Question:
Has anyone else post op needed IV Iron?

   — Shelly R. (posted on March 22, 2004)

March 22, 2004
hi, i too have been anemic at an 8 since october and just had my first iv of iron last thursday. it did take long,however i would be more than grateful if i get some energy and warmth in my body! i am still having periods and my blood loss greatly affects my iron as does the absorption after wls. i look at it this way, it is an inconvenience that is not painful,doesnt require a hospital stay or surgery and is treatable. these days that is lucky! feel free to email me if you want any more info. i did all the chromagen and other stuff too........ take good care! xoxxoo, mimi
   — mimi H.

March 22, 2004
Shelly, I also had iron infusions, but my doctor did small doses instead of 1 large dose. I started with a hemoglobin level of 8 and within 10 days it went to a 10.8. I ended up having to have a mid-line in my arm for 36 days because my infusion were daily. The infusions made a huge difference. I took Chromagen also but I couldn't take the gasto-intestional problems it caused. It has been about 8 weeks and my hemoglobin is holding steady at 12.5. You will feel so much better. Believe me it will be worth it.
   — Pamela B.

March 22, 2004
I've had 2 iron transfusions and am very glad I did as I have much more energy. The ice cravings quit within days of the 2nd treatment. Two possible effects that I don't care for is that I'm warmer and the mesquitos now think I'm a picnic:) Take you a book on tape or something to read. Sleep if you can. My follow up will depend on blood work as well.
   — lessofme170

March 22, 2004
Sheely, I have been a cronic sever anemic for years (20 or more (hemoglobin no higher than 8). I am set to have surgery on April 26, 2004. The surgeon would not even consider proforming surgery until I found out what was wrong. I was diagnosed with have a deficiency of iron due to the non producing red blood cells. They die before the 4 month period for reproducing. I had three treatments of iron tranfusions and have felt great. The ice cravings went away, the tiredness went away as well. I have had more energy than ever. I think this is a great move and will be long lasting. If youhave to continue to get the process done it will be worth while.
   — Steffanie J.

March 22, 2004
My mother had to go through this as well. She had WLS in '76 and 3 years ago had to have IV iron. However, it did not work for her and she ended up having to have shots. Like I said, it's been three years and she has not had to have any further treatments.
   — RebeccaP

March 22, 2004
My cousin went thru this about a year ago. Ended up admitted to the hospital because they thought she had a GI bleed. The scoped her but did not find anything. She had 2 or 3 blood transfusions and they gave her iron by IV. She's been working on keeping her levels up since. She was on ferrous sulfate, but even people with normal stomach and GI tracts have problems with sulfate. Her doc switched her ferrous glutamate and she is feeling much better on it. Part of the problem in her case is her surgeon only recommended 2 flintstone chewables as her vitamin routine, and I think she was kinda skippy on that. I've been supplementing with multi-vits, iron, Vit C and calcium since my surgery. I'm hoping to head any problems off, but I do understand that we can be 100% compliant and still develop deficiencies. I hope you get yours worked out and start to feel better.
   — Ali M

March 22, 2004
I too am having issues with iron absorbsion. My levels are 6.8 and hemocrite 22.5. Today I see the hemotologists and have my first infusion. Hve been very nervous of this but am looking forward to feeling better.
   — Angie H.