“I had transfusions with counts of 10.1 and 32?”
My husband is suffering from severe fatigue and he has heart problems. He has been suffering from anemia but his count right now is 10.1 and 32. All other tests look good. He is very pale, very weak and can't stay awake. Do you think a blood transfusion would help or would it be detrimental. I'm getting desperate.
Male | 77 years old
Complaint duration: 1 week
Medications: many
Conditions: multi
4 Answers
CardiologistCardiologist
Yes, blood transfusion will give him a significant improvement. Also, will give the healthcare provider to find the etiology of his amenia. He is pale and fatigue since those levels are critical. Definitely he needs the blood transfusion. Now, it is your husband and family decision. Thank you
All else being equal, counts of (hemoglobin) of 10.1 (g/dL) and (hematocrit) of 32% are not usual indications for blood transfusion. However those numbers a low for someone who is 77 years old; that is the patient is anemic, and he also seems to be symptomatic (weakness, paleness). Patients needs complete evaluation by a Hematologist.
10 grams is not too bad. He should get gastrointestinal track checked with upper and lower endoscopy with gastroenterologist. If they are negative, then see a blood doctor to get to the root cause of anemia. If he remains symptomatic from anemia then 1 unit of transfusion is reasonable.
Sherri L. Clark
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health, Physical Health
DE
What other tests have they completed? A 10.1 Hemoglobin shouldn't make you feel that weak, lethargic, or fatigue. You are saying that he has heart problems, I wonder if they have run all of the tests needed for cardiac workup. Checked for any pulmonary embolisms, pericardial effusions, does he have a history of CHF? Does he have swelling at all? All of these things are important to know in order to properly answer your question. I would just make sure the Dr. is focusing more on cardiac and pulmonary work up than they are the hemoglobin. Most doctors do not transfuse unless the hemoglobin is under 8.0. Hope that helps.
