"Just the Facts"-- Nauseated, in pain, and really feeling quite poorly, and then they take all my blood out.
But gave my 9 bags back.
Woke up at 5:40 to a call from the hospital. "Are you coming? I really don't feel good." B had new sleeping pain in the shoulder and was nauseated when I arrived. The blood exchange was delayed due to a doctor's schedule. I think I have entered a parallel universe with this blood exchange deal. It is amazing and kinda creepy all at the same time. This doesn't speak to what the patient is going through. But B is a trooper as you can see above. He has got needles and tubes in both arms and tubes still coming out from the catheter. First they begin the output blood (B's), once that gets going at an even rate, then the start the input blood. Keep in mind that the veins all have to work and maintain structure while the flow is passing through. They can speed up or slow down the flow depending on how the veins, pressure or patient is doing. But make sure you don't have to use the bathroom in this 2.5 hour procedure. Yikes, then it's a Broadway production. The input blood (new O neg) comes in small individual bags, so 9 in all. The output blood, (what B has inside his body) is all collecting into a giant 9 liter capacity bag hanging in the back. It is processed through a centrifuge, so the plasma is separated a bit. Whoa, biggest bag of blood I have ever seen! This is all done as a preventative move to help the new super cells. Once those cells set up house and begin production, they don't want any little type A cells trying to attack the new O cells. Remember they think they are defending their home territory. It's quite a production and frankly I am exhausted just watching it. I can't imagine how B is holding up. Thanks goodness for the new pillow and bed cushion we got yesterday, or today would have been just that much more uncomfortable.
The bible tells us that the Lord is our strength and our shield. He sets our day in motion and provides strength for what we have to endure. I can say that both B and I have leaned on His strength today and claim His protection and peace during this adventure. I am especially partial to this scripture, as it is a song that was given to me many years ago. Psalm 28:7 Thank you all again for your faithful prayers on our behalf. We are hoping to be able to cruise the balance of the day. At least that is what we are thinking...
Until next time,
Hopeful Believer.
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