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Original poster

Panicking over blood transfusion tomorrow

54 replies

squishyegg · 19/07/2021 19:53

I had an emergency c section on the 11th July and I lost 1500ml blood. Was not offered a transfusion then.

Since then I have felt worse and worse and this morning ended up in a&e due to shortness of breath throughout the night.

There they did a chest x ray, bloods and heart ultrasound. All were okay apart from bloods.

Ended up back in maternity assessment as my blood levels are 79 so just on the cusp of needing a transfusion: they have said because I have lots of symptoms it will be best for me to come in tomorrow at 8am to start this.

I have had such a rough week with the c section and then I was treated for sepsis as my CRP level was 280.

My baby is in NICU and hopefully should be home soon but they won't discharge her until I am better.

I am exhausted. I feel awful.

But I am so worried for the transfusion tomorrow!! They said 1-2 bags will be needed and takes a couple hours.

Any advice or anything to make me feel better as I'm so scared xxxx

OP posts:

Tealwarrior · 19/07/2021 19:56

Honestly, you will feel so much better after the transfusion it really is worth having.

KEG05 · 19/07/2021 19:56

You will feel much much better really quickly after the transfusions. The risks are really low now. Get well so you and your lil babe can be home together ❤️❤️

GuckGuckDoose · 19/07/2021 19:57

I’m a doctor and I literally couldn’t even begin to tell you the number of units of blood I have prescribed for people, and not one has ever had a transfusion reaction (assuming this is what you are worried about…?) - the procedures in place are so rigorous to prevent any kind of adverse event, and I promise you will feel so much better after!

Original poster

squishyegg · 19/07/2021 19:58

@GuckGuckDoose this is what I'm worried about! I've had such a rough week and been poked and prodded. I'm at the end of what I can deal with now if I'm honest.

I am totally drained and zapped of all energy!!

OP posts:

DramaAlpaca · 19/07/2021 19:59

Oh you poor thing, you've had a tough time.

I've never had a blood transfusion myself so I can't speak from experience, but I imagine it'll just be a drip in your arm for a couple of hours. It'll give your exhausted body the boost it needs for you to start to feel better.

Don't be scared, it sounds like it's absolutely the right thing to get done.

TheAwfuITruth · 19/07/2021 20:00

Honestly, you feel like shite now, but only after the transfusion will you fully realise just how shite it was

And you'll feel human again.

Good luck

imaginethemdragons · 19/07/2021 20:02

It’s so nice to know that the blood that I religiously donate every few months is potentially going to a new mum like you and that it will make a huge difference to the way you feel and will give you the energy and treatment that you need to care for your lovely little baby.
Don’t be worried, I gladly donate my blood for this very reason, it’s kinda my gift from me to you.

WorriedMillie · 19/07/2021 20:03

I had 2 transfusions the week after DD’s birth (4 bags), honestly, they were fine. I felt so poorly beforehand (breathless just lying in bed) and so much better afterwards.
It was painless, I sat reading a magazine, was closely monitored for the first 15min or so, in case of a reaction
I felt quite tearful (in a happy, grateful way) afterwards, but like a new woman 😂

Original poster

squishyegg · 19/07/2021 20:07

@WorriedMillie oh that's great to hear! What was your hb level? I don't know if mine is necessary low but I definitely feel crap! I can't sleep due to feeling breathless or the c section pain kicks in when I turn in bed.

I really hope I feel better; was it quite a quick change?

OP posts:

katienana · 19/07/2021 20:07

I had a transfusion after ds1 you will feel loads better afterwards. Take something to read or watch as it takes a while. It was a bit uncomfortable but so worth it x

Isit2021yetplease · 19/07/2021 20:07

I’ve lost that much blood in 2 pregnancies - the c section (planned due to breech) they didn’t give me a transfusion and I was totally exhausted - like bone achingly so despite having a relatively good sleeping baby!
I lost similar in my vbac but had a transfusion and it was the best thing ever! I felt like I had SO much energy despite having a bad sleeper! I just had my 3rd and was determined if I lost any sizeable amount of blood I wouldn’t leave without a transfusion!

I hated my first mat leave and I really put it all down to recovering for the first few months from the blood loss as the birth itself was elcs and not traumatic or anything.

DramaAlpaca · 19/07/2021 20:07

@imaginethemdragons what a truly lovely post. I think I have something in my eye

Isit2021yetplease · 19/07/2021 20:07

Sorry should have said was totally exhausted for about 4 months after c section.

Blackopal · 19/07/2021 20:08

Sorry to hear you have felt so bad.

I lost alot of blood and had levels of 43 which needed four blood transfusions.

The process was very easy and I was monitored closely throughout. I actually enjoyed sitting in bed and not being able to do anything except rest!
I felt so very much better after the transfusions.

I was actually really touched at the thought of the people who donated for someone like me, and also by how well the nurses and doctors looked after me.

I know you are tired and the last thing you will want is more needles and prodding about but you need your energy and the transfusion will facilitate that.

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 19/07/2021 20:08

I've given blood but never received it. Hopefully it will be a lovely hour with a cup of tea and a good excuse to just sit down and close your eyes. The first week after a section was bloody exhausting though. I was mainlining those disgusting liquid iron supplements.

But how exciting that it could make you feel so much better and your daughter could be released home to you? !!
I hope you both feel much better soon

AnneShirleysNewDress · 19/07/2021 20:09

I had an EMCS under general anaesthetic with DD2. I had blood at the time but needed a further transfusion a few days later. I felt like a different person afterwards. As PP said try and disctract yourself while it's happening.

Blackopal · 19/07/2021 20:10

imagine

I just read your post and wanted to say thank you.
When I had my transfusions I watched every bag and thought about the human being who did that for me. The nurse told me the person who donates gets a text message when their blood is used, that was a lovely thought too.

imaginethemdragons · 19/07/2021 20:12

Awwwww xxx

Toddlerteaplease · 19/07/2021 20:15

I've also given loads of transfusions. And also. Ever had anyone react. You really will feel much better afterwards.

Original poster

squishyegg · 19/07/2021 20:15

@imaginethemdragons echo what others have said; that was really lovely to read. Thank you so much. I'll have to let you know how it goes!

OP posts:

Original poster

squishyegg · 19/07/2021 20:15

Just a quick question regarding low iron; is this why I'm really achy too? I can't get comfy for long in bed due to just aching all over.

OP posts:

Toddlerteaplease · 19/07/2021 20:16

A HB of 79 is very low!

LemonViolet · 19/07/2021 20:16

I’m a regular donor as well - and actually I find donating blood relaxing!!! I make a special trip into town, have to eat first so treat myself to lunch out, then go and lie down for a bit whilst giving the donation, then I get a biscuit and know I’ve helped someone. Win win win! So enjoy your transfusion OP! Fingers crossed you feel better quickly 💐

Toddlerteaplease · 19/07/2021 20:17

Yes that probably is why you are achey.

Original poster

squishyegg · 19/07/2021 20:18

I feel over tired which in turn causes me not to be able to sleep if that even makes sense?!

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