Question:
My iron levels are VERY low what can I do to get them back on track??
I am two years post op, I have lost 150 lbs, no complications until now. I am now on teporary disability due to anemia, my levels range from 4 to 8 (YES) I have been taking my supplements faithfully. I told my hematologist that I had WLS and maybe I need to take iron injections, but she won't budge. A blood transfusion is not an option for me. I am taking Procrit injections once a week to boost my energy, does anyone have any help for me?? — Mssxyred1 (posted on July 4, 2005)
July 4, 2005
I personally would find another doctor.
— SJP
July 4, 2005
when you say levels do you mean hemaglobin, ferritin or hematicrit? my
hematologist has me on 975mg of iron a day. my hmgb/hct were 27 and 8.4 one
year ago. now the are 41 and 13.4 my ferritin one year ago was almost
undetectable on the lab test 0.5 normal is around 20 (I think) my
hematologist said ok to the surgery and told me if my Iron levels drop
again he would use IV iron therapy for me. I would find a doctor that is
willing to work with you. my lap-band is on the 18th of july. and my
hematoligist said he would do anything to help me if needed and was all for
me having the surgery. there are ways around the anemia you just need to
find a doctor willing to help you. Iv and injections do come with risks and
have to be monitored there is a high risk of reactions. but if you go to
someone who knows what they are doing they are low. my doctor does them all
the time. hope I helped cynthia
— gurdy
July 4, 2005
Procrit takes a while to see results. it actually makes your body produce
red blood cells and it needs adequate iron to work. What kind of iron are
you supplementing with? Some people get better results from carbonyl iron.
Have you talked to your WLS surgeon? he is more familiar maybe with the
needs of your surgery and could possibly talk to the hematologist for you
or recommnd one who is knowledegable in this area.
— **willow**
July 5, 2005
Tangie,
YOu need iron supplements & very soon. Find a Doc that will give it
to you. You might also start taking B-12 Sublingual, it will also help
with you anemia. If it gets any lower, you could have real problems. Talk
to you WLS doc as soon as possible to get this corrected.
Marilyn, the Bearlady
— Marilyn C.
July 5, 2005
visit your WLS is the best answer. BUT, I also was anemic really bad. I
have had RNY. If this is what you had then you need to take carbonyl iron,
amino iron gluconamte or ferrous furamate iron. No Slow Fe. that is
ferrous sulfate which we only absorb a little of. I buy carbonyl iron at
CVS pharmacy under the brand name Sun Down. Within two weeks of taking it
my iron was slowly beginning to go back up and now it is perfect. Good
luck
— Delores S.
July 5, 2005
As always -- get a 2nd opinion -- remember, not all doctor's graduated in
the top half of their class.
— Jenny X.
July 5, 2005
I don't know if you know this, but most doctors have very little training
in nutrition. See if you can find a doctor that specializes in nutrition
and excercise. They have the training that is needed for nutrition. If
you ask a surgeon, hemotologist, or family doctor, if they are honest, will
admit to little knowledge in that field. Go to a Specialist, but make sure
that they are trained in nutrition! Good Luck, I have had a couple of
people in my support group that has had the same problem.
— jk_harris
July 5, 2005
Not to sound like a broken record, but find another doctor. You
desperately need a second, or third opinion here.
— [Deactivated Member]
July 6, 2005
Tangie
I know of a program in Phoenix AZ @ Banner Good Samaritam Medical Center
that has helped many people. I am one of Jehovah's Witness and do not take
blood so I can understand your problem.
If you contact Richard or Stacy with the blood conservation unit at Good
Sam they may be able to give you some info to help you. The number is
877-815-3114.
I hope this helps.
Cindy
— Cindy W.
July 6, 2005
Anemia is nothing to ignore! I'd get a 2nd opinion from your non-budging
hematologists, maybe a 3rd! What does your PCP think, for example?
I don't know how far out from surgery you are, but can you eat liver meats
& spinach & other iron-rich foods?
All the best,
Lauralyn
— EmbodySuccess
July 7, 2005
Iron infusions did the trick for me.
— zoedogcbr
July 11, 2005
I too have very low iron levels and have been diagnosed with Anemia. My
PCP told me to take Slo-Fe but, I've still been taking Foltrin - the
original Iron Supplement my Bariatric Surgeon prescribed for me right after
surgery, which was in 2002. My PCP told me to up my dosage to three times
a day but, I've still seen no improvement ~ I'm thinking I may have to go
in for Iron shots now too. I was fine for almost three years post-op until
I gave birth five months ago ~ I could tell RIGHT away after my daughter
was born that I was anemic... Good Luck to us cause this fatigue is for
the BIRDS!!!
— [Deactivated Member]
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