How long does it take to have a blood transfusion?

[LadySybilDeChocolate]

Hi, you will definately be in for more than 4 hours. Like others have mentioned, you will have to have a line put in (my veins are so bad I usually have to have a central line or femoral line put in).
They might have cross matched already for you as they have taken your blood and have told you to go in tomorrow. So hopefully they will have prepared that.
With your Hb I would think they would give you more than 1 unit. When mine was at level I've had 2 or 3 units.

Thank you. It would be wrong to pretend that I don't feel as crap as I do to get the pills won't it?

You can have an iron transfusion rather than a full blood transfusion, but I'm not sure it's any quicker.

They need to keep an eye on you to check that you don't have a bad reaction and it does take a while (seem to remember it took ages when I had mine, I only had two and a half units in the end though as the cannula broke half way through the third).

Your hb is very low though, it does sound as if you need it.

Have you had an iron (cosmofer) IV before?I can't tolerate the tablets, so I have had it IV before.

Hi I need blood transfusions ever 8-12 weeks usually I go in have cannula in they draw blood check my bp etc. I'm sorry but 4 hours per unit is about right and often more than one is required. You can often feel tired a few days after apparently this is quite common once the 'rush' of receiving the blood wears off. I really would assume most of the day then of its less Incan be pleasantly surprised.

Are they giving you units?
We run them through in about 45 mins on ITU but may be different for you

When I had a cosmofer IV (iron) I was there from 8am - 5pm
They give the cosmofer very very slow at first, then increase the speed gradually.

When I've had blood transfusions I've always been an inpatient, most of time I don't remember because those are times I've been seriously ill.

I've no idea what they are doing. The OOH said I didn't need to go to A&E tonight as I've stopped bleeding. I don't really want to be in there with ds as he asks so many questions it'll drive me round the bend. The OOH said to see my GP ASAP but to call back if I felt worse. I've never needed Iron or a transfusion before.

Poor you!

Suppose at 12 he's fairly new to the school as well, so has fewer close friends to go to all day too. If you were to send him to Games Workshop what happens if they keep you in? Its not like they can put him in a sleeping bag on the sofa and you just owe them big time.

Hope you feel better with the new blood anyway

School is 16 miles away also. I'll take him with me, they can teach him some anatomy.

Can you go on the pill?

The last few I tried made me depressed. She said I could have a coil but she'd need a gynae to put it in as the fibroids are huge.

"You can have an iron infusion rather than a full blood transfusion, but I'm not sure it's any quicker" ha ha ha ha ! Sorry I know you said you couldn't remember Happygilmore but IME iron infusion is way slower than a transfusion - I have been in every time from about 10am until 8pm with my infusions - I have them roughly annually.

I can't absorb iron so IV is my only choice. Luckily I don't need it often but sadly they do it before my iron levels get too low and before I become anaemic so I don't even get the benefit of feeling better after the dull day of infusion.

Hmm, I think given the circumstances you may need to go in for more than just a transfusion. You need to see a gynae consultant for more definitive investigation and management.
They are very unlikely to just top you up as a long term plan.
Iron infusions can be risky and are normally the treatment for iron deficient anaemia, not low hb caused by an acute blood loss.
This problem will not be fixed in a+e. You need to be admitted for a more definitive treatment plan. Your own gp could give you a better idea of which specialty you will need to go too and what to expect.
Are you able to get childcare at any point over the next few days?

I would phone your own gp first thing in the morning and talk it over with them

I usually ask a neighbour but she's not in at the moment. Friends all work, there's just ds and I. I've had an ultrasound so I don't think they need to do anything else. I'll see what she says tomorrow.

Just wanted to say I hope you get it all sorted.

Thank you.

Hope all goes ok today, and your not there too long.

GP gave me a prescription for industrial stregnth iron tablets and has said I'll need a transfusion if there's no increase by next week. He's also given me a referral to the gynae. Thank you for all of your help, I'm really grateful.

I feel loads better. Just thought I'd let you know.

Really pleased to hear it :)

Thank you. I can't remember the last time I had this much energy. I have to have another blood test on Thursday but it feels as though it's picking up. The headache has gone, which is great.

So glad your feeling better, hope your levels improve with the tablets.

If you don't want more kids ask the gynae about endometrial ablation. I had it done for heavy periods and it's changed my life.

He mentioned something about the gynea putting something into them to stop the blood supply (embolisation I think). I'm a single mum, I only have ds. I don't want to rule out having more children as I don't know what the future holds.

Thank you