Question:
I have TERRIBLE Anemia, Hemoglobin 5.1 HELP !!

Hi Everyone: I am 3 1/2 yrs post op and for 2 years have been fighting severe anemia. My current Hemoglobin is 5.1 and the highest I have had in 2 years is 8.6. Have had all tests, nothing is bleeding anywhere. I did the B12 shots for months, oral iron and everything else. I am getting blood tomorrow and an iron infusion also. Has anyone had their bloods get so low and if so what did you do???? What caused it??? I can't seem to get any straight answers. I have restricted my driving to only when necessary because I have fainted so many times. Any suggestions on where to turn next???    — Joi G. (posted on April 12, 2005)

April 12, 2005
chlorphyall 2 tabs twice a day. you can get it at the health food store. i had 2 transfussions and since the chloraphyll i havent needed anymore..this is a whole lot eaiser then those shots.good luck. tracey
   — traceybubbles

April 13, 2005
My dr. got me a prescription iron, FerroGels Forte and had me take 3 capsules a day. I was also taking over-the-counter Ferrous Gluconate, 3 or 4 a day. After a month, my bloodwork was much improved. Good luck!
   — LisaHillsinger

April 13, 2005
Have you seen your gynocologist? My cause of anemia is a fibroid tumor. I'm currently on Lupron to stop my cycles and then a hysterectomy in June. My hemoglobin did not get quite that low but was definitely headed that way. Mine got to 7 and I felt like death. I can't imagine how terrible you feel. My PCP told me that I could have a heart attack with it being so low. DO NOT Exhert yourself in anyway until you get it back up. I have had two iron infusions and I feel much better. I'm going to get more blood work monday and I hope it is still up. I do know that we absorb carbonyl iron better. Good luck, Debbie
   — D. K.

April 13, 2005
I am now scheduled to have wls on May 4th. I spent two weeks at Mayo Clinic in MN last month while they did every test imaginable to find out why I have such severe anemia. I was at a 6.They never found anything. I take 390 mg iron- 1950 ferrus sulfate. My recheck two weeks ago was 11! They did say most people cant tolerate that high of dose without side affects but I have had none yet. I hope they find something that works out for you soon! Angie
   — hotpeppers2000

April 13, 2005
I listed the link for the Grad list. There are at least 2 anemia lists out there. Becomiing iron anemic is pretty predictable for us, especially those who do not use iron from the start or who use ferrous sulfate. You said you've tried oral irons--which ones? Perhaps you never hit the right combo for you? Many people do end up with their iron coming in via shot or IV, but some have still pulled their iron up and kept it up orally, after using shots or infusions. There's a lot of discussion of this on the long term list. There is a lot of combined long term experience on the Grad list and I'd recommend it in conjunction with this site and any local lists you use. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady