Iron infusion question...
July,
I wanted to comment on the iron transfusion question... I see a hematologist/oncologist specialist for my anemia. I was anemic for years before my WLS and still after. I take 2 chewable 30mg iron tablets, PLUS 3- 324mg iron tablets a day, and my body DOES NOT absorb it for any reason.
My first IV iron transfusion was about a year ago-- the hematologist wants to get my iron up to par and is hoping that my levels will remain within normal range once we get it to 'normal' thru the transfusions. So, I did 5 rounds of iron transfusions, plus took all the supplements, and we re did my labs 1 month after the last IV treatment, and then 2 months after that and again 4 months after those labs were done. So, during this time my levels were "better" but still not where we needed it to be. So, July I started my 2nd 5 weeks IV transfusion completed in August, and then this Monday ran my labs and the levels were up, but not to "normal", and I saw the hematologist yesterday and this is his game plan-- to rerun labs in November to see if my body will keep absorbing (SLOWLY) the iron tablets because it takes so long for the body to absorb it and for the numbers to increase. So, I will do labs again in November, and again in January and see him January 14 to review labs to make sure the iron is still creeping up... He said that I could do another round of the iron transfusion because I don't seem to have the side effects that many people have, but it's hard on your body and wanted to give my body a rest. But, if January the numbers have not increased or have dropped in even a decimal then we would run another 5 week IV treatment.
I don't know if this helps at all, but maybe some pieces will help! My bariatric surgeon did not know how to "treat" the low iron, but my PCP who had been working on the anemia for years suggested I see the specialist who can monitor and have the best course of treatment and he works closely with my bariatric surgeon and PCP, weekly as needed, but at least monthly.
I get labs done about every month!
Again, hope some of this might help you.
I wanted to comment on the iron transfusion question... I see a hematologist/oncologist specialist for my anemia. I was anemic for years before my WLS and still after. I take 2 chewable 30mg iron tablets, PLUS 3- 324mg iron tablets a day, and my body DOES NOT absorb it for any reason.
My first IV iron transfusion was about a year ago-- the hematologist wants to get my iron up to par and is hoping that my levels will remain within normal range once we get it to 'normal' thru the transfusions. So, I did 5 rounds of iron transfusions, plus took all the supplements, and we re did my labs 1 month after the last IV treatment, and then 2 months after that and again 4 months after those labs were done. So, during this time my levels were "better" but still not where we needed it to be. So, July I started my 2nd 5 weeks IV transfusion completed in August, and then this Monday ran my labs and the levels were up, but not to "normal", and I saw the hematologist yesterday and this is his game plan-- to rerun labs in November to see if my body will keep absorbing (SLOWLY) the iron tablets because it takes so long for the body to absorb it and for the numbers to increase. So, I will do labs again in November, and again in January and see him January 14 to review labs to make sure the iron is still creeping up... He said that I could do another round of the iron transfusion because I don't seem to have the side effects that many people have, but it's hard on your body and wanted to give my body a rest. But, if January the numbers have not increased or have dropped in even a decimal then we would run another 5 week IV treatment.
I don't know if this helps at all, but maybe some pieces will help! My bariatric surgeon did not know how to "treat" the low iron, but my PCP who had been working on the anemia for years suggested I see the specialist who can monitor and have the best course of treatment and he works closely with my bariatric surgeon and PCP, weekly as needed, but at least monthly.
I get labs done about every month!
Again, hope some of this might help you.
"Winning at a Losing Game"
My hemoglobin has always been normal so no one thought I was anemic. I read somewhere about checking ferriten. Normal should be 30-334 something like that. Mine was 13. That was in April. I started taking Bariatic Advantage chewable iron and in July it was 18. I take 180 mg (3 chewables) a day. I retested yesterday and should hear today what it is. It's good to know that slowly climbing up is normal. My hemotologist mentioned infusions but for now I am still taking the tablets. Getting all my numbers up to normal (except the iron) has made a big difference in my health. I no longer fall asleep everytime I sit still for more than 10 minutes. I just want that ferritin level to get to normal. I won't obsess now that I now it will be a long haul getting there. Thanks for that info.
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