I just had my second blood transfusion
@lindaharding627 (1442)
United States
August 25, 2012 11:32pm CST
I have had anemia all my life. People always tell me to eat more leafy vegetables and red meat and that helps a little, but I have problems with heavy bleeding during my period. I also have stomach ulcers that bleed occasionally. The thing is that I am so used to feeling tired that I do not know when it becomes dangerous to me. I went in to the emergency room at midnight on the 21st with a migraine headache and told them that I had also thrown up what looked like coffee grounds the night before. They did a stool test and it was positive for internal bleeding so they did a blood test and then came back and told me that I was not going home that night.
My hematocrit levels was at a 21.5 and normal for a woman is between 36 and 45. The hematocrit level tells the doctor how much oxygen that the blood is carrying to your body and mine was too low. I received two bags of blood the next day and they had to carefully watch me for any signs of rejection. While I was in the hospital they also did an endoscopy procedure and told me that I need to see a surgeon for my large hiatal hernia. It is ten centimeters across now and causing stomach ulcers. I really am scared of having this surgery done. That is why I have put it off for some time now. Now is the time to get it taken care of and I am just going to have to have faith that I will be ok and everything will be ok.
The thing is I did not realize how sick I was. I spent three days and a morning in the hospital in the stepdown unit. I had a heart monitor on and was not allowed to get up except to use a bedside toilet. This year has been a rough one. I had my first transfusion three months ago and was just admitted to observation that time then got to go home. It is hard not feeling well and even harder when you are in the hospital. Now I am home and know I should rest but there are dishes and laundry that need done and I need to spend time with my son and husband. I was feeling very exhausted today. It is my first full day home from the hospital.
1 person likes this
8 responses
@DoctorDidi (7018)
• India
26 Aug 12
I think your peptic ulcer is due to hiatus hernia. So you have to go for a surgery to get rid of that disease. There is so far no medical treatment for hiatus hernia. So the only option is surgery. After the said surgery, you would have to use the medications for your bleeding peptic ulcer and I think you have been already continuing it for a long time. But you have to very cautious about your diets through out your life. Meanwhile, there are many medications for heavy bleeding during periods. So what you need is to consult a gynaecologist immediately for the purpose.
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@kareemadivina (1230)
• Philippines
26 Aug 12
I agree.If one of the causes of your anemia is a bleeding peptic ulcer caused by hiatus hernia,then you should have a surgery for it to treat the cause.As for your menstruation,you may have Iron Deficiency Anemia which can be treated with iron supplements.The point is to stop the bleeding right now.It's more risky to have repeated blood transfusions than to have a hernial repair.Though the incidence is low because of strict screening process,you can get blood-borne diseases from blood transfusions.
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@f4ithful (17)
• Australia
26 Aug 12
Hi Linda,
I just prayed that God demonstrated His healing power, love, and encouragement to you and family. :-)
Little suggestion: consult with TCM/Accupunture to fix heavy menstruation. TCM is dealing more to fix your inside part and balance your whole body system not just relieve your symptoms. Believe they can balance up your hormone. Imbalance hormone makes your heavy/thin light menstruation.
Have you ever considered probiotics - quality one to take care of your stomach?
Once again wish all the best for your health.
@lindaharding627 (1442)
• United States
26 Aug 12
I have thought about probiotics but there are so many kinds and so many strengths. I do try to eat a yogurt every day and I think that helps a little. I have never heard of acupuncture for menstruation. I will check into it. Thank you for responding and best wishes in your discussions.
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@GardenGerty (160952)
• United States
26 Aug 12
I know that you know that as long as you have bleeding conditions you will not get your levels up. You also know that you need to have the surgery before you become more ill. I do hope that you take care of yourself, so that you will always be there for your husband and son.
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@deazil (4730)
• United States
26 Aug 12
Blackstrap molasses and beetroot are very good in helping with anemia. Also, sona22 has good advice to see a nutritional doctor. I would suggest as well a homeopathic doctor. I believe they can do much to help you. Good luck and I will pray for your health to improve.
@deazil (4730)
• United States
27 Aug 12
I just ran across a site that deals with your heavy bleeding problem (menorrhagia). It is an Ayurvedic medicine site. This type of medicine is very good and has been practiced for thousands of years with many good results. The link is www.swamiramdevmedicines.com/home-remedies/menorrhagia.html There are also quite a few natural remedies at www.helium.com/items/1916501-natural-remedies-to-treat-menorrhagia I hope you find this at least a little helpful.
@dsw313 (320)
• Philippines
26 Aug 12
Hi Miss Linda, i really hope that you get better very soon, I have a sister that has a blood problem condition, the thing is she should be more conscious about her health and have a good resistance, because if she fails, either her red blood or white blood cells will drop, we have her red blood transfusion in 2010, then after a couple of months, we transfuse a white blood, and then this year another red blood cell transfusion. I know how hard it is for you and for your love ones, so I really hope yo will get better now and get rid of your anemia, God bless and take good care of yourself. :)
@KateMary (23)
• Romania
26 Aug 12
Oh God .I have anemia too and much more troubles with my health ,so i know how must` you feel :( .I pray to Lord that you gonna` be fine .Try to take more care of you .I know that family means everything to you ,but if you want to be healthy and to spend more time with them you should try to take a good care of you first.Because things can be done .. but health is hard to be recovered !
I wish you a very quick recovery and try to be more carefull with you !
Take care :) .
@sona22 (1430)
• India
26 Aug 12
I pray to God to give strength to face the situation. You have the better medical facilities than our country. So the doctors will find the cause and treated you properly. Yet I should suggest you to consult with the doctors of nutritional medicine. I may provide some information through message, if you accept my friendship request.
Wish you a happy recovery.
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
26 Aug 12
hope you are fine,in a way its good,you would feel tired since lot of waste blood would have gone out.and you will get new blood transfused
