Autologous blood transfusion — banking your own blood to be transfused back just in case!!
On my day of surgery, January 21st, I was prepared with two units of blood that I had already given. As well, the blood services had cross matched two other units of blood.
The surgery itself seems not to have used too much blood. In recovery I awaited a bed (I didn’t realize until this time around how much administration it requires to be sure no one ends out in the cold). A few hours into recovery I began to feel flushed. I looked at the blood pressure monitor and saw only one number — 47. There should have been two numbers. I was losing it!
Quite literally! The next thing I remember was being leaned over by a horde of medical personnel — an oxygen mask over my face, a red cart to my left. A blood transfusion was immediately infused into my system – hoping to raise my hemoglobin.
Two days later the hemoglobin is still not up. I’m told I could have defined "pale" on that first day. I still am rather white. A second round of transfusion is indicated. The drip takes a few hours. Two days later my hemoglobin is getting a better reading. And I’m feeling much better!
I must say I’m thankful for the ability to donate my own blood, but even more for those who donate!