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Original poster

Any experiences of blood transfusions?

42 replies

BloodT · 14/06/2022 13:01

I am due to have a blood transfusion due to severe anaemia. I have never had one and didn't expect it - I assumed it would be an iron infusion. They are looking for the cause of the anaemia separately, but I just wondered if anyone has had experience of transfusions or useful advice? I have been told it will take about 4 hours but I will be able to move about/drink and read etc. I I have shit veins (shy and narrow apparently) and cannulas are difficult to get in and often need re-doing, has anyone else experienced this? I worry it will take forever as they will have to keep redoing it! Obviously I will wear a vest top and make sure it's not white .

I know I can ask any questions tomorrow but MNers are always very knowledgeable and helpful!

PS I also feel a bit guilty having one as I can't donate blood myself due to epilepsy!

OP posts:

HydraWater · 14/06/2022 13:07

Yes, I had a bunch of them in an emergency situation due to a GI bleed. It was no trouble at all. The only issue was that the siting of the canulla was awkward for having a nap through it all! You will be fine. If you can drink plenty of water before insertion of the canulla that helps the vein issue a lot. I could move from bed to loo, but truthfully I was nervous about that, and got help in case I dislodged the canulla or tripped over the stand, but I WAS quite weak anyway.

It worked a treat. I had to have 4 units day one, and 2 units day three. That was followed by iron infusion a few weeks later. The difference in your well being is amazing, it is like a flower opening up, so best of luck.

CJsGoldfish · 14/06/2022 13:11

I had two blood transfusions after a PPH. With the first one, I was in no position to worry and don't even remember it but the second I do. I was a little scared but it really was ok. Quite straightforward.
I have really bad veins as well and, although I didn't have any problem with the transfusions (it was over 20 yrs ago) I have had complex blood testing where a cannula has been required. For those, once they realised it was not going to be easy to get one in, an ultrasound was used to find a good vein. For a cannula, they don't mess around as much as they do for a blood test.
I know it is easier said than done but try not to worry. They will be used to all different situations and should know what to do with the harder veins.
All the best!

Tootyfilou · 14/06/2022 14:13

Hi @BloodT ,
I am in the same situation as you, very very low Hb, under investigation for cause. ( I thought I had Long Covid🙄). I have had three blood transfusions and two Iron infusions in the last 3 weeks, it's really nothing to be worried about.
Each transfusion lasts about 31/2 hours, I had two during the night and was able to doze quite easily. I have rubbish veins too, but once the venflon was in there was no problem during any of the transfusions. I recommend taking some earphones as I found it quite difficult to concentrate to read... Try not to worry it is honestly fine, and you will feel much better afterwards. Wishing you well with the investigations and hope you recover quickly x

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General health

Yodaisawally · 14/06/2022 14:14

I had 4 following APH, didn't even notice it was happening

StickyFingeredWeeNed · 14/06/2022 14:18

No different to any other IV drip really. I have twat veins so same old, same old.

I also can’t donate as manage to hit all risk factors and that was even before I was a recipient - so am always very grateful to those that do.

Original poster

BloodT · 14/06/2022 14:48

Oh this is reassuring thank you I do very much want to be like a flower opening up! I've felt really very shit for weeks but on top of a few other issues I have had covid and a chest infection which just wouldn't fuck off so assumed it was down to that. Also bit worried what the investigations will reveal but one day at a time...

The comments on veins are very helpful. I've had anaesthetics come and do them before as they are great but have traumatic memories of blood having to be taken from my foot (that really fucking hurt) so I was worried about that.

Thank you I'm off to select a brand new book for my kindle!

OP posts:

StickyFingeredWeeNed · 14/06/2022 15:05

Ooh the foot’s a new one on me! Mine are usually in by the knuckles. 😂 I’d make a shite drug addict.

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 14/06/2022 15:18

I've got crap veins and the nurses are pretty good at getting in first time for my regular infusions. I don't even bruise from those.

Original poster

BloodT · 14/06/2022 16:53

Oh the irony of making a shite drug addict whilst your arms look like you actually are... mine are a bit battered today!

I've been offered stickers in the past after they've used the paediatric butterfly needles

OP posts:

Littlemissprosecco · 14/06/2022 16:57

I’ve had two, after blood loss, I resisted for a week with very low iron and blood counts, but in the end I couldn’t even walk.
I was u and about as normal the next day

Original poster

BloodT · 14/06/2022 16:58

"Just a sharp scratch"

One of our local hospitals has a policy of three attempts per site then they're not allowed to try again, which can be very annoying (for the phlebotomist too!)

OP posts:

Original poster

BloodT · 14/06/2022 17:08

It seems a lot of transfusions are given for blood loss ( I think I just automatically associated transfusions with that reason and was surprised to be offered one for anaemia).

Those of you with anaemia, could I ask if a cause was found (obviously you don't have to say!) I have underlying conditions which could be related but they said it was unusual for the levels to drop so quickly, and not explained by my shit diet (I've not been eating properly when I was poorly). I have quick light periods and don't appear to be losing blood from anywhere else. They seemed to have "serious faces" but I have a severe case of "resting fuck off face" myself so may be reading too much into it...

