blood transfusion - when do I feel normal again?

[southernbelle79]

hi ,

I had an emcs 2 weeks ago lost 3.5 litres blood and had 6 units transfusion.

I still feel v slow and 'spaced out.'
was wondering when I'd feel normal again...has anyone been through the same or similar experience? ?

any advc gratefully received

It took me a good few weeks to feel 'sharp' again. I didn't have as large a transfusion as you (lost 3 litres, had a transfusion of 2 units), but I was put under general anaesthetic for 4 hours immediately after my emcs, so that also affected me.

Are you on iron tablets and eating plenty of iron-rich foods? I found that did also help. You will get there - it just did take a little while. But maybe go and see your doctor if you're concerned.

I'd say it might takes weeks or even a few months to feel tip top again. The blood you get transfused isn't whole blood, it is packed red cells that have been treated and refrigerated so it isn't as good 'quality' as if you had those six units' worth of your own, whole blood back. The cells in the transfusion break down faster than your own blood cells too. This is why a blood transfusion is really only an emergency measure, it is not a long term fix. You need to allow time for your body to generate the blood that it has lost with its own blood. Rallytog's advice is good - lots of iron rich and nutritious food and some iron supplements will help. As much rest as you can get and take care of yourself, OP.

thanks for the replies! yes im on pain killers and iron tablets 3 times daily. .

rally tog I was under GA too for three hours during c sec..no idea this had an effect too. im seeing consultant in a few weeks so perhaps will raise how im feeling then x

A theatre nurse told me that for every 20 minutes you're under ga, it takes a week to fully recover. I don't know if that's entirely true, but having had several ops under ga, I know that it does take the wind out of your sails in a way that's very difficult to explain. I remember trying to make beans on toast about a fortnight after my.emcs and subsequent op, and I honestly couldn't remember how to do it.

Combined with what was a very large transfusion for you, I'm not surprised you still don't feel right. Do try to eat as well as you can and take things as easy as it is possible to do with a newborn!

thanks rallytog..pretty difficult as have two other kids under 5 and family live over 200 miles away! but a very supportive husband so getting there albeit slowly.

have made an appt with my consultant who was at the birth so she can go through exactly what happened during birth as no one has sat down yet and told me properly. I just got told dribs and drabs from midwives days after the op what an 'ordeal' I had been through etc etc

v grateful for ur and everyone elsws response, its really helped me understand it all a bit better

I lost 3litres & had 6units transfusion similar to you OP, but was under GA for manual placenta removal. Are you breastfeeding too? I took about 6weeks to be able to go out on my own with baby to meet with other new mums. Before this I just felt too weak & unconfident, but it was my first, which might have had something to do with it. I think bf-ing would contribute to tiredness & generally make it take longer to recover. I would say I was not up to full speed (as much as you can be with a young baby) for about 6months in total tbh, & then I think I had some form of PTSD/PND from the experience, but as I mentioned this was a first baby & I didn't have the background of having to be there for other DC etc I didn't have any support as living abroad at the time. Take all the supplements you can & lobby your HCPs to help you in any way they can.

wow same here...manual placenta removal due to accreta.....

I forgot to mention I was under GA too for three hours during the op. I read an article which I will post in next message and it hits nail on head with how im feeling right now post GA. thanks for ur reply OP xx

here it is article on ga
steve-lane.org/2013/11/11/craniosacral-therapy-and-recovery-from-anaesthetic/