Hi All. Ive been reading about people getting anemia after surgery.  More lately then before.  Is this something that is to be "expected"?  I know the risks and all that.  But just curious if anyone else sees that. If you develop that, can that be "cured" "taken care of" and be done with? Hugs Betsy

Hi, Betsy!  I have been anemic twice since surgery (Feb 06) but I was also periodically anemic prior to surgery.  I really have to focus on iron-rich foods, eating protein at every one of my six mini-meals, and taking my daily multivitamins with iron and B-complex.  It certainly can be reversed.  I have bloodwork every three months and I'm prescribed high-dose iron supplements when it's too low.

hello No problem here.  I just got my 6 month bloodwork back and everything was normal.. I do take my vitamins faithfully as well as get in lots of protein and iron rich foods.  If you do that, you should be ok. Nadine

Maybe I'm a rare one...I was anemic pre-op, was actually at one point on iron 3x a day. After surgery my hemoglobin has been higher than it ever has been (since I've kept track of it). It's actually been in the normal range...like normal normal, not just borderline normal. I was so pleasently pleased. Now I do still take 1 325mg Fe a day, plus a pre-natal, but I think it's because I now eat healthier overall that has helped. Another thing that has surprised me with all this is before surgery, I was on Depo for several years, and about a year after surgery I had to stop it, and now have regular periods and even with those I am fine...I was concerned that might lower my counts a tad. Now I did have a scary moment during my PS in Dec. My hemoglobin was 13.3 before surgery and my surgeon still had me get an Iron infusion for a boost. Well after surgery, my level was 7. something and I had to go get another infusion. Well then I ended up in the hospital for an infection and found out that my count was 6.7 AFTER the infusion 2 days earlier, they couldn't figure it out either...they actually tested my blood to see if my bone marrow was function...that was scary...but then they gave me another infusion. And things took a turn for the better. Within a month post-op my count was 9 something and in March back to 11. something...

Thanks for the response.  I appreciate it always.  Its interesting to hear what others have to say.   It just seems as though I have heard of it being more talked about lately.  I just want to be sure that I myself can do anything possible to avoid this.  Thanks again. Betsy

I have a friend that is almost 7 years out and another 6 years out... neither have had anemia post-op :-)

This definetly will seem like a stupid question......but here in my office we where talking about...the "gold" test......when you rub it on your skin to see if a black like surfaces.  They say its because of low iron.  Can this be true?

It is my understanding that it is fairly common. It is not the end of the world though! My 3 and 6 month bloodwork came back with me as being iron deficiency anemic. In the following months, all my bloodwork has come out just fine. Dawn

Hi Dawn. Im happy that your blood work is good. Good news is always good to hear. Thanks for the response.  Interesting to hear different stories. Hugs Betsy

Read some of my latest posts.  It can still happen with good nutrition and vitamins.

Thanks MM....love your pic....cute Betsy