Allogeneic Transplant
Post-BMT Phase
Managing Low Red Cell Counts

Symptoms & Management

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which carries oxygen from the lungs to all of the tissues in the body. This is what gives us our energy. After you receive your transplant, your red blood cell count will decrease quickly and will remain low until the new cells begin to grow.

When red blood cells are low, patients becomes anaemic and may feel quite tired and short of breath as a result. Other symptoms may include dizziness and feeling chilled. Until the transplanted bone marrow starts making enough red blood cells on its own, you will require red blood cell transfusions to maintain your red blood cell count. Generally, when your hemoglobin count drops below 80, you will receive packed (concentrated) red blood cells. Some patients may require them sooner.

To read more about transfusions, click here.

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