Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major
Slow rate transfusion and warm antibody
Zaini:
My heart goes out for our little soldier,Sharmin,what did doc say about swelling on his face? I'll pray that everything goes back to normal,wish you the best.
ZAINI.
Sharmin:
Hi everyone,
the transfusion went well - the doctor thinks we can do the ritux when we return - he is hopeful that it will be a good thing and we can get off of the prednisone if he administers the new treatment - of course he is consulting with Oakland.
Zaini, thank you so much for your prayers. The swelling is a temporary side effect of the prednisone - he has had it twice before when he is on a high dose of pred and it usually goes down quickly once the dose is reduced. It's just hard looking at his face looking so different. Chances are that over the next few weeks he will return to normal.
Thank you everyone - I'll keep you all posted as we prepare for our trip over the next week.
love,
Sharmin
Sharmin:
The little bug goes in for a blood test tomorrow and tx on Thursday.
Andy, he was transfused last Tuesday and this Monday (6 days later) his hg was 104 - the tx he received on Tuesday was small - 10 cc/kg - as he has been getting for a while now. He is slowly being tapered off of the pred he is now on 25mg of pred alternate days and this dose will be given 7 times before it is reduced to 15mg alternate days and then 10mg alternate days. And if Dr. Vichinsky agrees we will try Rituximab on our return so we can lay off of the pred.
I am wondering if it would be best for him to receive a bigger tx, the normal 20cc/kg on Thursday because we will be gone for 10 days and his pred dose is being reduced.
Since he will be in California for a while in the heat running around, my fear is that his hg may drop too quickly - I hope that giving him more blood and the 25mg alternate day dose will hold him for the 10 days until his next tx. I guess worst case they could tx him in Oakland. The problem is that our appointment in Oakland is not till the end of our trip. What is your opinion Andy? Should we go for a bigger tx? I am a little scared going away for such a long time.
Thanks again Andy,
and thank you everyone else for your prayers:)
Love,
Sharmin
Andy Battaglia:
Hi Sharmin,
It is quite common for thals to take an extra bag of blood before leaving on a holiday. I would say definitely, yes, do load him up so you he can enjoy the vacation.
Sharmin:
Thanks Andy,
His hg this morning was 103. His doctor has decided to give him the two bags. My hope was to split it up between two days so that we aren't giving him a lot at once and getting the antibody all frazzled and excited. I hope that the pred will keep things in check. Transfusion tomorrow and Disneyland the next day :yahoo I don't know who is more excited me or the kids!!
I am excited about our trip and very excited about meeting Dr. Vichinsky. I hope I can bring back info that will help all of our thal patients and friends.
Sharmin
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