Question:
donation for self
Has anybody needed to have a blood transfusion? With everything that is going on in the world I would rather have my own blood than use somebody else's if possible. — Heather A. (posted on October 4, 1999)
October 4, 1999
I have not had my surgery yet either... and I am not sure of the statistics
around blood loss with this surgery; but if you are wanting to do this, you
should speak with your surgeon. I realize in today's society there are
things to be worried about when it comes to unprotected situations, and if
you are that concerned about tainted blood you should be voicing this to
your doctor. I do know that it can take a lot of time to get enough blood
built up from yourself for transfusion purposes. Good luck with
everything! :-)
— Jamie T.
October 4, 1999
I had to have 4 units ... prior to surgery because we discovered in my
pre-op tests that I was severely anemic. It's a 1 in a million (literally)
chance of you getting anything from the blood these days, everything is
tested so well, however the risk is still there. There is rarely if ever
blood needed during surgery, as my surgeon stated, this isn't a
"bloody surgery" so you shouldn't lose a lot of blood. However,
if on the off chance they might need blood for you and you'd be more
comfortable using your own blood. Contact the local blood bank and make
arrangements with plenty of time in advance so that your last blood draw is
far enough in advance of your surgery for you to rebuild. Good Luck!
— Sherrie G.
October 4, 1999
In 35 patients I have not needed to give anyone a blood transfusion. It is
rare to
need one. On the other hand, if your hospital can then use the blood for
someone
else when you don't need it, then it would be a nice thing to do. Also,
the body
requires a lot of calories to make a pint of blood so bleeding it out will
help you
(a little) with your weight loss. Don't give it though if you are anemic
already !
— Bruce B.
October 5, 1999
Hi:
I spoke with my surgeon about this very subject at length when I
last went to see him. He said that there is bery little blood lost
during the surgery and there would be no reason for a transfusion.
So I would not need to donate any blood. I to, do not want any
blood from anyone else. Of course, if something goes wrong, I have
requested that blood be taken only from my family. My mother happens
to be a match.
— Dannielle K.
October 10, 1999
I asked the same question before my surgery. With HIV and AIDS I wanted to
use my own blood. My surgeon's office informed me that the is very little
blood lose and no tranfusions are needed for this procedure.
— bperrin
August 7, 2000
Storing your own blood is still not a safe way to go, as you cannot be sure
you will get your own blood. You should tell your surgeon about your
feelings, and fill out a standard form called A Durable Power of Attorney,
requesting they not give you blood. You will find that doctors that are up
to date in surgical technique and are careful do not need to rely on blood
to take care of their mistakes. Find another doctor if he insists you may
need blood. That's not a good sign. I did a lot of research on this
subject prior to my surgery and I filled out this form. This form limits
the doctor's ability to give you blood when you are unconscious and also
gives directions as to what you want done with your body should the worst
happen, i.e. donate organs, etc. or you go into a coma. It's a legal
document, like having an attorney there to look after you. Anyone can use
it. I believe the hospital will have forms as well as your local
stationary store. I got mine from my elders in my congregation. Blood
transfusions are not safe, and much information has been made available to
the public about this. If you would like more information please do not
hesitate to contact me.
— Toni B.
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