Blood Transfusions, Plasma Exchanges, And All Kinds Of Other Scary Stuff…
You may have noticed that I haven’t been around lately. Here is why: I’ve been in the hospital for the past 9 days. My “summer vacation” has included blood transfusions, plasma exchanges, and lots of other scary stuff… I’m including details & gory pictures below. Enjoy.
If you know me, you may remember me saying in late May that I got the stomach flu and that in early June I got bronchitis so bad that I got thrown off of jury duty for coughing too loudly. Well, I had went on antibiotics but never quite felt like I got better. I gave it about 2 weeks and went back to my doctor. She said I had fluid behind my eardrums and that it would go away eventually; told me to take Claritin and Zantac.
I started feeling worse and worse. I felt tired all the time, constantly felt like puking – and lots of times I did throw up. And then it got even worse. I started having spells where my heart would start beating really fast, I would get really lightheaded, like I was gonna pass out, then my hands would start tingling, and then I would get this crazy ringing in my ears.
On Sunday, July 12, we got a phone call that my uncle was in ICU. I went up to the hospital and found out he had an infection that was not responding to medicine. My family was there until late Sunday and Monday night. My uncle passed away very early Tuesday morning. [the hospital basically said my uncle had swine flu, but we are still waiting to hear official labs]
On Wednesday, July 15, I called my doctor and requested to have an appointment worked in. I told her that I just watched my uncle die and did not want to be next. I told her everything that was going on and then she pulled the skin below my eye and saw that my eyes were yellow. I had noticed that my lips hadn’t had color in a while – it seriously looked like I was wearing beige lipstick, but I thought that maybe that was just what happened when you were in your 30s.
I had just completed a whole panel of blood work back in March and everything was fine, but my doctor wanted me to have a couple of blood tests. I had gotten the last appointment of the day, so I went in early to the lab on Thursday, July 16 before going to the funeral home. That evening, at about 6:30pm my doctor called me and told me to leave the funeral home immediately, to go to the emergency room, and get a blood transfusion. She told me my hemoglobin was down to a 5 (normal is 15) and that I was in danger of passing out at any moment.
My doctor had also been trying to call my sister (she is listed as my emergency contact) so Lasy told me to just go to the hospital, that she would take my nephew out to my dad’s, and then meet me at the hospital. I told my mom I was very sick and that I had to go (it was my mom’s brother who passed).
My first transfusion
I got to the hospital and started going through blood tests and answering questions. I received my 1st blood transfusion that night. My sister stayed late into the early morning hours and finally left around 2am. I was officially admitted to the hospital at about 4am. The next day, the first hematologist to examine me told me he was 80% sure I had a rare condition called TTP, but he wanted to do a couple more tests to make sure. He said the cure was to get a catheter hooked to my neck and to have Plasmapheresis (Plasma Exchange).
At around 9:30am on Saturday morning, the doctor came into my room, said “Cris, you have that nasty TTP. Don’t worry – no one I ever treated has died from it,” and walked out of the room.
TTP is a rare blood disorder, that used to be about 90% fatal. In my case, they thought that the respiratory infection I had caused my body to create antibodies that were destroying my red blood cells and platelets. The plasmapheresis would be done for 2 hours per day, for at least 5 days. After each session, I was supposed to see an increase in my blood levels.
The Quinton Catheter
I was immediately taken to ICU and had a Quinton Cathetar installed below my clavicle, into a mainline artery. In less than 2 hours, a specially trained nurse named Sam was drawing my plasma out from one artery, sending it through a special cleaning machine, and putting the cleaned plasma, plus fresh donated plasma into my body through another artery. The process made me extremely nauseous, my lips went numb, and my head vibrated on the hospital bed from the fact that my neck was hooked up to this spinning machine for 2 hours. I was scared. Big time.
After the treatment, my blood was drawn and I anxiously awaited the news. I was not so happy when I got it. My hemoglobin and platelets had went down! I was expecting them to increase! I repeated this process on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. My levels kept dropping each day. I even had a 2nd blood transfusion and nothing was helping.
The "plasma machine."
While in the hospital, I did everything I could to get better. I ate 2 bowls of fresh spinach every day, along with raw carrots and grapes to build up my blood supply. I drank only green tea and green superfoods juices, including green smoothies and barley juice. I even made up a sign that said “Make Good Blood” and hung it on the wall so that I could stare at it and remember what I was there for.
When I walked into the hospital, my platelets were at 86,000 but were now down to a little over 40,000. This was NOT good. The blood transufsions got my hemoglobin up to a high point of 8, but that number was dropping daily. I spent most of my days in the ICU praying. I had been told I had a potentially fatal disease and the treatment wasn’t working. I really thought I was going to die.
