Did any of you who had the surgery need blood transfusions? I'm wondering if I should ask my doc about having my own blood on hand "just in case."

I didn't have a blood transfusion, but with any surgery there is the chance of having one. I didn't even think of giving my own blood until the morning I got to the hospital and had to sign papers in case I had to have blood and received a disease. If I ever have another surgery, I will save my own blood first.

At one of the pre-op sessions I attended someone asked this question. The nurse practitioner actually had to stifle a giggle. Evidently the chances of needing a transfusion with this type of surgery are so slim as to be laughable.

Once she stopped laughing, though, she did say that's every patient's prerogative. I think you'd have to contact the blood bank at the hospital to arrange it.

I didn't need a transfusion, and I'd be very surprised if anyone else here has. As surgery goes, this kind of surgery isn't very traumatic. It's designed to be less invasive than other kinds of surgery after all.

This was actually something that I have been worried about. I have a very rare blood type, I am AB- and am going to Dr. Sanchez in MX for my surgery. I am wondering if I should plan on bringing a bag of my own blood with me, "just in case".... I am going to email him to ask. Anyone else have this type of problem?

~Lea

Dr. Sanchez

11/8/03

i have been anemic for a long time and am taking iron....and i didnt need a transfusion, though i am still on the low end. Dont worry!