Update on dizziness

I had a doctors appointment yesterday with my primary doctor who said she feels this may be leaning towards me being anemic. I have an appointment with the surgeon on Feb. 3.
Today I went to have my 6 month labs done and also more labs that my PCP ordered. The tech said most of the tests should be back tomorrow, but my vitamin labs may take up to 5 days.
So now I just sit back & wat for the results to come in.
Does anyone know what happens if your iron is low?

Hojo -

I'm glad you're getting some answers.  The course of treatment will depend upon your numbers.  When I was initially anemic, DVR put me on Vitron-C, which is an OTC iron/Vitamin C supplement (Vitamin C helps the iron absorb better).  When my labs didn't improve to his satisfaction, I got an iron infusion and then finally, blood transfusions. 

So just sit tight and see what your doctor says.  And keep us posted.

Hugs,

Tia

Tia......
   I probably dont want to know, but what exactly is an iron infusion and how is it done?

Piece of s/f cake.  It's an IV infusion of iron.  How many infusions and how long it takes depends on how much iron your doctor wants you to have (you'll PROBABLY be referred to a hematologist if it gets to this point).

I only had one iron infusion and it was done at the hematologist's office, in the same area where people get chemo.  They have huge recliners, tv's, books, etc.  Mine took all day - 8 hours.  Initially, they'll give you some Benadryl to guard against allergic reaction and you'll probably get sleepy from this.  Then they run a test drip, and if you're good to go, they hook you up and away you go. 

I took my lunch, some books, etc., but all I did all day was nap.  There was no discomfort (just like a normal IV), and you're able to go to the restroom, etc.

The thing about the infusions is that it takes a few weeks for you to feel the benefits of it, where a transfusion is quicker acting.

HTH!

Hugs,

T

Heather, Glad you went to your doctor. I think what Tia said is the protocol for Anemia. I was anemic a while back and my doc put me on iron supplements. The problem resolved. Then I was really low on V-D and I had to be put on supplements for that as well. Hope you can get this straight so you feel better real soon.

                                                                                                       Julie

Heather do you already take Iron?

Nessa.....
   Its in my vitamins. My surgeon did not recommend added iron....had something to do with having a hysterectomy already......not sure why, but I did what I was told.

I just got my blood work back and my iron is tanked.  (as is my D already).  I don't get a period so I haven't been taking iron.  I"m adding it asap along with D.

My feratin was high.

do you know what your last iron labs were?

Waiting is the worse (((Hugs))) I hope your not anemic honey.....iron is nasty! I have chewable strawberry iron if you do end up needing some. (((Hugs))) Keep me posted on those results girlie.

Hi there,
Lurker here, but just wanted to add my 2 cents worth.

I had RNY 5 years ago, always had great lab values until September 09.  Anemia, and low ferritin levels.  I started suffering with migraines, dizziness and fatigue.  My PCP sent me for an endoscopy and a coloscopy to rule out internal bleeding. Nothing abnormal found on either end, thank god.

I am now taking almost 900mgs of Iron daily.  So far my iron levels increased from a 4 to a 5.
Ferritin from 18 to 38.  Both still very low but we are continuing the iron therapy for a little longer.  My neurologist said that the migraines and dizziness could be a side effect of the amemia.

I was never told to take Iron post-op either, as I was post menopausal.  It's amazing to  me how my levels crashed from March to September.

Hoping you are feeling better soon and that you find your solution to increase your iron.

BB