Question about donating blood

[northwiz]

Hello all,

I have my surgery scheduled (hurray!).  It is 6 1/2 weeks away -- on June 6. 

The nurse explained it is optional for me to donate two units of blood for own use in my surgery.  It can't ever be used by anyone else, and it costs over $250 per unit for this process.  Also, I think it may not be so applicable to do this for BHR -- more usual for THR. 

What is your experience - should I be arranging to donate the blood?

Thanks in advance,
Cathy

[Pat Walter]

Hi

I had my hip done by Dr. De Smet in Belgium.  You don't donate blood for just one hip. He does one hip in about 45 minutes.

A lot,however, depends on the surgeon.  YOu need to ask what they think you should do.  There have been a few exceptions that just were bleeders.  Normally for one hip people don't need to give blood.

BUT again, you need to ask your surgeon what you should do.

I wish you the best of luck with your upcoming surgery.

Pat

[Tarhoo2]

I recently had my second BHR done (I'm 2+ weeks post-op).  I donated two units of blood in advance, as recommended by my orthopaedist.  It is my understanding that both units were required for tranfusions during and/or after the procedure.  As seems to be the case with so many aspects of this procedure, there seems to be tremendous variation between people's experiences, depending upon the patient, surgeon, etc.  What does your doctor recommend?

[papadop]

I have Dr. Boyd in Salem, Or. for LHip resurfacing.  I had various tests incuding blood count in time for April 10 preop consultation, and there was an affirmative comment that there would be no need for blood transfusion

M.

[rlm869]

i did not need a blood transfusion either. my surgery took about 2 hours. i think it depends on several factors such as blood count as mentioned above by papdop.

[john]

I donated a pint for my first hip in December and got it back the day after surgery
figured it couldn't hurt and I was faint-ish after surgery until I got it transfused
just donated another pint for second hip in 2 weeks
I've maxed my maximum out of pocket on insurance anyhow