So my dad needs a blood transfusion

[Deleted]

There is never extra blood. They always have some on hand but i think they prioritize emergencies first. They always ask for donations for these types of things - at least in my experience.

Good luck to your dad. I am thinking about you.

[Norticprincess]

I've had more than I can count. There are some transfusion reactions you can have, but they monitor for them and will premed you before if you have a history of issues. Iron build up after many transfusions is a concern, but shouldn't be a worry for him at this point. If he is bleeding, he'll feel better post transfusion.

He may be worried about the minor risk of blood borne pathogen transmission. Known source vs stranger, i know i felt weird about getting the first few units. Does he have good insurance? I've seen the bills for mine, the fees surrounding blood are high.

Yes the hospital should have access to blood, with A+ he can get A or O (+ or -). Depending on the area they maybe low overall.  If you have family that can donate you don't lower the small supply.

[karmasabiotch]

When I was in the hospital last year I ended up needing 3 blood transfusions. I wish my family could have given it to me but there wasn't time. I'm thankful for the people that were generous enough to give to a stranger.

The transfusions themselves weren't a big deal. They kind of pepped me up.

[murdock]

I hope everything goes well!

[hopecounts]

My Dad donated blood for me whenI had surgery a d needed blood.
Like others said it keeps the very small amount of blood bank blood available for emergencies.
Getting the transfusion wasn't a big deal at all and I felt better afterwards.

[adhdfashion]

When my Grandpa was sick. My Mom use to go down to the hospital on the regular to donate for him. It's safer not to use strangers blood.

[Norticprincess]

Feb 2, 2013 15:37:37 GMT -5 letsgetweird said:

Feb 2, 2013 15:29:32 GMT -5 Norticprincess said:

I've had more than I can count. There are some transfusion reactions you can have, but they monitor for them and will premed you before if you have a history of issues. Iron build up after many transfusions is a concern, but shouldn't be a worry for him at this point. If he is bleeding, he'll feel better post transfusion.

He may be worried about the minor risk of blood borne pathogen transmission. Known source vs stranger, i know i felt weird about getting the first few units. Does he have good insurance? I've seen the bills for mine, the fees surrounding blood are high.

Yes the hospital should have access to blood, with A+ he can get A or O (+ or -). Depending on the area they maybe low overall.  If you have family that can donate you don't lower the small supply.

Yes he has good insurance. In that case I'd rather donate for him.

If you are willing and able to go for it. I've needed more than my family could cover (some aren't in the area), instead they held blood drives in their areas.

If you've never donated before, they'll explain the process and make sure you arent on any meds etc that would prohibit you from donating. As long as you have a good phlebotomist it isn't painful. You may feel a bit lightheaded during or after -let them know. They'll give you cookies and juice (something similar) after and make you sit for a while. Drink more fluid before and after it helps keep the lightheaded ness to a min. Then take it easy for the evening.


Good luck. I hope our dad recovers quickly.