Should I get a blood transfusion?

[Butitisme]

I just had a port put in a couple of days ago... but after reading the CLL sites, I am having second thoughts about having the blood transfusion. I didn't realize there would be any risks in getting the enriched blood... I am not having anything but feeling "tired' so much of the time... but that could be stress, as we are moving, I am packing, and I am 80 years old. What think ye?

[GMa27]

Why is the doctor having you get transfusion?

Are you anemic? How are ur B-12 and D levels? They can cause tiredness if too low. You are 80 and moving....have you been more tired than usual? I am 64 and get tired faster than in my 50's.

Might be worth asking questions and getting second opinion. 💕

[PlanetaryKim]

In my experience (of being transfusion dependent for several months before starting CLL treatment), doctors will not tranfuse you unless your hemoglobin is dangerously low and not able to come back up on its own. The rule at my hospital is they won't transfuse you unless Hgb below 70 (7, in US). And if your Hgb is that low or lower... then that is a risk in itself. Is this why your doctor is suggesting a blood transfusion?

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I know that Kim is right about transfusing a patient. I have seen 8, 7, and 6 as the cut off for transfusions, depending on the facility and the particular patient's presentation. Allowing your HGB to go too low can lead to organ failure. You have the right to ask your doctor to explain the reason for thinking that you need a transfusion. I suspect that it is for more than that you are tired, though. When my HGB dropped to 8 I was exhausted and welcomed having it boosted.

[Joaniebear]

Hi...Sorry to hear about the fatigue. I am 66 and over the course of 5 rounds of chemo, I had to have 2 transfusions, and then a third one about a month after I was finished with treatment. All three of these transfusions were triggered by pretty significant drops in both hemoglobin and hematocrit, and I had symptoms also. In addition to fatigue, I was also getting light-headed, winded more easily, and my legs felt weak and like jelly with not much exertion. Find out from you doctor what your hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are. Also, I had no problems or ill effects from any of the transfusions. Good luck with the move, and I hope you can get some clarification that will leave you feeling more comfortable.

[Hidden]

I had 10 transfusions while in the hospital over 3 days, my hemoglobin was 2.6 and all my other numbers were awful too. I had no problems with the transfusions.

[HopeME in reply to Hidden]

2.6? Wow. You are lucky to still be here.

[Hidden in reply to HopeME]

I know. They said they'd never seen a number that low. All my numbers were way off, and they thought I would die. They never told me that until my first appointment with the oncologist. I told the doctors and nurses in the hospital that I didn't feel that bad, I just couldn't walk right, my legs were very weak and I had to sit down a lot when walking. They couldn't believe I was doing laundry and hanging it out on the clothesline, but I'd sit down a few times while doing it. Funny what you can do when you don't think much is wrong with you except your legs are a little weak. OH, my primary Dr. told me she'd never seen a hemoglobin that low and she said if she cut herself in the arm and let it bleed out for an hour or more her hemoglobin still wouldn't be that low!!!

[HopeME in reply to Hidden]

I bottomed at 5.3 and they were incredibly concerned! I’m glad everything worked out for you.

Good luck,

Mark

[Hidden in reply to HopeME]

Thanks. Been OK now for almost 4 yrs. on Imbruvica.

[Big_Dee]

To have port in, doctor may be expecting you will need several IV solutions or it is really hard to access your veins. Your doctor should be able to give you clear answer.

[holly2]

I had to have 5 lots of transfusions after FCR and they certainly helped me with fatigue. I had also been getting breathless due to low oxygen levels and had pains in my legs, which were the symptoms I felt with low HB levels. As others have said, I am sure the doctor(s) would not advise it unless you will benefit with it.

Moving is a nightmare and I hope it all goes well for you and that you love your new home.

Holly.

[Butitisme]

Thank you all so much...your posts have been very helpful and encouraging - I will get blood tomorrow.. I questioned the need, but financial told me my insurance wouldn't have allowed if I didn't meet the criteria... and it is also encouraging to know I may feel better... this move to assisted living 1,000 miles from here... LOTS of packing from last 60 years...

[LovecuresCLL]

“Risks”? What risks are you referring to? Let me guess.

The “risks” of getting an infection from a blood transfusion is exceedingly low. Blood banks thoroughly and rigorously test their blood for hepatitis viruses and HIV to make sure it’s safe. Donors are vetted with questionnaires and in most countries are NOT paid to donate blood which makes the supply safe.

They type and crossmatch the blood to match your blood with the donor blood so there will NOT be a transfusion reaction. They is highly unlikely.

They do make you sign a consent informing of these “risks”, but in this decade the blood in a blood bank is extremely safe. You will be monitored closely as you receive the blood, as well.,

If your doctor is advising you to get a transfusion.....I would get the transfusion and not worry at all. If you need it, you need it.

Just ask the reasons why the doctor thinks you need it. The blood bank won’t fill the transfusion order unless you need it either which is check on the doctor ordering it. Blood is often in low supply. So they only give it out to patients who need it.

Good luck and I hope this helps a little to ease your decision making process.