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Non human blood products

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:49 pm
by nanna1
Hi there,
I've come to this stage in my illness where I have to decide if I am going on the transplant register. I would like to know if anyone out there has had a transplant without a blood transfusion. I am not religious it just that in the seventies I made a decision not to give or receive blood and now I seem to be running into problems regarding my views.

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 4:04 pm
by Anne in Va
I did not receive any blood during my transplant. I am not certain, but I would think that transfusions are avoided because of potential antibody problems. I am sure others on this board will have more information about this.

nanna1

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 6:31 pm
by Elaine
Hiya read u post. :?

I know Drs dont like giving blood transfusions unless necessary especially in people having transplants or in the future. Ive been told its to do with producing possible antibibodies that may reject a transplanted kidney or create complications. However I know my daughter had to recieve a blood transfusion as an emergency prior to knowing she would require a transplant in near future. :shock: It isn't ideal having blood transfusions but sometimes in emergencies they can be life saving as it was in my daughters case

Speak to u Drs and express u concerns. Perhaps u may be able to express u wishes and be offered alternative treatments if required?


good luck 2 u best wishes Elaine UK. :wink:

blood transfusions

Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 9:47 pm
by Cheryl in CT
Hi!

I had several blood transfusions PRIOR to my transplant for various reasons, but the transplant part of things did not involve any at all.

Please don't take this the wrong way - really, I'm curious and a bit concerned. Are you having any trouble reconciling the difference between accepting an organ from another person, but not accepting another person's blood? I only ask because my own dad, who had similar views to yours about blood donation, would not accept the idea of a transplant, either. While I didn't agree with him, I could see his logic. My views were different, and I often donated blood before I ended up needing it myself, then I accepted a transplant, as well.

No matter what, I really do wish you the very best in making your decision, and I do hope that all goes well for you.

We'll be thinking of you!

Cheryl

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:41 pm
by Bruno
i did not need a blood transfusion until my transplant failed/rejected and i was back on hemo.

Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:20 pm
by Hal
Hi there,

Whatever your views ... are you sure you are allowed to be on the transplant register if you would not accept blood transfusions ? I really don't see how doctors could let you have such a major operation without the backup of blood transfusions if they were needed during or after the operation for whatever reason.

Best Wishes,

Hal.

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:42 pm
by Kelly
I am quite sure that before the Op you will have to sign consent forms to say that if necessary they can give you a transfusion. I think that this is standard procedure for any Op.

I agree in some cases, your desicion will not affect whether or not you get the Op, but I think in the case of a Kidney Transplant it would.

I really do not think they would take you on the list if you really wont except a transfusion if necessary.

good luck anyway in whatever you decide.

Kelly

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:08 pm
by johnsor
I had two transplants and no transfusion during either. I do remember discussing blood transfusions prior to tx because I requested a certain person be a blood donor in case I needed transfusion. I agree with previous comments stating it is part of the tx process and very much doubt they (surgeons) will jeopardize your life and/or their practice to honor your request.

The only transfusion I had was during my second renal failure episode due to anemic reasons. They used what they called "leukopoor" unit of blood which I believe is processed in some manner to eliminate antibodies from developing in one's body.

Sounds like a difficult decision and I hope for the best for you.[/code]

You may be able to use your own

Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:31 pm
by mac
My brother's drs drew his own blood prior to the surgery. I don't recall his having needed it, but it was there if he did. The thinking behind it was that by transfusing his own blood back to him, there wouldn't be a bad reaction to it and also wouldn't compromise the transplanted kidney.

All the best to you.

Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:50 pm
by JMan
If you're healthy, medically, then there's no reason you should need blood, its unlikley to be given unless you REALLY needed it anyway, as certainly for transplant here is a risk of antibodies (not good for the kidney) and as with any transfer of tissue/body substances a slight risk of contamination, even where screened for such things.

leukopoor blood is blood that has been screened for leukocytes (a type of antibody) and is apparantly more expensive than normal blood.