The Things Hospitals Don't Tell You

Apparently I had a blood transfusion in 2007.

Backing up a bit.

Since returning to school I had to submit my most recent medical records. All in all I received copies of my record from when I delivered my daughter in 2007. I requested copies of all blood work that was done during my pregnancy and after. 

The copies were finally delivered to my home today. Naturally I looked through the package just to see if everything was in order. Of course a lot of it I didn't understand as I browsed through all of the medical jargon. However, one page stopped me dead in my tracks.

A Blood Bank Consultation Form.

Again more medical lingo, but one paragraph was perfectly clear. I was transfused with one unit of blood while undergoing my cesarean. I read the paragraph over and over to make sure I wasn't misreading. The more I read the more I was arrested under shock.  I mentioned it to my mother, who was with me during my delivery. She didn't know I was transfused neither, but then again she claims she doesn't remember all that took place that day except that she was glad I went into labor very early that morning so we wouldn't be caught in any rush hour traffic traveling across town.

Underneath the paragraph was an "interpretation" section. This section gave a "clear-cut" reason why I needed the unit of blood.

Exactly how much is a unit of blood?

After reading the interpretation I began to develop my conclusions as to the why and perhaps when. I remember the day that I delivered the Snickerdoodle truly as if it were yesterday. I understand now why a lot of mothers say they never forget the day they deliver their children. Not that a lot of medical drama took place during my delivery, but seriously bringing another life into this world is no joke especially the delivery process.

I went in at 5 a.m. having dilated 4 cm. According to the medical staff I was dilating right on a "normal" schedule for a first time mother, which is 1 cm every 1 to 2 hours. It was midday when things kind of went awry. I assumed that I would have a vaginal birth, but the Snickerdoodle didn't want to do such a thing. This is where my temperature went up and the Snickerdoodle's heart rate either sped up or slowed down at a considerable rate. 

Even though the medical staff through out the word "c-section" as if it were an option, honestly it really wasn't. I began to cry because I was nervous and unsure of what was going on. I even protested for a minute or two that I didn't want a c-section. Of course my mother and the doctor calmed my fears and told me it was the best route to have the surgery.

As I lay in the delivery operation room, I remember reality hitting me pretty hard, but I remained calm. My mother was off somewhere getting then garb you are suppose to wear over your clothing and the medical staff was buzzing all around me. An Asian who cracked jokes administered all of the drugs that would numb me from the waist down. He was pretty funny. I managed to laugh through the minor pain I was feeling. That was a gooooooooooood epidural I was given until I actually felt movements in my birth canal. That feeling was strange.

Another nurse kept checking to make sure I was numb from the waist down by asking me a series of questions of what I felt and where I felt it.  Somewhere in between receiving numb shots and being asked questions I remember feeling cold. My teeth chattered and I began to shiver. The nurse ran out and back with a blanket to drape around my chest and shoulders. The nurse kept asking me how I felt. I kept saying I felt cold.

Based on what I read in the "interpretation" concerning my red blood cells at the time of giving birth and my recollection of being utterly cold at the time I (kinda) understand the why, but obviously I know the when.

I don't have a problem being given blood, especially if it is for the benefit of my health. What is highly disturbing is the fact that this wasn't even mentioned to me nor my family that was present at the time of my delivery. I'm pretty sure that blood transfusions are part of a routine with some, if not all, deliveries. Even if this is part of standard procedures or if this is a normal occurrence during labor, the patient and their family still has a right to know.

I don't have a grudge against the hospital. They really did take care of me and my child while we were there. Aside from the late night invasion of nurse after nurse to check my vitals, I was pretty comfortable.  I just wish I knew about the transfusion, so the next time I check a medical chart/questionnaire that ask about it I won't say no when clearly my records say the opposite.