Searching for help ...

Greetings all  hope life is treating you all well!!

Its been a good while since I posted but I really need your help and any suggestions on my scenario. I am now 7 years 3 months out from my surgery. I was diagnosed last Feb with full blown Osteoporosis and Low Iron. The Endocrinologist I was sent to put me on iron pills 2 different times, and I finally called my WLS to ask what I needed to take. I have always taken my Bariatric Advantage Iron since the beginning but he now wanted me on Tandem Plus.  Been on it now for 7 months and levels still have not improved on the iron. Recent labs back from January showed Low Calcium levels too. I'm having issues with absorption and don't know what to do.  I had thyroid Cancer in 2004 so I live on Synthroid, I had a Crainiotomy in 2010, and I suffer with both Fibromyalgia and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.  I know we are NOT supposed to have NSAIDS but the PCP put me on Celebrex after a discussion with the Pain Mgmt Dr. to help me. The doctors have discussed that I might need to have this loose skin removed to help with the pain I live with BUT I'm not sure I could handle major surgery!! Scares me big time!

For the several years Ive had a skin rash that comes and goes usually, but  this past year it stays and gets really ugly while spreading to other areas. Been to the dermatologist and Allergy Specialist but no answers.  Along with this I suffer with mouth ulcers at least twice or more a month. 

My questions to you are:

1.) Where should our labs be and which ones should be checked?

2.) Do any of you have trouble with Absorption that causes Low Iron or Low Calcium?

3.) Could this rash and mouth ulcers be related to issues in the Gastro area from my surgery?

 

Any advice and or suggestions would be greatly appreciated welcomed and appreciated!

I'm sorry I don't have any answers for you..... I just wanted to say I'm sorry you are going thru these difficulties, and I hope things get better for you soon. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your kind words MaryGee. I shall keep pushing and trying to find answers

I echo what Mary says...I have no experience to offer, but I am sorry you are experiencing such enormous troubles, and I hope you find relief and direction soon.

The one thing I thought of that might help you in some way: I have seen some very thoughtful posts on vitamins from the OH members "poetkelly" and "h.a.l.a.B". Possibly you could PM them?  If I remember right, Hala has had some significant health issues, and she has worked with her labs and supplements very carefully to help herself.  (Poetkelly and Hala...if you see this, I trust that you do not mind me mentioning you here, as I have seen how generous you are.)

I have also seen people refer to someone named vitalady, a WLS patient years ago, who had some troubles, then did a lot of study to understand the nutrient testing and the supplements.  She now has a website and sells supplements.

Anyhow, I wish you good things as you seek solutions.

Thank you for taking the time to reply.  I will keep my eyes open for those two names, and by all means please share as all suggestions are appreciated.

Google Sibo... There is correlation with that and fibromyalgia, skin issues, allergies, low iron, low B12, etc etc...

Fo low iron ~ i get iron infusions, normal pills don't work for me.,

B12 - i give myself an injection every week or 10days. My body does not keep that...

Post RNY i developed food allergies (probably due to SiBO) and now i avoid foods that i am allergic to. (Rashes went away)...

And so on...

Okay, I will google SiBo now and see what I find. I have never heard of it  I do take B12 injections 1.5 twice a week which has my levels good for now. The specialist I was sent to for the iron said that the Iron Transfusions are the last resort I need to try as it can cause too many other issues.

Thank you for your help!!

First of all, Bariatric Advantage vitamins suck.  One thing I've noticed over the last decade is that our bodies are so different that it's impossible to come up with a multi that works for everyone.  Sadly, people like you depend on them to give you everything they need.  It takes careful follow-up on your bloodwork to determine what you need. 

I recommend you start reading the reports yourself.  I've noticed even in my own experience that the staff will tell you that "everything looks good".  They don't really define "good".  What they don't disclose is that some levels are outside of the acceptable range but not far enough that they are concerned. What they don't disclose is that they didnt' look at the last results you had and that they never compared to them to see if you're trending downward on anything.  Reading these yourself will be a great help.

Next - why aren't you on iron infusions?  That should be a no-brainer.  Some just need them regularly.

I know that there are some lists floating somewhere for what kind of labs need to be drawn.  I would start with your surgeon if you cannot find something.  I give up a minimum of 14 vials of blood when I get mine done.

 

 

Thanks for your reply Valerie, I Greatly appreciate it!

I have used Bariatric Advantage for years.  As far as reading my own labs I do the best I can to understand them, and that is what concerns me. The Endocrinologist and Internal Med Dr say levels on things are not that bad in some areas so we don't want to touch them for now.  With that being said I continue to have issues and some are issues that they cant answer. I feel like there is definitely something they are missing and it continues to grow! Very frustrating.

My WLS dr was a good surgeon but follow-up and monitoring someone that has had issues since day 1 .... hahaha not good at all! I have called them and asked questions but now that I live 3 hours away they don't see me.

Surgeons are good "cutters", and few can do much for us beyond 6 mos nutritionally.  There's many knowledgeable people out here that can give you a hand with those labs and how to understand them and what you need.  I hope you're posting on the RNY forum as well.  One gal, Andrea U, comes to mind for RNY.  Also Michelle at Vitalady.com is also a RNY and has helped many understand their labs.  Truly, a multivitamin is not enough for you.  It's time to start piecing together a regimen to custom-fit your needs.