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shat's avatar
shat
Member
11 years ago

Transfusion fear

My red blood count is 75 and the Dr's are wanting me to have a transfusion.

It is my last chemo and I really want to avoid a transfusion as I have a huge aversion to even the thought of it. I would prefer to feel like crud for the next month or so.

I know it seems a small problem compared to others we face but I just want to know if anyone out there has been in a similar situation or if anyone has refused a transfusion what has happened?

Love to know your thoughts even if you tell me I am being silly!

19 Replies

  • Hi, It can be hard to discuss such worries with medical people, and I  wonder if  it might be valuable to  identify what it is that bothers you about having a transfusion.

    Is it a factual, logical worry, eg because of the health problems people have had from getting blood contaminated with HIV, or Mad Cow disease or other such diseases, and the fact that while they may screen well for the ones we know about they are still learning and there may be factors they do not know about yet? I think most of those involved in recommending a transfusion ought to be happy to answer any questions you have about this sort of thing.

    Or is it an emotional fear, a concern of being invaded by foreign/alien material while you are struggling to deal with the foreign/alien material that is cancer? (Emotional concerns are relevent too, and it is really important for healthcare professionals to understand what influences us and our decisions).

    Do you know how much blood you need, and would it solve the problem or at least help if you could get friends or relatives with the right blood group to donate for your use? Then it might feel better perhaps?

  • thanks for your reply rowdy. I know I should feel grateful to the people who give blood but instead the thought makes me feel helpless and also more than a bit squeamish. Funny, I never gave it a second thought until I was actually faced with it. I think that goes for the whole bc experience, which I guess is why the 'others' just dont get it!

    I think I will just try to refuse until the bitter end! 

    hope your new year is a much better one.

    Tanya

  • Hi your not being silly we have such little control sometimes with treatment.

    I had a transfusion not my choice, but after my mastectomy I had a bleed and doc had to go back in. Mine was very quick and there wasn't alot of choice.

    Take carexx