ANA Discussion Forum
Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: anissa on March 18, 2009, 03:55:18 pm
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I'm donating blood to myself this Friday, just wondering who else has done this and also, did you need it? I've been told its not a real bloody surgery but its nice to have just in case. For those of you posties out there, is that true?
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Hi,
I did do this, but it was not needed. Even though my insurance company is very good, I ended up in a Catch-22, & was never reimbursed for any of the cost of drawing, shipping, etc. You may want to check with your insurance company ahead of time; I didn't! ::)
Kathy
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I asked if I could try to donate blood to myself instead of receiving someone else's, but my surgeons said that the likelihood of needing blood was so low that it wouldn't be worth my time. I am curious to know how much blood is lost during one of these surgeries though...maybe I will ask at my followup next week :)
Kim
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My surgeon said "a thimble full" is all they lose in a standard retrosigmoid surgery. I was given the option, but declined.
Ernie
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I have had the 4 surgeries and never needed blood to be given to me. I think maybe have only heard of one or 2 who have and I have been hearing about AN surgery now since 2001 so not very many. Now with being a nurse and working for 21 years, I have done more transfusions that could even count.
Cheryl R
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Anissa -
I'm a regular blood donor, but didn't make a contribution to myself prior to my surgery.
I asked both my neurotologist and my neurosurgeon about the need for blood and was told by both of them that AN surgery isn't typically a bloody surgery.
While there's certainly no harm in making a donation, it's highly unlikely you'll need it.
Jan
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Anissa~
Of course, I will be the different one here...I did give blood for myself (that's when it really hit me) and my BIL gave a pint b/c they said they liked to have 2 pints on hand. They said that they "didn't EVER use them" - that it was just a precaution. Guess what? They used them both!! My BIL said that when I acted dorky I could blame it on his blood!! I will say that even though it is "safer" to have your own blood, it is MUCH more expensive!!
K
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Hi Anissa!
I read somewhere during my mental and physical preparation for this surgery that you should give your own blood in case you need it. So...when I asked my surgeons about it, they both said I wouldn't need to do that. I didn't and turns out...they were right. Most (but not all...no one expected I'd have a such a rotten time with infection!!) of what my surgeons told me might or might not happen worked out exactly as they predicted. BUT....if it eases your mind and helps you prepare for your big day, I would do it in a heartbeat. What matters is you and what gives you peace of mind. This is not an easy road!!!!
Take care - I wish for you all things good!!!
Kathy
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For some reason I was pretty much told not to bother as the operation does not require blood, its just used as a back up emergency supply, I was "pressured" into declining it, the reason being I am coming in from overseas so there's no time to process the blood etc. I was there a whole week before the op. The big give away was the number of forms I had to sign saying I am declining and if it all goes pear shape somebody else blood is fine.
I did not need the blood, but here is the big wake up call, while lying there in hospital, I heard the doc doing his rounds and he was outside my door, and for someone with SSD I have surprising good hearing, I overheard them whispering that this Patient has contracted Hepatitis, suspected from a blood transfusion, and the doc was saying that why its so important to use your own blood. Everyone around him was wondering how it could have happened with all the checks in place etc. I thought I must have been Attila the Hun in my past life, after all I been though and now I get this news. Anyway the long and short of it, it was not me they were talking about. It was a good lesson for me next time I ever have to go to surgery, which fingers crossed will never happen, I will insist on giving give them a bucket full of my own blood, and if they don't use it then I am sure some one else can have it.
Rick
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I thought very seriously about having my own blood drawn prior to surgery, but finally decided against it. My internist said that it was unlikely to be a bloody surgery; I would have had to have the procedure done in New Jersey, then have the blood flown out to Los Angeles a week or so ahead of time; no part of the procedure would be covered by insurance.
But what really convinced me not to bother was when the woman at the blood bank told me that if I didn't use the blood myself it could not be donated to a blood bank. I gather this is true of all blood that is self-donated (i.e., it can't be used by anyone else).
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
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That was what I was recalling - they can't use it for anyone else if it is marked for you - such a waste!
