Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major
Blood transfusion
Joe_H:
Hi maha ,
thank u for ur reply in fact I'm adding just 400 ml at each time (every tow weeks) and I've understand from ur post that I can have 1000 ml and that will give me two more weeks ?
I mean that will give me four weeks but what about the blood life cycle ?
thank you
regards
maha:
Hi joe
You seem to be getting one unit every 2 weeks which is the best at your age, 2 units should last 4 weeks (28 days)( if the blood is fresh) but definitely not 40 days. Are transfusion facilities not available where you propose to travel?
maha
Joe_H:
hi again Maha
you can say that transfusion facilities not available where I'm suppose to go , so there is no way to delay the transfusion when I come home ?
I hope there is another way , and what the risk if I didnt add blood before the time that I must do ?
thanx again for helping me
regards
Andy Battaglia:
Hi Joe,
This is an issue that I would hope people with experience would comment on, as many thals do travel and should have some experience with how long they can stretch the transfusion interval. I have never had a transfusion and would really appreciate it if members with experience would respond to this type of topic. Here, I can barely type due to a repetitive motion injury, but I get beckoned to answer something that should be answered by Joe's fellow adult thals. That just ain't right, people. This group needs more involvement from thals themselves and not just their parents.
Anyway, I messaged Smurfette because I know she has taken extra blood before a trip. She had this to say. I don't know if any of this is even available in Iraq, but here goes.
--- Quote ---Well it really depends on were that person is from and how many units he has every 2 weeks.
Here in sydney we can go on a machine thats called the cell separator and we get transfused according to your weight and height, Also with that machine what happens is that you get a larger amount of blood transfused and can last longer, but in normal transfusion regime I usually have 3 units every four weeks and when I did go overseas the last time, I went a day or 2 earlier before departure and they gave me extra 2 units and that lasted me probably 5-6 weeks, but I also go to the nearest thal hospital there is and get a x-match done to see what my Hb levels are.
--- End quote ---
zedzded:
I would just usually adjust my transfusion schedule, when I was on 4 weekly transfusions I would have either added an extra transfusion in just before I go away or take extra units of blood. I now have blood every 2-3 weeks and get 2 or 3 bags, and at such times as Christmas or holidays I would either go a week early or a the month before a week later for blood. I know that one unit of blood will take me approximately a point higher (eg. from 9- 10 hb) and 1 unit will last around a week (or 4 units will last 4 weeks). I guess everyones different but this formula works for me and allows me to make holiday plans without worrying about needing blood whilst away.
Joe, I think you basically needs to look at how much blood is taken now and how long it lasts and simply add extra blood. It sounds like doubling the blood will make you last around 4 weeks. Just make sure the transfusion is within a few days of leaving and get a hb check within a few days after arriving home.
I personally have never gone longer than 4 or 5 weeks in between blood transfusions so I'm not sure if 40 days is possible. The only thing I think you have as an advantage is that you seem to only need 400ml of blood to last 2 weeks, therefore it might be possible to take 3 or 4 bags before you leave. I would definately refer you back to your doctor for advice because I really can't see how you would manage to last 40 days without blood, I certainly couldn't last longer than 5 or 6 weeks without my hb dropping into the 6's and lower. This also wouldn't make your travels very enjoyable or safe. Sorry I couldn't help anymore x
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