My thoughts at this point were mostly on my family. I felt really bad for my mom. Here I was, in the ICU, 5 doors down from where her brother died a few days before, and now I was the sickest I had ever been. I also felt bad for my sister. We are very, very close. How could I tell her that I wasn’t going to get better?
random bruise
There were other doctors researching my case and I took new tests every day. They discovered that I had very low B12 levels. My levels were fine a few months ago in March, but now I had some of the lowest B12 levels the doctors had ever seen.
The symptoms I came into the hospital for are all classic signs of a B12 deficiency. A 2nd hematologist and an internist felt that I probably didn’t have TTP. They transferred me out of ICU into a private room on anohter floor, put me on a high dose of steroids and halted the plasmapheresis. The next day, my hemoglobin grew by 2 points and my platelets rose by 6,000. I took a high dose of steroids the next day and my hemoglobin dropped by 1 point, but my platelets grew by over 60,000 – in one night! (I think the view from the new room helped – I was able to see Hurley, the hospital where I was born and the weather ball! I loved looking at it at night and thinking about all the good times I had downtown Flint.)
another bruise
Special lab tests that had to be sent out came back and proved that I had Pernicious Anemia, a very rare, and formerly fatal, form of anemia. I will be taking B12 shots for the rest of my life. Otherwise, some VERY bad things will happen to me and I will die a not-s0-awesome death.
I got out of the hospital today. My hemoglobin is still under normal, but that will improve over time. My platelets are on the low side of normal. I’ll be taking steriods for the next week, along with folic acid and will need to learn to give myself B12 shots. I am bruised all over, due to the fact that my platelets were so low. I have a huge pressure wrap over the spot where the cathetar was stuck in my neck… and I am sure to have a scar there. But all of that is okay.
IV number one
I learned some very valuable lessons this week. I learned how precious health and life are. It might be hard to do, as I am a naturally anxious person, but I am really going to try and live each day to it’s fullest and do things that scare the hell out of me.
And in case you were wondering… I will definitely be getting “Make Good Blood” tattooed on me (once I am back to full health).
IV number two
49 Responses to “Blood Transfusions, Plasma Exchanges, And All Kinds Of Other Scary Stuff…”
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Aww Crissy sorry to hear this! Can’t imagine how tough and scary that would have been especially with them not really knowing what was wrong with you for a while. Glad to hear you are on the road to getting better though!
It really puts the whole biz thing into perspective I bet. One of my biggest goals is NOT to ever again be a slave to my business because I want to enjoy life more and get out more. I’m sure you had some time to think about stuff like that while in the hospital.
Take Care
Oh goodness Chrissy! Take care of yourself. My nephew actually does have ttp and it is not fun. I am glad to hear you have a manageable diagnosis and will be on the mend soon.
No one said I didn’t have TTP. The steroids are treating it, if it is TTP as well, and I will be going back to the hematologist every week for blood tests and if my cells start changing again, I’ll be hooked up to my plasma machine again before I can turn my head!
Oh Crissy, I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I was wondering where you were. Thought maybe you were on vacation. I will keep you in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Crissy, it is such a relief to know that you’re on the mend!!
OMG Crissy that sounds horrific, can’t imagine how you must have felt. glad they finally nailed it and you are on the mend..
My goodness Crissy, what a lot to go though, and just after your uncle passing away as well. So glad to hear that you are making a good recovery now.
Crissy thank God you got through this and are on the way to better health. Thank you for sharing the experience here as in a sense it is a needed reminder to all of us to appreciate life a little more. Keeping you in my prayers.
Oh dear, Crissy. Now I’ve read this, I feel rotton that I ‘hounded’ you. I’ve replied to your e-mail aswell with that info. Take care of you as I’m sure you are doing. What a completely frightening situation. Fingers crossed that TTP tests are negative and sorry to read about your Uncle, too
Christine
Hi Crissy!
So sorry to hear you’ve had to endure all of this… what a scary ordeal! I will think good (blood) thoughts for you, too. My heart goes out to you & your family.
All the best,
xo
w
Ms . Crissy,
I don’t know you personally, but I feel I do know you in a way though email. Thank you for all your business knowledge you’ve shared. So sorry your going through such trying times. Condolences to the loss of your uncle.
I’ve read a book called the “Secret”, it’s a great book about positive thinking. Say it, Believe it, Know it , See it, and Feel it. Then it becomes so, the universe will make it real. Continue saying, “Make good blood”. Sending you much prayer for a speedy recovery.
