While in for my new cocktail infusion yesterday, the oncologist stated that I am extremely anemic, accounting for much of my fatigue. Her recommended course is a blood transfusion. She stated it didn’t have to be done immediately, but it would be necessary eventually. Our son arrives today for a week long visit from Memphis. When I explained the circumstances, she was happy to expedite the process and schedule the transfusion this morning.
Blood had to be drawn for typing. It was explained that the typing process takes two or more hours by the labs to process. A plastic bracelet was placed on me and I was told if I took it off, the typing would have to be done again this morning and there would be a two hour delay getting the transfusion. With all the medical wisdom I have in my brain, I asked a very pertinent question: “I watch Grey’s Anatomy. When a hemorrhaging accident victim in their ER needs six pints of blood, Dr. Owen Hunt doesn’t wait two episodes for the lab work.” It was explained that there is universal blood that can be given to emergency victims. There are a few people who are universal blood donors and they are constantly requested to give blood for emergency situations. I learned something and I think these universal donors deserve a special place in heaven.
In my case, dozens of markers will be used to make a match (it’s not just blood type). I asked if, in the event I needed another future infusion, this would be the only typing necessary. The answer was, “No, I will be typed before every single blood transfusion.” I find that interesting – wonder what in my body could change so drastically within the next two months. That may be a question I’ll ask today.
I was then given a consent form and a Blood Transfusion and You brochure. This medical facility cracks me up with their brochures. They have one ready for every occasion and all of them have happy people that look like they’d gladly choose their procedure any day over a trip to Disney Word.
Today is a good day!
I certainly am glad I read the article, Deborah. When I first read the title, I thought you and DH (dear husband) might be having issues!!! Perhaps you were starting a singles site if that was the case!!! Glad to hear it wasn’t that at all . Thanks for the updates. You always brighten my day and are an inspiration to all.
Interesting on the blood typing – thanks for the explanation. As I read, I thought – wait, we typed our blood in high school science class! LOL I remember when Elizabeth was a premie, they talked about O-Negative (I think that’s right) being the one type that any could use, but because it is a rare blood type, it is harder to get . It’s been 25 years, so I don’t remember all they said, but I remember they used it a lot because typing was not a luxury. They took a lot of blood tests with the babies in neonatal and often had to replace it.
I learned another little tidbit – I always thought that the blood I donated went out in the same little bag and was put directly into someone (after testing, of course). I noticed during the transfusion that the bag did not seem as large. After noticing that the bag was significantly smaller than what I have donated in the past, I asked and was told that when one donates blood, different products are taken from that donation including plasma, red cells, white cells and platelets.
As it happens, I have O-negative blood. If I lived near you, I could have been a universal donor for you! Hope your visit with Jason is wonderful. Enjoy your new-found energy.