Danger When Counts Are Too Low
 

I was told not to get a transfusion unless I needed it. My counts were low but stabile enough not to get a transfusion Friday. I had my period on Sunday and I always bleed heavy. My mouth began to bleed Tuesday and so I rushed to the hospital to get my CBC counts checked. The doctor had to type and cross me and I had to wait one hour so I asked them if I could step out to pick up my meds and do a little shopping. As I walked down the block my entire body ached and I did not have the strength to carry the bags anymore. Suddenly I felt dizzy and I was seeing blurry images. My breathing stopped and I was gasping for air. I didn't have strength to walk another step and sat on the floor. I asked a woman to please help me but I don't think she heard me or simply passed me. A kind man who worked at the hospital helped me and luckily my mother works there. I called her on my cell phone. I discovered never to wait too long to check your CBC counts. I was directed right to the ER and that is not a place where you want to be especially with all these viruses are going around. They gave me two packages of blood. The doctor called and said I could risk a stroke or a heart attack if I am low on blood or hemoglobin. So I decided that I will not get blood unless I need it but to check my platelets more often. My primary doctor is an excellent doctor but he did not want me on a hormone to stop my period of which was too heavy. I consulted two other specialists and they said they did not see a problem with taking a contraceptive to stop bleeding. I was tired of bleeding to death for days every month especially after the fatal experience of having to sit on the ground and losing control. I took the pill and learned that sometimes it is good to consult more than one doctor. I knew that the doctor was not my primary but she was preparing my bone marrow transplant and took the time to respond. Using a contraceptive has side effects but at least it retains more blood.