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First blood transfusion.

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Posted 8/8/2014 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Apparently my hemoglobin levels are really low so I'm getting a blood transfusion tonight. I'm sooo nervous because I'm one of those people that faint at the sight of blood... now I have to watch a bag of blood being dripped via IV!!! Ewww. :(

Has anyone had a blood transfusion before? How did you feel afterwards? They're planning to send me home from the hospital tomorrow.
Posted 8/8/2014 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
as long as you have a good iv, it should be ok. it doesn't feel "great" to be honest. i've had 5 of them and 3 of them were very painful for me- like i was writhing in pain for hours until they were over. 2 of them were good ivs though and i didn't have a problem.

so if you are having ANY PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER right now with your iv, get it changed to a better one for the blood transfusion. blood is super thick and doesn't feel like iv fluids going in. also, keeping a heating pad on the vein can help the blood vessels dilate so it doesn't hurt as much going on. my nurses would just microwave extra iv fluid bags and i'd lay them on my arm.
Posted 8/8/2014 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
Are you effing serious? Omg I'm so nervous now....
Posted 8/9/2014 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
The secret is, don't look!
Posted 8/9/2014 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
I'm a baby about needles, etc and had no trouble getting a transfusion. You'll feel soooo much better even if you don't think you feel bad now. I got mine overnight so kinda dozed off rather than being awake. Just woke up when they switched to a new bag.

If you get an experienced nurse it won't hurt going in, just can't turn on your side without it aching. Common sense I guess.
Posted 8/9/2014 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I totally just freaked out when they gave me the IV and the guy lost my vein so they have to try again. Ugh, I'm such a baby, what is wrong with me.
Posted 8/9/2014 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
I hope its going okay, girl!!! Sorry i scared you. I figure it is better to know the worst scenario so at least it doesnt come as a surprise.
Posted 8/9/2014 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
I got my first unit in and it wasn't bad at all!! Felt cold at first then felt a slight sting but I think that was just my imagination. Now I'm just waiting for the nurse to hook up the next bag. :)
Posted 8/9/2014 8:29 AM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately I have had like 6 or so transfusions. The sting wasn't imagination. Let your nurse know to defrost the blood bag prior to administering. Some get the bag and start immediately while it was just out of the fridge; about 5 minutes should be best.

I hate the 20 gauge needle to the point that now the 22's feel like nothing and the nurses joked about the 18 gauge needle which will not fit in my small veins.

This time around, I had them put it into my dorsal venous network (the one near your pinky). It is the BEST location for me. It doesn't hurt, I can bend all I want without problems.. oh and I can sleep with it too... all whilst I'm getting a transfusion.
Posted 8/9/2014 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Well, it felt fine! After the sting it just felt like a normal IV. I get to go home today. :)
Posted 8/10/2014 9:59 AM (GMT 0)
I had my first one in the beginning of February this year, and it went completely fine! It wasn't painful at all, I didn't feel a thing.
I felt 100x better after having a blood transfusion, too :) you have nothing to worry about, it will be okay! good luck, I'll be praying for you xx
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