Anemia?

Hello,

I am 11 months post-op and I am having problems with fatigue and light-headedness. I am having bloodwork and a check up done next week ( on month early- it was supposed to be at 12 month appointment in November). I had felt ok although often tired but then over the last couple of weeks have been experiencing more severe fatigue and increasing light-headedness and almost dizziness.

Have other people experienced this? I am rather alarmed.

Thanks,

Jennifer

Were you anemic as a pre-op? Are you supplementing iron? I have suffered with extreme iron deficiency post-op, to the point of requiring blood transfusions twice and a few rounds of iron infusions in the past few years. It's good that you have your appointment shortly as they will do blood work and give you detailed instructions (or they should anyway) on how to treat any vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

Karen

I've never been anaemic but I haven't been as regular with supplements as I should have been. Not smart, I know.

I'm actually having blood work done today because I feel so light-headed. Not really wanting to spend my short holiday holding on to things because I feel so wobbly.

Not sure where all the light-headedness is coming from, but glad you're doing labs today. Something is not right if you're that wobbly. Hope you get an answer soon. And be careful - you don't need a fall!

Hi Jennifer,

I was thinking a little more on your issue - do you have blood pressure issues? A dip (low) in your pressure can really affect your balance. After years of having medicated high blood pressure, I now have medicated LOW blood pressure (can't win! lol) and I know how dizzy/light-headed I can feel if I forget or am late taking my meds. Just a thought.

Thanks Karen,

Everything (including blood pressure) came back clear. I'll have my iron done on Wednesday as it's a fasting test but it looks like I'm ok. 

I have blood work done every 2 weeks (to check iron and liver) and I have never had to fast for it - that's unnecessary. I suspect you're fasting for cholesterol and they just want to do all tests together. Anyway, glad to hear you "checked out"! Take it easy.

K. :)