The neuro that I saw here when I was having some trouble with my neck (nerve stuff from my 12/7) said that he figured that since I was on the table so long (14 hours) and since they had to use both pints of blood that I had a bleed somewhere and then when they started clamping stuff off to stop it, something was clamped too long and that is why I had a "surgery induced stroke" - just his theory when I asked him what he thought might have happened. The original surgeon would never admit to anything happening but the PhD over the balance center said to my brother the morning after the surgery (Dave had run home to shower since he had stayed up there that 1st night in the waiting room - sweet boy - couldn't leave me in the hospital alone even though he couldn't come in ICU!) "She looks pretty good...especially with what happened..." We knew NOTHING about this & so my brother really questioned her but when she realized we didn't know anything about what had happened, she clammed up REAL quick. Her guy was in there the whole time monitoring my nerves so obviously she knew what had happened. I don't think that was a very common thing at any rate!!
K
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Which is why my surgeons was a bit cagey when I asked if they could give me a video of the whole operation, they said the video was not working properly I can see why they don't like it. Every word they said would have been recorded like big brother watching over them. Maybe a video should be compulsory like a flight deck voice recorder.
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I always have blood taken before any surgery. I have AB+ and even though AB+ folks can use other types, I don't want to chance anything. I have had to have blood three times, so I was happy I had it available.
Brenda
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Hey Anissa!
I donated to myself too and didn't need it. But we found out after my brother had surgery last year and needed a transfusion, that we have some weirdo IgA blood deficiency thing in our family we have to worry about. He almost DIED from them giving him 10 cc of donated blood. And his poor wife was right in the room with him watching him fade out, it was so NOT a good situation. Becasue of that I decided to donate to myself just in case. Thankfully I didn't need it, but if it adds to your piece of mind, go for it!
Andrea
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Anissa,
You are so organized and on top of things. All your duckies are in a row. Get the blood, even if it has to be wasted. This is your life. Don't take chances. Never say never with blood loss. Docs are going on their experiences only.
Case in point...
This one is right up my alley, Anissa, and any one else who wants to read on.............I also was told that blood loss is minimal with surgery.
I had traveled from TX to WA to have my brain surgery because my husband and I were geographically separated with military (I stayed home in TX with teens who were finishing high school, and starting college).
So it was rush rush.
My MRI had shown that the tumor looked a little different. Turns out it was a vascular tumor, but of course they didn't know this until they were in there.
As I'm lying in the holding area, talking to the anesthesiologist about blood transfusion during surgery (yea, last minute, wouldn't you say?), I had to sign the release. No I did NOT want blood transfusion unless it was a life/death situation. My husband and I are medical and don't trust the system!
Good thing I mentioned this: I had a vascular tumor, lost 2 pints of blood during surgery. They were able to get by without blood transfusion.
I had no dizziness after surgery because the tumor had been there for so long and I had compensated greatly. I did have shortness of breath because I had lost so much blood. The doc nonchalantely said "We're going to give you some blood today" post op day number one, and I said "No you're not." I'm not dying.! My husband nursed me back to health with fried chicken livers n onions and liverwurst/spinach-YUMMMMM!!!!!
So no worries for you but just to be on the safe side, get your own blood.
CHEERS :)
Maureen
And the most amazing thing is I did not stroke out- the docs were amazed. We know who is in control, don't we? I was not a member of the forum, but have a large Catholic family support group with a brother who is a priest, so we had great connections, so to speak :)
Hope I didn't scare you. My tumor had been in there for way too long (10 years too long), so that was my prob.Yours is much smaller?
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Moe, mine is a bit smaller at 2.1x1.9x1.8 and that was 6 weeks ago. Hopefully it has not grown. You didn't scare me at all and yes, I know who's in charge. :)
I also think that I'd rather have it and waste it (and what a shame it can't be donated if I don't need it) than need it and not have it. I'm pretty trusting of the system but I'd like to be safe if I can help it. Soooo glad to hear this isn't a bloody surgery, I was beginning to wonder if one pint would be enough, lol.
Rick, I never thought of asking for a video. My husband couldn't video or even take still pictures during my c-section and really I don't think I want a video of my brain surgery lying around. It might make for interesting after-dinner conversation with guests though, ha ha...
As you guys can probably tell, I like a bit of control and it makes me feel a lot better to know/do as much as possible to prepare. The true test will come the minute they give me the knock out drugs, its all God at that point.
