Update on my anemia...

Well, my hemoglobin jumped (lol) from 7 to 7.6 in the last 2 weeks. I had my appt. with the Hematologist yesterday and he said that I had the lowest hemoglobin he has seen in over a year. I couldn't believe that. He said are you trying to give you PCP a heart attack. He was so incredibly nice, and I know his cancer patients adore him. We decided I needed to get my iron up quickly, because of the fibroid and my upcoming surgery in May. I will have 2 iron infusions. I will have my first next Wed. and then 4 weeks after that. It will take 4 to 6 hrs to get it done by IV. I'm not sure how it works, but my sister seems to think they will draw out my blood and infuse it with the iron and then put it back. ???? Kind of creepy, but I'm ready to have some energy. I will also get my first Lupron injection next week. I have to have the injection within 5 days of starting my period. I think this will be my last period forever. It will put me into a psuedo menopause to shrink the uterus and fibroid. I'll be glad to get rid of the *monthly visitor* I did ask the Hematologist if my Gastric Bypass caused the extreme anemia, and he said it may have contributed a bit, but a woman that didn't have GBS and had a fibroid could have just as low iron. That made me feel better. I don't want every health crisis that comes up to be blamed on my surgery. He was very excited that I no longer have sleep apnea, or hypertension. Debbie

Debbie, I hope they will be able to get your levels back up to normal. It has to be frustrating to have to go thru this. I have heard a few people who had fabroids (not WLS related) have also had some anemia problems too. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. It is great that your sleep apnea and high BP are now gone. (me too). Mary

I wish you the best, Debbie, and I hope this procedure has you feeling better soon! Let us know how you're doing. Wanda

Well, at least it's on an upswing! I'm so glad to hear you found a doctor that you really like; that's major! I know nothing about iron infusions, but will be trusting that it helps and you're feeling fabulous real soon. Don't envy you your health problems, but losing the *monthly visitor* would be a blessing. At 46, I'm done needing it and wi**** came with an "on and off" switch. LOL! Keep us posted....Where's the new picture? (((hugs))) Julie

So how'd the infusion go? Hope you're feeling much better. Linn

My infusion went well. I don't feel the effects of it yet. I also had my Lupron shot and immediately started my period. Sigh... I still have to have another infusion in four weeks and then I should have my iron levels up to normal. I'm waiting to see if I develop aches in my joints and or a headache. These are common side effects from the iron. Thank You for asking. I hope to be feeling better real soon. Hugs, Debbie

Hi Debbie: My iron too dropped. It went from low normal to 7.5 in three months. Not sure on what to blame, I am fairly certain it was because I had gotten off of my vitamin regimen. I now take ferrous gluconate twice a day to boost my iron. I was feeling so tired. I could not do more than what was needed to get thru the day. I felt fine doing the normal things, but anything extra was out of the question. My doc put on a five day dose of thiamin. One shot a day for five days. They hurt like the dickens, but I did start to feel a lot better. I have since put myself of oral b-1 vitamins daily to keep it up. Good luck to you.