When the RN becomes the Patient

[Tele_Nurse4u]

So...

kinda random but I have a little survey....

I have been having 'womanly' issues and ending up being dx w/PCOS. Long story short, my HGB is now 7.8...YIKES! To say I feel badly is an understatement. Yes, I am dizzy...tired...SOB...usual sx.

Being a nurse I completely know and understand the risks of having severe anemia. But..being a nurse I also know the dangers of a blood transfusion....and Im a little paranoid.

Im finding it difficult to get outta bed, much less go to work and care for sick people...so Im really leaning towards the transfusions. I know what I would advise someone else to do, for some reason, I just cant advise myself!!!!

SO...what would you do???

Thanks in advance for your input!!:redbeathe

[LiverpoolJane]

As you know we are not allowed to give specific medical advice on AN and you should discuss all your options with your PCP.

I work in renal and treat chronic anaemia with IV iron and S/C EPO and this works very well, we avoid blood tranfusions where possible.

When my HB was that low I would not have been fit enough to be in work.

[Jokerhill]

The blood supply is much more safe now than at any other time in the past, it is extremely well tested. How about having a family member tested for a match. My mother was given mine and my sisters when she was in need.

[ItsTheDude]

you need to get objective professional advice from someone that doesn't know you and is local (not the internet, so they can look at everything), that way there's no emotions playing into the advice you get. that's the problem with most people trying to decide things for themselves/family/friends, emotions (not logic) get in the way at times.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

TOS...cannot give medical advice. consult your own PCP for advice.