Hello Gail, I am 5 years out and also anemic and Iron deficient. I have had 4 Iron infussions since July 07. I also will have to get a B-12 shot evry month for the rest of my life!!!!! I just went in last week and my Iron levels are still good from having my last Iron infussion in Sept. Hopefully it will stay that way. But the B12 I will always have to do. Our bodies just can't absorb the vitamins we need anymore. Some people are lucky and don't have this problem,,,Some aren't as fortunate!!! Oh,,,,Watch out for those steriods they give you before the infussion!!!! I have put on 36lbs since having my infussions in July,Aug,&Sept!!!!!! I had no idea they were giving me Prednisone before the infussions until my 4th one!!! I refused the Prednisone and had to sign a waiver saying they wouldn't be responsible if I had a reaction to the Iron. I didn't thank goodness,,,,,But ask them to see if you are getting it. It has triggered something in me and I can't stop eating!!!!!

Wow .. it sounds like some bad things happened in the process. But I've gotta tell you that overall, the surgery is helpful to people. I wish you luck.

She hasn't had 1 good day since her surgery 4.5 years ago. The surgeon that did her original surgery screwed her up so badly. She was his first "hand assisted" lap surgery. She currently has 7 or 8 fistulas. She has 3 tubes. She can't eat or drink anything. What she does do ocassionally, is put a piece of starburst in her mouth and chew it a second for the flavor and to moisten her mouth, and than spit it out. She is NOT allowed to swallow it. She and I need prayers so badly. And, we need help getting a website started to warn people of the dangers of this surgery. Not everyone has complications in the beginning, but as time goes by, absorption issues become very high, and bowel obstructions time and time again. I have had 16 surgeries so far on my stomach. I am currently without tubes, but life is so difficult. I feel like such a burden on society/family. Please put us and others like us on any and all prayer lists. Love, Sandy L. Pierce

I hope you have this figured out by now and not suffering. I don't see a problem taking liquid benedryl and yes I have heard of people being allergic to artificial sweetners. I think "Jean" that is on the message boards alot is allergic to them. She probably could help you out alot on what to use as substitutes. I hope this helps. Take care.

I just spoke to Angie today. She is tired of the fight. The surgeon wants to do yet another surgery, and she said she is done fighting. I can totally agree with her. I often for God to take me home to be with him. Go where it's beautiful, and all people love one another. Angie's not had 1 good day since surgery. She was immediately put on a vent than. She has been on one more times than I can count since. Angie has two teenage boys, and really need their mother. The children's fater/husband to Angie, comitted suicide in their old home. I feel helpless. Angie does have supportive parrents, and one sister. But, people like people on this board/website should talk to her and make her feel better. She needs a reason to keep fighting (other than for her children). Have a good Friday. Thanks for allowing me to come here and speak to you all. Angie and I need your prayers. All of them. To call Angie, write me at the [email protected] and I will give it to you. Forever fighting, Sandy