Does anemic = blood transfusion?

So we saw my son's (Koty) GI today and he said Koty looked very pale and he is probably anemic and will probably need a blood transfusion. Koty's going in tomorrow for blood work so we don't even know anything for sure. So why does the doctor throw out "blood transfusion" right away. Are iron supplements not an option? What about iron rich foods? I don't like what I've read about blood transfusions. I also read that blood transfusions are used in life threatening cases of anemia where supplements did not work. When you have colitis do they just automatically do a blood transfusion if you're anemic?

I'd appreciate any info you all have.

Thanks

Post Edited (Helpingmykid96) : 7/23/2014 9:09:51 PM (GMT-6)

No, anemic does not necessarily equal blood transfusion. They also won't just automatically do a transfusion just for the hell of it.

Supplements such as iron are definitely a possibility depending on just how low his red blood cell count has gotten. It may not be enough to help though, again depending on how low his counts are and how much blood he is losing on a daily (or even per BM) basis. In my experience, counts can drop quite dramatically in a short amount of time.

Also you should be aware that iron supplements can cause constipation, diarrhea or loose stools,and upset stomach among othe things. Iron is something the body CAN get too much of and cause toxicity, so again depending on how low he's gotten a transfusion could be the way to go in order to bump up his levels to where they should be quickly.

Personally, I had quite a few transfusions the last few years (at least five seperate instances that I can remember, usually with at least 2 pints each time). I'm not sure of the medical terminology and I know some labs use different measurements/numbers so forgive me if this isn't helpful. Basically the normal range for red blood cells would be in the 12-15 range. Transfusions were never really talked about until I started dropping below the 9 range and then pretty much insisted upon once I'd drop closer or into the 7s. At that point I'd be white as a ghost, have dark sunken circles under my eyes, pretty severe fatigue as well as tachycardia and the need to stop and rest after going up a flight of stairs, etc.

The transfusions themselves weren't as terrible as they sound. Personally, I hated the idea of them, but they would make me feel a lot better. The blood screening process for the donated blood is pretty rigorous and you are monitored the entire time during the transfusion. Any signs of a reaction (fever, chills, itching, etc) and it's stopped immediately. You're also hooked up to a BP monitor the entire time, and watched for the first 15 minutes and then continuously checked on every 20 minutes or so (this might be slightly different if you're out in the open at a transfusion center. Regardless, you are constantly monitored by a nurse)

The GI was probably throwing it out there just so you'd be aware of the possibility. As you said, the blood work hasn't been done so there's no need to panic just yet. But there is a possibility that it may be necessary sometime in the future.

Marauder93 said...
What about iron infusions? Are those not safer?

if your blood count is below 8.0 it's considered dangerous and iron infusions wouldn't help that.....it would take too many and it can only be done once a week. A blood transfusion is instant results.

byebyeuc - it dropped to 4.2? wow, I'm really sorry to hear that, that is exceptionally low, glad you got out the other side ok!!

Mine dropped to 5.2 once and I was immediately give a blood transfusion. In the hospital the nurse said it was the lowest she had ever seen except one other person but they had been in a car accident!

When haemoglobin drops that low its is exceptionally dangerous and must be dealt with immediately.

Byebye, im the same way! When my nurse called and said get to the er now, i was like whats wrong? She asked if i could stand up and i told her i just did a cardio workout. My hemo was at 6.4! We must get used to managing on low levels. I swear i never notice it but other people will say i look green/blue and my lips are the same color as my face.

In the hospital I was had iron infusions. My last visit in June. But never before... just told to take suppliment and eat iron rich foods.

This admittance I wasnt any lower than usual (around 8 I think) and they gave me infusions... to help boost me before surgery (3 weeks later.)

Im always pale when anemic... and not at a "blood transfusion" level yet.
Its all in the numbers.
if he isnt too weak let a hope his numbers aren't too bad and he won't need one!

I had no issue with the iron infusion. No pain or anything. I had them for 5 days straight while admitted.

Read so many places that iron pills is not a best bet while flaring.
With inflammation,Pills will be hard to get absorbed and same applies to diet as the gut balance is gone due to diarrhea and inflammation.Check with DR about the Iron infusion over Blood transfusion.

DD had 4 or 6 Iron infusions because we rejected the pill option.
These infusions helped her healing and overall health.
For some they give allergy med before Infusion.

praying for a quick remission for your son....

I'm very anemic and I've just started blood infusions - they pump liquid iron into you through IV. It kicks my ass for 2 or 3 day (tired, weak, dizzy) then i feel better for a day or 2 and then get another round of treatment. I have not had blood transfusions though, so i can't speak to that...

Wow, his was real low like mine was. He will feel a lot better now.

No, most UC'ers do not need surgery. It's around 30% of us do. I was one of those lucky ones. It's actually been a blessing in disguise. I'm really happy with my surgery results....no more UC or drugs. Life has returned to normal for me as it was before my UC dx.

Hope all turns out ok for your son.