Carol completed her 2nd chemo Friday. She was told her hemoglobin was low and they scheduled her for a blood transfusion on Monday. This is a 5 hour procedure. She's going to the hospital today for the lab work up of a type & cross match for 2 units. Has anyone had to have a transfusion while going through OC? Should I ask the lab people how they protect patients from getting any infective diseases from the transfusion, such as AIDS or HIV?

She was told she was anemic prior to her first chemo so the chemo is not the cause for low hemoglobin.

Linda

Hi Linda, I am a newbie with OC but I do know some stuff about blood transfusions.You can talk to the lab for extra peace of mind but I do know much has been done in this regard.
There are strict protocals that the hospitals now need to follow to make sure that blood is not infected.

Years ago there were major lawsuits resulting from infected blood and it has changed how the blood is accepted, screened,etc.

Some hospitals will also allow friends and/or relatives that match to "bank blood" if it is known that blood may be needed.

Hi Susan. I have read your posts on this site with regard to your hubby. We are similar as to wanting and needing to know as much info about OC as possible. You are truly a go-getter.

Carol was assured by the supervisor this am that procedures are in place and the odds are like a million to one. It may have been an exaggeration on the statistics but we got her point. It CAN happen but the odds are it won't. Since this is Carol's first transfusion the supervisor was very forth coming with any possible complications.

I hope everything is going well for you and your family. It's been so hectic here lately I haven't had a lot of time to read the posts here.

Linda

I forgot to mention that I would give blood if I could, but I'm taking blood thinner meds, etc., so I'm unable to.