ArtisticWill
Crissy, please read this: http://meloart.blogspot.com/2009/05/big-pharma-traditional-medicine-anemia.html
I was diagnosed with anemia after not having gone to the doc for 7 yrs. He wanted to do blood transfusion on me b/c my iron levels are so low, but I think that the big boss doc in the office didn’t agree, probably for money reasons. I was gonna say “no” anyway, was too scared.
Even since I’ve taken this battle with gusto.
My anemia is from iron deficiency, I was told. I was also told I needed B12 shots. I hate needles SO much that I went on the Internets and found various alternatives. The docs would not tell me this info and I was pretty pissed off about it.
I even am testing a brand of b 12 now that is from TwinLab, called Mega B-12 Dots. It has 5000 mcg per pill. Please read my post. I’ve compiled a lot of info there.
I think you will be happy to find out what I did. I’m also taking birth control pills to control my heavy menses. Not sure if you have this problem but if you do, you need to look into it also. I”m not a fan or BC pills, but between that and dying, I had to make a choice.
The brand of B-12 I’m stick to the most so far is the B-Total liquid and it has folic acid along with a bunch of the B vitamins. Get your daily dose of morning sunshine too! And use your blender to make veggie juices. I’m sure you will be researching into all of the stuff you need to do now.
My best to you! I’m so sorry about your uncle!
Crissy!
What a horrible summer for you! I’m glad you are out of the hospital and in your own bed at night.
Blood disorders are so scary. My aunt has ITP, and it really throws you sideways to have to change your life all of a sudden.
Happy, healing, and creative thoughts to you.
-Stephanie
Glad to hear you’re on the mend Crissy. What a horrible way to spend your summer! Hope you’re able to figure everything out and “get healthy” soon!
Crissy,
What a scary experience! Thankfully you are out of the hospital and doing much better. My daughter also has a blood disorder and must routinely see a hematologist (we have an appointment this afternoon). Continue feeling better and getting stronger.
Crissy:
Wow. You have been through so much! Thank you for sharing your ordeal – you know you will help others by doing so! I’m so glad you are on the mend. Keep that positive spirit, keep making new blood, and keep getting stronger.
Crissy-
Wow! You must have been scared out of your wits. Good to hear they have a better idea of what is going on with you and you are being treated for it. My mom had pernicious anemia and the B12 shots always made her feel much better. We do seem to take life and good health for granted until something like this happens to shake us up. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
Best,
Jill
Oh Chrissy…I’m so glad that you’re out of the hospital…how scary! What a horrifying experience…and so sorry about your uncle.
I love your positive attitude, though…keep making good blood
Chrissy,
I am so sorry your recent events have been so scary and difficult. I am happy you have a course of action in place and you can approach staying better and out of the hospital.
I have had a hemoglobin of 7, lots of transfusions, some that saved my life in an emergency surgery and all the life threatening complications that came along with it for the following 47 days in the hospital. I think I can understand summers sucking in the hospital.
I am very glad you are on the mend and your experience allows you to walk away with very deep love of the important things around you, good doctors on board to care for you.
So sorry to hear of the recent loss in your family.
Sending up prayers now for your continued positive progress and return to better days.
MB
Crissy,
Wow, just wow!
Your account of your health situation reads worse than a horror novel.
I’m so sorry to learn about everything you’ve gone through. And I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you’re well on your way to mending.
Oh my goodness, what an exercise in courage. Maybe the saying should go: That which doesn’t kill us gives us really, really powerful stories to tell. Take good care of yourself!
So glad to hear that you are on the mend! I too have been through some terrifying medical ordeals, and it’s amazing how it changed my life.
Take good care of yourself – and I am so sorry about your Uncle.
Sara
Wow. I am so glad you are out of the hospital and doing better. What a scary time for your family – best of luck on your recovery and maintaining your health. You seem like such a strong person!
i am definitely going to grab up some of your services you offered in the email.
thank you for sharing your experience with your readers. take care.
Oh, Crissy,
So sorry to hear what an ordeal you have been through. Hopefully, you are continuing to regain health. I am holding positive thoughts for you to continue making good blood. Times like this sure put into perspective how precious life is and why we don’t want to spend our lives “working for the man.” be well, Terri Belford
OMG Crissy I can’t even begin to imagine how scary all this must have been for you! You have been in my thoughts and prayers and I will continue to pray for you and a speedy recovery. If there’s anything I can do for you just let me know! I’m glad to hear you are home and on the mend. Hang in there you are a strong person and an inspiration!
So glad that you pulled through and they figured it out in time to help you. Cool idea on the tattoo, by the way!
Corinna
Oh my goodness Crissy! How horrific. You have been through so much. I am sorry to hear this and grateful that they have been able to figure out how to help the best way possible.
