(David's scheduled for posterior fusion surgery on Dec. 12, probably T-4 to T-11 to correct 68* thoracic. Also has 50+* compensatory lumbar curve and a compensatory cervical curve.)
Everything I've read on scoliosis surgery says blood donation, blood banking, etc. But our surgeon at TSRH told us it wouldn't be necessary, they just filter and re-use the patient's blood. I've not encountered that anywhere else. Not that I don't completely trust him, I do, but I'm sort of a "belt and suspenders" person - I like to be prepared and have backup available. David is very thin and now at this point wouldn't be able to donate his own blood, anyway. We all have the same blood type (well, I'm pretty sure...it's been a while since I've had to know that) - but I'm currently on anti-coagulants to treat blood clots and may have some clotting disorder - that might rule me out as a possible donor for David. My husband is more or less healthy and they could get a pint from him if needed...daughter will still be taking finals in college, so she won't join us until after the surgery.
So, what's your experience with blood issues in surgery?
Everything I've read on scoliosis surgery says blood donation, blood banking, etc. But our surgeon at TSRH told us it wouldn't be necessary, they just filter and re-use the patient's blood. I've not encountered that anywhere else. Not that I don't completely trust him, I do, but I'm sort of a "belt and suspenders" person - I like to be prepared and have backup available. David is very thin and now at this point wouldn't be able to donate his own blood, anyway. We all have the same blood type (well, I'm pretty sure...it's been a while since I've had to know that) - but I'm currently on anti-coagulants to treat blood clots and may have some clotting disorder - that might rule me out as a possible donor for David. My husband is more or less healthy and they could get a pint from him if needed...daughter will still be taking finals in college, so she won't join us until after the surgery.
So, what's your experience with blood issues in surgery?
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