Blood transfusions

[Chirley]

Hi,

I have just been told that I've developed grade 3 kidney failure and pernicious anaemia and the blood tests show a possibility of a gastrinoma as well (yet more tests).

The doctor implied that the kidney failure might have been caused by the repeated blood transfusions and I was wondering if any one else has had this.

Also, I was curious about the pernicious anaemia. Is it common among people with MDS/bone marrow failure? Has anybody else got this. I'm starting weekly injections tomorrow and am very hopeful of feeling better shortly.

Thanks

Chirley

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Chirley,
You know I have received 80 units of packed red blood cells during almost 3 years - my kidney function is OK. I have never read anything about kidney damage due to transfusions but many abstracts about kidney damage that leads to anemia, that is difficult to treat.

Since dx I take oral folic acid, B12 and B6 because I understand that when you have hemolysis (the red blood cells break early and never get 120 days old as they should) as I have specially folic acid is important for the bone marrow. I don't think pernicious anaemia is common among MDS patients.

Hope the B12 injections will have effect soon :)!
Kind regards
Birgitta-A