Feeling discouraged.....

I am pre-op and got a call from my doctor yesterday.  My bloodwork came back that I am anemic, low on B12 and low on Folic Acid.  The last two a easily corrected.  But, with the anemia, I have to find out where the loss of blood is coming from.  The PA told me it could be from menstrual bleeding (since I have a history of heavy periods and I was on mine then) or it could be from a GI bleed somewhere. I have to take B12 and FA for 2 months and have my levels checked again.  I really wanted to have surgery ASAP, but now it looks like it will be summer. I am just disheartened about it.  I guess.  My sugar level and cholesterol levels were fine.  But, I have to go to a primary care doc to get the anemia thing straightened out.  I am bummed about it.

I wouldn't be too bummed. Women tend to be more anemic than not.  I'm one of them, and take two iron pills daily just to keep my levels up.  Oh, and I don't have any severe periods and I don't have internal bleeding.  It's just the way I am. So you might go ahead and start taking some iron with all your other stuff.  Don't take iron with calcium as the two don't like each other.  But I take 65mg iron (in the form of 325mg ferrous sulfate) 2x a day, and have since right after my surgery.  You can find this at any pharmacy without any problems. And be patient.. the healthier you are going into surgery, the better you will be coming out of it.  It's worth the time to get everything as perfect as possible.

They told me not to start taking iron until I find out where I am losing it.  I guess if neither of the reasons is how I am losing it, then I will just have to take supplements.  So, I guess I will just have to see a primary care doc and get the test to see if it is a GI bleed of some kind.

Beth -

I'm so sorry for your disappointment, but I recall really having problems with anemia from my cycles. It's most likely that. While frustrating, it's good that your Dr. is being cautious. My guess is that all is well and you'll be having your surgery in a couple of months.

Hang in there,

Barb

Hi, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. I don't want to scare you but please go to the primary care  doc ASAP , don't put it off.  when I was just 44 I noticed I was just getting tired really quickly and went to the doc and she said I was anemic.. I had a colonoscopy and found out I had colon cancer. The weakness was my only sign.  I had noticed no blood in my stool, no pain, ect........It may be nothing but  menstrual bleeding but don't just assume it is and not check it out, or put it off.....~Mary~

Aww I'm sure you are disappointed, I would be too...

Let's think of this in a different way. Suppose they had not caught this now and went ahead with the surgery? Things could have gotten really complicated for you. I'm glad they have identified these issues for you so that you can correct them and be at your healthiest when you do have your surgery.

Just a little delay, and yes it sucks, but you'll get there and you'll be healthier and more ready for your surgery when that time gets here. Use the extra time to focus on being prepared for your post surgical diet. Have you stopped with carbonated beverages yet?

Sending you lots of strength this morning sweetie. Try and focus on the possitives right now so this little irritation wont get you too down.

{{Hugs}}

Yes, I have stopped the sodas.  I am drinking water all the time.

Thanks for support!  I really appreciate it!

 

Which PCP are you going to see?  You know I love Dr. H.  :)   Things are going to be fine Beth.. Dr. Gersin is just cautious and like I told you a few days ago, you would rather be safe than sorry.  :)  Keep your chin up girl.  You are on the fast track to surgery.  These problems can be fixed!!!