Question:
5 days post-op- Bruises and Iron ...related?

I am just 5 days post-op and I am continuing to get new, big, dark bruises in the lower part of my abdomen. First, I wonder if these are still developing from the trauma of surgery? Secondly, my Doctor says my daily Iron intake should be over 300 mg per day and I am finding it impossible to get that in. Any suggestions on a good form of iron or supplement? I am concerned about not being able to take it in pill form. All suggestions and responses to both the bruising and Iron question are greatly appreciated.    — Becca V. (posted on July 11, 2001)

July 11, 2001
What brand of iron are you taking? If it is ferrous sulfate, the standard measure is 325mg iron SALTS. The back of the container will probably indicate that 2 pills = maybe 50mg ELEMENTAL iron. However, ferrous sulfate is just about non-absorbable by us, so can cause gastric & bowel distress. If you really need 300mg ELEMENTAL iron, the only one that I know is a polysaccharide type that contains 150mg per pill. One step below Rx, kinda hard to find. But most docs just refer to the standard 325mg sulfate, which can actually be many choices of elemental iron. Vit C (which needs to be taken with your iron ANYWAY) will help with bruising, but not like a miracle, unfortunately. Some of the irons are tiny pills, so the volume is not a problem
   — vitalady

July 11, 2001
I am pre-op but drawing on all I've learned from all my research and reading, I'm wondering if you received heparin shots in your abdomen like I have heard some people do. My sister's friend, just the other day, told me that her nurse cautioned her that it can cause big time bruising. I don't know if this relates to you, but if not, hopefully it can be helpful to someone.
   — Donna L.

July 11, 2001
The bruises on the lower part of your abdomen are probably from the heparin shots. I had tons of huge ugly purple and yellow bruises everywhere that they gave me a shot. They continued to develop for about a week after I came home from the hospital and didn't go away for like a month!! Good luck with your iron though
   — enjo4

July 12, 2001
I am so glad that I asked this question and I appreciate all the responses. I remembered that I did get one or two Heparin shots in my stomach when I was in the hospital! I am sure after reading the responses that my bruises are from those Heparin shots in the tummy. Regarding the Iron, I started taking the 325 mg of the ferrous sulfate today so hopefully that will help. Thank you to all that helped me with your responses, you all are great :-)
   — Becca V.