 17 pints transfused. I guess as an rn u know u can only bank 2 units/pints, atleast where I live. He reassures me that they test very carefully for aids and other serious diseases in todays world, but every once in a while I wonder if I will pay the price later in life, its a very weird feeling knowning u r working around with other peoples blood in your body, but without it I wouldnt be here today to talk about it. I hope this has helped. Sena
   — Sena P.

June 17, 2001
I am not sure how long they hold your donated blood but, I needed a transfusion one and a half years after surgery for iron deficiency and I have B- blood so no one in my family could donate. It's alittle weird having someone elses blood in me and not really knowing that person. sometimes it scares me alittle but I know that the blood is screened very well nowadays and I have to thank the good Lord that someone donated blood in the first place. I would certainly do it as a precaution. It definately can't hurt.
   — Barbara H.

December 21, 2001
I had to have blood transfusion while in the hospital. My blood pressure went really low and I had a low grade fever. My white cell count was hihg too, so my doc thought a blood transfusion (2units) would help. And it did.
   — Shere C.