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My Baby is getting first transfusion tommorow

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momofShreyas:
Hello All,
Thanks all for ur support and wonderful information provided.
My baby boy is getting his first transfusion tommorow. His hemoglobin is 7.0 when tested yesterday. The doctor has ordered for RBC antigen testing, is this the genotype testing? What is pheno type testing. Please inform if I need to do anything else.

Thanks
Meena

momofShreyas:
Right now I am exclusively breastfeeding him. What precaution(foods to avoid) etc, do I need to take so his iron is not overloaded.

Thanks
Meena

MomofABabyThalMajor:
Good Luck Meena,
I am in the same boat as you so understand what your mind is going thru' at this moment.
I will pray for ur baby. How old is he now? What was his hb last month? Is his growth fine? Is he playing and drinking milk etc fine? I was talking to another mom (in the same situation), she told me that she is not giving cereal to her baby as it is high in iron content.
Pls. let me know how he does after the transfusion. My doc. has told me that they give Bendryl for the rashes, has your doctor spoken to you about that?
I have also spoken to my doctor for genotyping, it has not been done, so far for my son, Sharmin has strongly advised to do it.she can tell you abt. what it is.
All the best.

Zaini:
Hi Meena,

Sharmin can definitely tell you more about genotyping and phenotyping,i am a lil dumb with this technical stuff,one thing i want to remind is that make sure that you use filter to remove leukocytes to prevent any reaction.

About iron in food,red meat is a very high iron source,along with green leafy vegetables,but iron in in meat is called heme iron which is readily absorbed in the body,while iron in vegetables is non-heme iron which is not that easily absorbed,so when he grows up,try avoiding red meat,instead give him chicken.eggs,fish,fresh fruits.

Good luck with the transfusion  :hugfriend


Zaini.

Sharmin:
Dear Meena,

The RBC antigen testing sounds like the phenotype testing.  Genotype testing is the most sophisticated testing that you can have.  I am glad that the phenotype testing is being done because after transfusions it can no longer be done - the genotype testing on the other hand can be done anytime.  It is best to have both tests done because together they provide more information. 

The better matched blood that your child receives the less likely antibodies are to occur.  As I have mentioned before, if my son did not have antibodies thalassemia would be a breeze for us. 

The doctors and nurses will give the first transfusion at a very slow rate and watch your child very carefully so don't worry.  They may give antihistamines as well.  The first few transfusions are very difficult, your child will cry and you will wish that it weren't happening.  I had the same experience, but trust me over time it becomes much easier and you realize that because of the transfusions you have a very healthy and normal child.  Try to remain calm and matter of fact during the whole process, your child will learn to be more calm too.  Try to make your time at the hospital calm and relaxed so your child will inherit this attitude toward the hospital - try to make it a time for fun and bonding and you will learn to enjoy transfusions as a family.  Be sure to have your favorite food etc with you so that you can make it more positive.  Remember to take care of yourself, you are going through this with your child.  Please share your experience with us when you get home. 

Genotype testing is done at specific places - so samples are taken and then sent to special labs.  But it is very worthwhile to have them done. 

Best of luck,

Sharmin

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