How long after a blood transfusion ?

nottslass_2 · 5 September 2007 at 12:27PM

Hi, 9 days ago I suffered a hemorrhage due to a bleeding fibroid and ended up in hospital for 3 days.

My hemoglobin level went down to 7. I was then given a blood transfusion which raised my hemoglobin level to 9.3.

I am currently taking my iron tablets 3 times daily,resting and easting lots of green veg and red meat etc.

My question is, does anybody have any experience of how long it takes to recover from such low levels ?

Many thanks

plotholder · 5 September 2007 at 12:41PM

first of all - i hope you are feeling better already

the long term feeling better though will take about 3 months.

the red blood cells which carry the oxygen around (which is why when you are anaemic you feel tired and breathless) are made in the marrow and last for about 3 months.

the iron tablets will mean that the new cells that are being made will have the full amount of iron in them so will be healthy. they will start being pumped out into your bloodstream now to replace the ones that are 3 months old (these are "recycled") but it will be about 3 months before they have all been swapped over.

NB - avoid drinking tea while taking iron supplements and at mealtimes as it interferes with the absorption of the iron. A glass of OJ however improves it.

nottslass_2 · 5 September 2007 at 12:52PM

Thanks for that, I do still feel breathless, I was hoping to go for a run at at weekend, but I guess that will have to wait !

Thanks for the tip about the oj, I'll be taking my tablets washed down with a glass or two from now on.

How long after a blood transfusion ?

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