Geraldo De Souza - Heart Valve Journal

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Geraldo De Souzaposted an update

321 days ago

Do folks usually get blood transfusions during open heart surgery?

Allen Carkner Not sure how often they are needed but I believe they always have it ready just in case.

Geraldo De Souza Thanks Allen.

Brady Busch I think some extra was needed for me,because of excess bleeding somewhere.

Sharon Behl I needed two transfusions a few days after surgery due to anemia and loss of blood during surgery.

Greg Lewis Good question for a surgeon.

Grace Mason I was told by my surgeon the percentage was very low to need a transfusion.
I did not need.

Marie Myers I got one unit, but many people don’t need any blood. That being said, your blood count (hemoglobin ... Read more

Marie Myers I got one unit, but many people don’t need any blood. That being said, your blood count (hemoglobin and hematocrit) will be low as your own body replaces the lost cells. That can take weeks, and the low blood count contributes to the fatigue in early recovery.

Susan Lynn I think some procedures are called bloodless, but there's always a chance transfusion may be requir... Read more

Susan Lynn I think some procedures are called bloodless, but there's always a chance transfusion may be required. I was able to have my surgery without one.

Ana Brusso I didn’t need any either.

Rita Savelis I did. But it wasn't something I was aware of until later when I read my surgical report. This is a q ... Read more

Rita Savelis I did. But it wasn't something I was aware of until later when I read my surgical report. This is a question for your surgeon.

Jennifer Fuller As others have said, most people won’t need blood (I didn’t) but they will type your blood before ... Read more

Jennifer Fuller As others have said, most people won’t need blood (I didn’t) but they will type your blood before surgery and ask your permission to give you blood products during surgery if necessary.

Yumiko Ishida I had the same question and asked the hospital and surgeon about donating my own blood. Hospital said ... Read more

Yumiko Ishida I had the same question and asked the hospital and surgeon about donating my own blood. Hospital said it’s not commonly done and that I need to pay extra for it. Surgeon does not recommend it because then I would be anemic going into surgery. I haven’t had my OHS yet, but was told it’s unlikely that I would need blood transfusion, because there is no involvement of arteries for me. They are going to type me pre-op, because you never know what they see or need once they open me up.