Question for those anemics out there.......

Question for those that suffer with anemia.......I have just finished a series of 20 iron infusions and know that I will have to have them forever. Last week I went for my annual GYN appointment (first time in 3 years) and in discussing my current health it was brought up that I may want to consider having an ablation done or even a laprascopic partial hysterectomy (they leave the cervix, ovaries and tubes and take just the uterus). Has anyone considered or had either of these things done and has it helped much with the anemia? My periods are very heavy and last at least 7 days so I am not just willy nilly considering doing something about it, but I think this is a big factor contributing to my anemia.

Thanks for any input!

Jennifer

Hi!  I was very low on iron before surgery and 3 years out, this past summer, I went to my Dr. b/c I felt HORRIBLE.  Determined that i was severely low on iron.  However, I had the Novasure (ablation) last December well before this revelation.  So, I do believe it has helped, but didn't help 100%.  When I saw my Hematologist for the iron issue, that was the first thing he asked was how my cycle was.  Before the Novasure, I was house-bound for 2-3 days of the 7 days of bleeding.  Horrible 2-3 days.  I'll spare you the details.  I've had 2 - 8 hour Iron infusions since June of this year.  My check up in Oct revealed a good iron and ferritin level.  So I do think it's good to have the ablation, just so that you get rid of that part of your cycle.  And while it may not cure the anemia, it certainly helps it.

My Novasure was virtually painless.  Put you to sleep, do the procedure as out patient and go home that same day.  Small period cramp for a few days, then was fine after.  No bleeding, no nothing since!

I have had the Novasure. for 2 years after I had a light flow, then for a year I had no cycle, and now I am back to light flow.  I still have issues with anemia, but am sure that its better than it would be otherwise.

My anemia and then 2 rounds of iron infusions didn't take place until AFTER my hysterectomy in 2009.  I was having 2 cycles per month that lasted 7 days each.  Based on my age and female issue history my GYN recommended a hysterectomy.  My iron panel and ferritin had dropped in the previous years but never to anemia.  It may help, it may not.

About 5 years ago, I was having severe bleeding and my gyno went to perform an ablation.  Well, she saved my life! She said my uterus did not look good.  She did a biopsy, and it was cancer! Ladies, it is so so important to have your yearly check ups.  I am 38 yrs old and had to have a full hysterectomy.  I know that the ablation does help for bleeding.  I did not find that out because they ended up taking it all out. LOL I hope that you get relief from the iron deficiencies that you are having.  Good Luck!

Hi Jennifer,

I had issues with my cycle my whole life. I had pcos and was hoping the weight loss would correct my issues. Many of the other parts of pcos has gotten better over the last 4 years but I didn't realize that I was anemi****il my Dr ran routine blood tests and was in a panic to reach me. I had received blood due to anemia prior to my weight loss surgery in 2008, and my levels had fallen very low. I went to my OB and he suggested the ablation done. I was worried about it but I went through with the surgery. My periods were very unpredictable and very heavy. I am now about 2 years later normal to light! I am pretty regular and have had no issues since. My energy level is where it was when I was a teen now between the 150 lbs gone and the anemia being gone. I am very happy that I did both surgeries! Hope this helps you.

Wendy

I had done ablation before my RNY.  You may try that before your consider something drastic as the hysterectomy.

It probably helped some. I still need iron infusion post op - and I am menapousal now.  I don't know what would I do if I had periods as bad as I had before ablation.