Procrit injections

[mom2mykidos3]

I just wanted to start a new thread out the procrit shots. Our PS did do them for Miriam and she didn't need a blood transfusion. When we went in to see him this last week he asked us if we thought it was worth it. Our PS is trying to get the word out to other surgeons about this. Some insurances don't pay for it. Ours did, but I know our pediatrian had to really fight with them. Without insurance it is about $150.00.
It is a series of 3 injections one a week 3 weeks prior to surgery.
I don't know if that is why Miriam did so awesome, but our PS thinks so. Without the procrit you are pretty guarenteed to have a blood transfusion, with the procrit there is about a 50% chance. If anyone wants more info I would be glad to talk.

[Jennifer]

I'd never really heard of it until you said something. Maybe we should add that question to "What to ask your surgeons" with a simple statement as to what it is?? What do you think?

[mom2mykidos3]

I would say yes. I know our PS is really interested in getting the newest info out there to all the surgeons in the world. I think it is well worth it to at least ask.

[Jennifer]

I'll do it....just send me an pm w/ a general description of what the benefit is and what you have to do (basically what your previous post said)- once I get it, I'll add it to the questions to ask.

[Connor's Dad]

We are traveling to Dallas, TX from Alabama on the 14th for surgery on the 17th. We are currently taking weekly procrit injections. Our Pediatrician had never heard of or done, therefore we had to educate for her to agree. We are hoping to not need a transfusion.

[Katie]

I had never heard of this either! Great question for the "things to ask" thread. Dillon did not do the injections and did need transfusions.

[Mom2William]

I haven't heard of it either and I think it is a great question for the surgeons. If I had known about it, I would have looked into doing it. We used my direct blood donation instead. Thanks for getting the info. out to others!!

[lucsdad]

oh, man. i wish i had heard of this sooner.
thanks for the info. im sure this will help many families of CS.
lisa

[Connor's Dad]

mom2mykidos3 - Did Miriam have any side effects from injections? Any noticable changes? Connor seems fine so far.

[mom2mykidos3]

No, Miriam did great!! I think it was well worth it.

[Malcolm]

I asked out NS about it yesterday. He said that he uses procrit (sports fan may know it as EPO...used in blood doping) at times when he has operated on older patients. He has never used it for a CVR. He was open to the idea, but said that so far the result are mixed for infants.

[mom2mykidos3]

I just wanted you guys to know that I got some info on Procrit from my PS. If any of you are interested in the info I can mail you a copy. It does say that there have not been any bad reactions from Procrit in babies. It was published by Dr. Jeffery A. Fearon out of Dallas Texas.
If you want a copy just send me a pm or call me at 801.779.4173. At least of you have the info you can show your doctors. thanks