Hematology Report

Not sure what to think of my recent visit to the hematologist. I was severly anemic last fall. I had been on iron suppliments and doc says that some wls patients just can't absorb them - guess that's me. In November I had an iron infusion and it brought my levels up well. In December they rechecked and levels were holding. This weeks blood draw shows my levels dropping again - DARN IT, DRATZ, and @#$@#$@#%@$!! I was so hoping that this would not have to be repeated. Tomorrow I should get my ferritin level from him. My hemoglobin was 12.5 (the lowest number in the normal range).... grrrrr, any lower and I'd be classified as anemic again. Doc said that I don't need to continue taking the iron sups. cause they aren't doing any good anyway. This kind of threw me for a loop. I just assumed that I should take them I guess. So - it looks like another iron infusion is in my near future. He did tell me back in November that he has many wls patients that have to infuse about four times a year - OMGSH, how icky!!!! Laurie

Wow that is something...But even with my medical training, I am not sure what iron infusion...What do you have to go through? I hope that you will be ok....

Iron infusion's is not painful really. It's just very time consuming. Mine was a 7 1/2 hour hook up to an IV at the hospital (in oncology so it makes me oh so greatful that I'm there for simple iron and not chemo). I just thought it very strange for a doctor to tell me not to bother with taking the supplement. Laurie

Dear Laurie, Sorry to hear that you are having to deal with these problems. How are you doing otherwise? How difficult is it to do these; and are they painful? I am now 5 weeks out post op; and wondering what lies ahead. There are so many things we don't know going into our surgery decisions; and so many things I think they don't even tell us until afterwards. I did this to get healthier; as I am sure you did as well! I am still having trouble taking in all my protein; and my potassium has been low. Wishing you the best of luck.. Sincerely, Judy R

Oh Judy - I did the low potassium as a new post op.... man alive did that HURT!!! If you have to get it through an IV make sure they add in the lydicane (sp?) pain killer. It doesn't take it all away but it makes it bareable. I was in so much pain from my first potassium drip I BEGGED them to turn it off for just an hour so I could sleep, then the next shifts nurse asked me why I didn't have the pain med in it.... duh - I didn't know!!! Now I KNOW and won't take it any other way!!!!! Hugs, Laurie - who gets to learn things the hard way more often then not.

Perhaps you need to see another hemotologist. I'm not saying that the current one is bad by no means. He/She may not be as up to date on some things.

Hi Laurie, I just have a question? What were your hemoglobin and ferritin levels when they gave you the first Iron infusion? Also, how high they get after the Iron infusion? A hemoglobin of 12.5 is respectible especially in a woman of child bearing age. I'm not sure what levels you need to have to have an iron infusion but I would think it would be in the near future. I'd also question the need not to take FE supplements, even if they are not totally absorbed they would still do some good. I'm just using my experiences with blood donors. I don't really know what happens with the iron infusions. Hope you're doing well otherwise. Jeanne

Geez Laurie, That stinks, but hopefully you will get through with just one infusion again. I have had to have 8 in the last 2 months! 5 of them were the 4hr and 3 of them are the 8 hr. It is sooooooo boring sitting there. I took my portable dvd player and watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer all day LOL!! Took lunch and snacks and set up shop! It has paid off though, my levels were up to 13 this week and I get one more infusion next wednesday to top me off before surgery. I get to go ahead and do my hernia repair and tummy tuck April 3rd. I agree that you should continue to take the supplements. Maybe they don't bring your levels up, but maybe they hold you at a certain level that you wouldn't otherwise. Have you tried the liquid Iron yet? Also in my research I learned that coffee and tea can effect absorption of Iron. Do you drink alot of that? Also certain foods can help you to absorb iron. One of them I know is cantaloupe. I can't remember the rest, but you can google the iron absorbtion thing, if you haven't already. Wendy