Chrissy, I am soooo glad you are on the mend! I have missed your emails, glad you are back and catching up on things.
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle.
Happy thoughts are aimed your way for a healthier YOU!
Mandi
Oh my Crissy! My heart and prayers go out to you! Saying your mantra – “Make Good Blood”!
Glad to hear you are on the mend! Take care of yourself!
Karin
Chrissy,
I am moved by your amazing journey. I am happy to hear that you are starting to be healthier! Remember that when you are repeating “make Good Blood” to yourself, to state outloud that it IS Gods will for you to be healthy, and you can declare “I am believing God’s will is health for me!”
I will be praying for you! Take care, Molly
Crissy, so wonderful to know you’re getting better!! I couldn’t help but think how blessed you are while reading your story. To come through that is surely a blessing from God and your positive attitude / focus made it that much better. Take care of yourself sweetie… sending {{{hugs}}} your way.
Crissy,
May God bless you and keep you healthy!
I went thru low anemia when I was 18 and Hated it! But a new thing popped up on my annual Dr. visit this year. I requested a HUGE blood testing, menopause, one of the items I asked for was a Vitamin D levels. Everything was fine except the Vitamin D, it was at 21 and it should be at 30-50. I am now taking a vitamin D pill a week that is 50,000 ius – for 12 weeks. funny thing happened to me – allergies stopped, sunburning stopped, tire around the middle stopped and started shrinking,. I am blond/blue-eyes. After research found out that Vitamin D is a lot more important then we have been told. Check out Dr. Mercola’s website at http://www.drmercola.com wealth of information.
As for anemia- foods to eat- raisins, rice, peas like they are going out of style.
Ack! Crissy! I am so sorry you had to go through this. And I am so happy you are home and doing better and back on the road to good health. All the best wishes in the world to you and your family. And internet hugs, lots of them!
So glad to know that you are better and know what is wrong. You are blessed!
Crissy so sorry to hear everything you have gone through, but am glad they found out the problem and are working on getting you back to good health.
Take care and lots of prayers for your complete recovery!!!
Rosalie
Wow! I don’t know you. But, I read your blog. I’m so sorry at such a young age you had to go through all that…but it serves as a reminder to all of us to live each day in the moment.
But, let me tell you, the older you get the harder it is to stay healthy. I’m 44 and feeling it. Enjoy youth…everyone!
My father who is 76 has to have blood transfusions every few weeks. He can’t handle chemo. anymore. So, blood transfusions are keeping him alive.
I’m glad you’re on the mend. You’re one tough chick!
I wish I had known. I would have been praying for you this whole time. Soooo glad you’re better.
Wow, what a ride you’ve had. I’m happy to hear that you have come through and are on a road to recovery! I love the comment above , ” You are one tough Chick!” and God obviously has more plans for your life!
Gabreial
Wow Crissy, I`ll be praying for a speedy and full recovery!
That was scary. I am sure it gave you whole new perspectives. It’s great to be alive, isn’t it? Get well soon!
Hi, Crissy. A chill ran through me while reading your blog about your life altering ordeal. How brave you are. Please know that I will pray for you to be on the mend. So sorry about your uncle too, especially with you going through your ordeal. It’s always hard to lose our family. I think your tatoo idea is great! Cementing your ordeal with a tatoo will only remind you how precious and valuable your life is and how strong you are!I will share with you something I say daily to protect me, my precious daughter, and family. I always say: “May the white light of the Holy Spirit and Christ’s consiousness surround me (or my daughter, etc.) and keep me safe, happy and healthy”. I then actually picture in my mind the white light dropping like a veil over me, surrounding me and protecting me! Criss, not sure if you have kids, but, let me tell you, as a mother of an only child, this prayer has gotten me through many days of anxiousness when my daughter is out and away from me. Anyway, be well, stay well and do well as usual! Glad you and IndieBiz are back!
A nurse once told me I was the perfect Canidate for Plasma donating, and that I should seriously consider doing so on a regular basis. After reading through your ordeal, though I do not know you personally, it has sparked a great desire in me to go do that now.
Yes, make good blood!
Oh my goodness! I truly believe it is your high and strong spirit that pulled you through this and kept you from not passing out. Stay strong…you are in our thoughts.
Katie
I ‘m glad your back home and feeling better these days. My thought and prayer are with you .
What a horrible experience to be ill and to be grieving the death of your Uncle. My prays will life you and your family up at this challenging time.
Life and health are very precious. It is a shame so few know this truth until it is too late.
Take care and stay healthy.
Artisttia
sending you prayers and healing!!!