Question:
WILL HAVING THALASSEMIA DISQUALIFIY ME FROM HAVING SURGERY???

Hello all - I am so frustrated I have been waiting 1 1/2 years to get approved for this surgery. A year with a nutritionist (waste of time) just to get a referral to see a surgon. I saw a surgon in april and have been waiting 4 months for an approval. Of course it is still pending. I am now thinking the worst. I didn't tell my surgon that I have thalassemia minor (inherited anemia). It generally doesn't occur to me because it doesn't cause me any health problems as of now. Not even anemia. My body seems to have adjusted just fine... and though my red blood cells are smaller then most, my body just produces more of them to balance me out. But if I do ever have surgery (please god) will this be effected? I have heard a lot about people becoming anemic after surgery... and they take Iron supplements to offset their anemia. PROBLEM is with my blood disorder if I become anemic I can not treat myself with Iron supplements. I am not sure how that works, but I know from what my doctors have always told me and the research that I have done that I absolutly can not take Iron supplements. Well that was a long enough question. If you have any insite into this... please let me know. I would ask my doctor but I just don't want to toss a wrentch into an already painfully slow process. Lots of love, Sydnie    — sydnieb (posted on August 8, 2000)

August 7, 2000
Hi Sydnie ... Well, I have Thalassemia too (even though I'm Irish!) and it didn't preclude me from having surgery. PLEASE tell your surgeon about it and be honest (they do look at the results of your tests, you know)! It can only lead to problems later on and you'll have to be closely monitored post operatively. I had an open transected RNY on 2/23/00 and I'm down 108 pounds ... boy am I happy about that! However, I've since become anemic and AM taking an iron supplement. I don't know what's going to happen next. I'm a little scared about it at this point, but I know a solution will be worked out. I wish you the best of luck. Here's to a healthier, longer life!
   — Martha O.

August 8, 2000
By all means, tell your doctor that you have this condition. You can take iron shots, and it may be hard to believe, but this method is far more preferable to swallowing them, anyhow.
   — rosemary H.

August 8, 2000
Well Sydnie, I had to go to Dr. Koop, to find out what this was. You do really do need to tell your doctor about this. He will test you pre-op, so you may as well come clean about it, you will be found out. As you have read, it doesn't mean the end of your chances to have surgery. Good luck to you and keep us posted!
   — char T.

August 8, 2000
Thanks for your posts so far. I just want to say that this is not something I am going to hide from my surgen... I just did not think of it when I saw him. I don't want to tell my primary care doctor as of now because my medical group is still in the approval process. If it were to come down to it and I could not have the surgery because of my Thalassemia, I would be devistated... but if I at least after 1 1/2 years got the approval that would at least make me feel like all of this was not in vein. SO I WILL TELL MY DR if and when I get approved. Thanks for the advice.
   — sydnieb