SEVERE Anemia!!

I was put in the hospital last week with severe anemia.  My Hemoglobin was 5.6, normal is 12.0 and 8.0 is critical. I received 2 units of blood. Apparently I have been anemic for quite some time as my red blood cells are few and far between and very small.
I had RNY 10 years ago and seem to be having problems now.
I was just curious - Has anyone else experienced this?? If so, what did you do to combat it??
Thanks so Much !!

Yep, my lowest was 7.2   I go for iron infusions every few months.  It takes about 6-7 hours, but the hospital I go to has private rooms with a lounge chair, tv and dvd player.  I do bring my lunch and snacks with me.  It's not so bad.

Deb

I am very very anemic, I was before RNY so now I take 6 Fergon (ferrus gluconate) daily 3 in the Am and 3 in the pm. I have to order it of Amazon, and it's like $9/bottle.

Do you take iron suppliments? they will probably have to do the infusions, but you may be able to keep them off with a heavy iron dosage. Mine has been as low as a 3 and it hangs out around 10 with these pills so I'm doing ok with it.

Just an FYI you're going to want to take a stool softener if you take this much oral iron.

Good luck, I hope you figure it out.
~Victoria

Thanks for the info.
I am taking a chewable iron. So far, I'm doing well with it.
My Hemoglobin is up to 9.8 YEAH!!

I just got out og the hospital on thursday of last week with this!! They gave me an iv infusion of IV, and are sending me to a hemotologist to see what the deal is, I am taking my Iron, but I was low on Iron before my gastric...they are also talking scheduled infusions for me too, crazy how even with taking our meds like we should some of us still end up with this. Oh well STILL WORTH IT!!!