OP posts:

ColinRobinsonsfamiliar · 14/06/2022 17:13

So glad that the blood I donate is going to you lovely lot!
I am lucky enough to be able to donate and do so every 4-6 months.
I’m SO happy to see that description of a flower opening up and that it made you feel better,
Im really really really glad that I can do that for someone. 💗😊

QuebecBagnet · 14/06/2022 17:19

When dd had shocking anaemia it was coeliac disease. Hope you get sorted

Attwoodsladyfriend · 14/06/2022 17:23

It needs to be investigated thoroughly.

SpecialistSubject · 14/06/2022 17:25

Anaemia cause? Fibroids.

Took years to diagnose.

Eventually rushed into hospital with blood so wrong that medics came from distant wards to gaze upon me and wonder how I was still alive. After another long wait embolisation solved the fibroids. But I’m not sure I’ve ever really got over all the years of anaemia.

twointhemorning · 14/06/2022 17:31

I've had a couple of blood transfusions for anaemia.
Yes you can move around, read, eat, go to the toilet (just take the drip with you).

If you are being admitted to a ward you will get a bed and meals.

Although the actual transfusion might take 4 hours, be prepared for the whole process to take longer. I'm very difficult to cannulate. They might need to take blood to check your blood group. The blood needs to be sent up to the ward and warmed up. They also might flush your vein through with a saline drip before and after the blood goes through which might take 15-30 minutes each time. Also there can occasionally be issues with the iv pump machine (or they may go low tech and just run it through with gravity).

I didn't feel better immediately though. It was weird seeing my skin return to it's normal colour.

My anaemia was caused by my cancer medication.

Porridgeislife · 14/06/2022 17:45

I had a 2 bag blood transfusion for anaemia - I had pneumonia at the time & they discovered the extent of my anaemia simultaneously.

You will feel amazing within 24 hours, I can’t describe how much better you will feel. You’ll also look much pinker and healthier.

Never discovered the root cause but I have since been diagnosed with severe endometriosis & have also been treated for helicobacter infection.

Natsku · 14/06/2022 17:53

BloodT · 14/06/2022 17:08

It seems a lot of transfusions are given for blood loss ( I think I just automatically associated transfusions with that reason and was surprised to be offered one for anaemia).

I had a transfusion for anaemia years ago and they did some investigations trying to find the cause, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy to see if there was any internal bleeding but they never did find the cause. I'm still prone to anaemia and still don't know why (original cause when I was a teenager was undiagnosed coeliac disease but I've been GF for 15 years now but haemoglobin levels go up and down).
Transfusions are fine though, but it does feel a bit 'weird' (to me at least) having someone else's blood going into you and I feel a bit panicky at the beginning (I've had transfusions for PPH too) but feel so much better afterwards. It really does make a huge difference to the anaemia exhaustion.

Tootyfilou · 14/06/2022 17:55

Not sure what the cause of mine is yet, as I say, I have been feeling absolutely rubbish for a few months, increasingly breathless, palpitations, fatigue. I had a blood test as part of investigations for Long Covid and was phoned that night, telling me to go in for an urgent blood transfusion as my Hb was 58! I don't honestly know how I was walking around! I am on two week wait for colonoscopy and endoscopy, but have not had any symptoms, so fingers crossed it's nothing serious.

WDTABNONONO · 14/06/2022 17:57

I had one 6 years ago after a PPH.

Took 2 hours.

You have a blood bag attached to a machine and you can freely move your arms as it's in the back of your hand.

I didn't have any issues with it.

Floorandflooringme · 14/06/2022 18:05

I've had multiple blood transfusions. I also have 'bad veins' keep your arm still as possible once cannula is in (if it's in an awkward position you can ask for it to be bandaged).
It has to go through slowly that's why it takes 4 hours. They'll keep checking your temperature /blood pressure /pulse to make sure you are not having a reaction.
Take things with you you can do one handed as I've always found because of my dodgy veins they won't let me move my arm.
Blood transfusions aren't without risk but the benefits definitely outweigh the risk (the drs will have weighed this up) and I say this as someone who has rare antibodies transfered via a transfusion. This transfusion also saved my life after the birth of dc. I've gone on to have quite a few more transfusions and my main problem has always been canulation - but they usually just get an anaesthetist who are experts in canulation to do it so it's not something I ever worry about now.
Try not to worry and tell the staff your issues. Warm your arms up before, go to the toilet, get comfortable because you may not be moving for four hours if you're like me. Enjoy the sit down!

Blowyourowntrumpet · 14/06/2022 18:08

I've had several. You'll feel amazing afterwards

ceecee32 · 14/06/2022 18:21

I've had so many I lost count, must be up in the hundreds now.
I developed severe anaemia after a stem cell transplant. Five weeks ago my blood levels had gone so low that I couldn't get off the floor and never thought of ringing for help! Off to hospital with sirens and blue lights, nine bags of blood in a week and since then I have made my own and its never been as high.

You will be fine, cannula is probably the worse thing, closely followed by having to wheel the drip stand when you go to the toilet. You will feel so much better afterwards.

Mama1980 · 14/06/2022 19:51

I've had more than I can count. Usually takes about 4 hours to run though, and you'll feel much better afterwards very quickly. I have dreadful veins and I try not to move too much to give the cannula the best chance of holding.

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