It turns out that the closest place I can give my blood is about two hours from here so its also providing a day out for our family, yay!
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I thought about doing an autologous donation pre-op, but have pretty much decided against it as this type of surgery isn't likely to be bloody. Besides, the last times I needed blood transfusions? The early days of HIV. Before testing. Before it had been identified, actually. I lucked out then...I should be okay now when our blood supply is extremely safe! (Never say never, though...I may change my mind!)
Anissa, you're having surgery on my daughter's birthday. Yep, she's an April Fool's Day baby! (Not a baby any more, though.) I think it's a good sign for your surgery. :)
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Thanks for the positive feedback for surgery on April fools day. I've gotten a lot of comments about it and I wasn't quite sure how to feel. Happy B-Day in advance to your daughter. :)
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I'm a regular blood donor and also did the autologous donation about 3 weeks before surgery. I'm in the camp of "why not do it"? I knew chances were that I would not need blood during surgery, and if so, the chances of getting some bad blood(from an unknown donor) would also be low......however, my chances of getting an AN in the first place were pretty remote too.
That's how it all worked in my head, but each to his or her own.
Patrick
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Anissa:
I'll just jump in late to concur with those who suggest that having your own blood on hand for the surgery is prudent. I didn't because the issue never came up and, fortunately, no blood transfusions were necessary during my 9-hour operation. Still, it seems like having your own blood available during your surgery is being quite responsible and I can't see any real reason not to.
Jim
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Hi Anissa,
I just saw this topic and had to jump in. My daughter also had a very large tumor and we were told that the surgery was not a bloody one and there was really no need to donate her own blood. Unfortunately her tumor turned out to be vascular and she needed 2 units of blood during surgery. Her surgery was staged in 2 parts at 2 weeks apart. During that 2 week period she received 2 units of platelets then another 2 units of blood during her second surgery. I realize her situation was very unusual but I now believe every case is totally different. She is now facing this again because of regrowth. Her tumor was debulked and then radiated and is now growing again. Like I said-very unusual. I think that if you have the chance to self donate then do it. It can't hurt.
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Its done! I gave yesterday and sitting in the donor chair I almost started bawling three times. I just sat there thinking about what was coming in the next weeks, people asking me my name a lot and being really nice while sticking me with needles. (deep breath) All you wonderful posties survived surgery and I will too. (deep breath)
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You will do marvelous, I know it. You have great faith, and great surgeons, and there should be no problems! You have 5 kids at home (including hubby) who need you.
Remember, God does not give you more than you can handle, so he won't allow any complications!
(I'm able to deal with my annoying post operative nuances, but my kids are in college, and high school, so they are self sufficientSo I guess God thinks I can handle this, which I can...)
Keep thinking happy thoughts!
Maureen
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Hi again Anissa,
I just wanted to say hello again and wish you the best! I will be saying prayers for you, your surgeons, and your familly. You are right in that it will be you & God together as you go into surgery. And rest assured we will all be out there with our prayers, and cheering you on through surgery as as you recuperate!
May God continue to bless you,
Kathy
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Hello there,
Thought I'd jump in on this one too. Being a operating room nurse, I can definitely see both sides of this issue. USUALLY, these types of surgeries have very little blood loss, and you actually have to lose a certain amount before a doctor will choose to trasfuse you blood anyhow. Of course, some people have ran into instances where they have needed it, and it's always a nice thought to be able to have your own blood.
On the other hand, it is also nice to keep that "pint" of blood inside you if you can, too. Women have less blood in their systems then men, and sometimes it helps to be at full-force when it comes time to surgery and recovery. If you auto-donate, just give your body enough time to make up that "pint" again. Your physician can help you determine timing.
Keep in mind that using donor blood is VERY safe nowadays. Where I work, I often hear that all-to-common phrase that it was 10 times riskier driving here this morning than it would be to ever catch a disease from someone else's donated blood, etc, etc.
Of course, only you can make the right decision for yourself. Do whatever makes you feel better about the day of surgery. We all know too well what goes through your head, and any decisions you can make that lessens the stress for you, do it!
Best of luck,
Amy :)
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such good points Amy, how are YOU doing these days!
K
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very good, thank you. still working w/ the arm, but back to a desk job and feeling great.
-Amy