ugh... transfusion....#2

jakemsmom

so olivia is having another transfusion..... they are saying her white blood count is low.... anyone have this issue before? or going threw it now? nurse was kinda veg when she called to tell me... she said something bout platelets and i thought wbc and platelets were different!?!

jakemsmom

they said something about she may be anemic before. (i myself am anemic)  kinda confused on what all this means.....

kck329

We didn't have any transfusions but from what I understand they are pretty common and babies usually respond really well to them. But if you don't understand what is going on, I'd call back and keep asking questions until you are satisfied. Ask to talk to someone else if you don't understand what the nurse is saying.

katie4253

jakemsmom:

they said something about she may be anemic before. (i myself am anemic)  kinda confused on what all this means.....

Anemia is super common in preemies.  If their counts are too low, it is very common to treat with a transfusion. 

Deblondie1

Emily had 5 transfusions while in the NICU. They are very common and fairly routine. If you are confused I would ask another nurse or the dr when you get an update That is the best way to know what's what and hopefully reassure you. Even if a nurse seems vague or annoyed, ask!

lemen99

Anemia is common in preemies, and so are blood transfusions.  I know Andrew needed 2, and they were very necessary and they helped him.  Some babies need more.  Obviously it sucks that they need a transfusion, I'm sorry for that, but I hope it helps your LO!

SushiNoMore

My son had 3 transfusions, and they absolutely helped him.  He was anemic because they were taking blood from him all the time for tests.  They needed to run the tests, but the anemia was an unavoidable result.  The transfusions are scary, but it's definitely for the best!  Good luck!

MrsLee22

We got lots of full blood transfusions and Audrey had to have a platelet transfusion, too. They are super common and my babies always seemed to rally well after them. Their little bodies just aren't ready to make their own blood, and sometimes they need the help!

stillwaiting12

We are on week 4 of our NICU stay and M has received 4 transfusions. He always does so well after he gets blood. I know I thought the worst when they told me he needed blood the first time, but now I realize how common and helpful they are.