Has anyone else had problems with iron-deficiency anemia before surgery?

My primary doctor who I see every 3 months sent me to a hematologist today because I am very iron-deficient anemic. He says that my labs show that I am bleeding but I just had an EGD and colonscopy two months ago and was o.k. The hematologist has suggested an iron transfusion for next week so that I will be o.k. by surgery on August 24th. Has anyone else had problems with iron-deficiency anemia before surgery? The doctor thinks that if I do this transfusion that my iron levels will be back up to normal by surgery time. Let me know what you think.

Kaen, I think I would go with your doctors recommendation. You want your iron level to be where it needs to be because this is one of the concerns after the surgery. I just had my level checked at 6 months and all is great. I am afraid if you dont, they might postpone the surgery. I still take my vitamins and calcium daily (and will for the rest of my life) plus I take B-12 sublingual 3 times a week. Any more questions please ask. Colette

Colette, Thanks so much for responding to my question. I am getting nervous about my surgery coming up August 24th. I have been wanting to have this surgery for over 3 yrs. and now that it is close, I would be crushed if it had to be postponed. Yes, I am planning on having the iron transfusion as soon as the doctor calls back to set it up. I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as several other medical problems. I have been anemic off and on for about 10 years. Before, an earlier hematologist said that it was probably my arthritis medicine that was causing the anemia.

Karen... I cannot give you any expert medical advice as I have never dealt with an issue such as this. I would, however be MORE worried about what is causing it rather than if a transfusion will be curative enough for having WLS. Problems like this can cause some serious medical issues if left untreated. Again I would be more worried about what is causing it... and getting that straightened out before having WLS. Do you have any long term health issues that could be contributing to this? Please let us know what you find out... Elizabeth~

Karen, You mentioned arthritis in a post today. Do you by chance take lots of Aleve or Excedrin or aspirin for your arthritis. I have it too and was taking double doses of Aleve and my iron went way down because I was bleeding from small erosions in my stomach. Just a thought. Lana

I take 1 coated aspirin a day and occasionally will take 3 extra-strength Tylenol for pain at bedtime. I just had an EGD and colonoscopy in March, but you're right it probably is the aspirin and arthritis meds. My appt. is for 9 am next Thursday. I will keep you all updated on how things go. bye for now--Karen S.