Question for Kelly and other vets regarding supplements

I have been very slack in taking my supplements and now I'm back on track again.  I checked the ASMBS website and have the dosages and supplements I need to take.  I tested slightly anemic back in May and its come back up after being on script iron supplements 2x a day.  I know the interactions and schedule that I need to follow.

My question is how long should I wait before having my labs tested after being consistently on my supplements to get an accurate read?  Is a week long enough or would you suggest a month?

Also, have you asked for a bone density scan?  I am 42 and not sure when the 'right' age is to have this done but I may look into it and see if my insurance will cover it if I have it done now.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Mallisa

I'd wait until you've been on your supplements at least a month if you want to see how they are helping.

I had a bone density scan at one year out and meant to get another at three years out but now I'm four years out and haven't gotten around to it yet.

A week is definitely NOT long enough.  Every time I have had something re-checked, it has been at 4 or 6 week intervals.

Because blood tests cannot tell you whether the calcium in your blood is from supplements/food or whether it is from the body taking it from your bones, everyone should have a home density test as a baseline as soon as possible after RNY ​regardless of age.  That is the only way to know what the state of your bones was before surgery and to have something to compare to down the road to see if your calcium supplementation is adequate.  Since you were not being complaint with your vitamins, you need to have one ASAP to see how much bone loss you might already have!

Lora

I was told 8 weeks by my doctor which also corresponded to my text book for nurse practitioners which said do it at 8 weeks and if improving follow up at 6 months and again at the one year mark after the initiation of treatment to correct the anemia.

A baseline bone density test is recommended for normies at 50.   If you want one done before,  your PCP or surgeon will have to state medical necessity ie RNY and malabsorption?

I had my first one this year and as I predicted, I have no bone density problems.    Commonly,  bone density problems are the premise of skinny small people - those that have been obese are generally much healthier bone wise as we have been weight bearing 24 hours per day.

 

I agree wait at least a month. I didn't do a bone density before surgery but have had them every 2 years since. I'll be getting my next one in April. So far mine has been good, I do worry since osteoporosis runs on both sides of my family. I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago which is when many started seeing osteopenia show up.

I recommend getting one done to get a baseline and if all is well my docs say every 2 years is fine. My insurance will not pay for it yet unless dxed with problems but the cost isn't too bad. $200 is worth knowing if there is any deterioration.

Thanks cajungirl.  Based upon everyone's advice, I'll be calling my new PCP tomorrow and requesting that a lab order be done up for me to bring to the hospital and ask him to request a bone density scan.  So far (at the 2 year mark) everything was in the normal range but my iron tanked 2 months after my labs were done and I ended up in the hospital with something called vagal syncopy which basically means I was losing control of my consciousness due to extreme exaughstion, fatigue, stress, anxiety and anemia so I've been on prescription iron and have had re-checks but am due for another one.  The bone density is necessary too for me for 2 reasons too--I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 38 (due to chronic endometriosis and uterine damage from my 2nd triplet pregnancy) and I take the lowest doseage of Premarin.  That may need some adjustments too as I've been lax about taking it lately. 

Thanks again!

 

Mallisa

Some kinds or syncope are caused by cardiac issues and sometimes has to deal with the relationship between blood pressure and heart rate.  Did they give you a tilt table test?  How did they diagnose you?  I am wondering if this is an iron issue?

Great information. I am still having trouble getting on board with the correct vitamins and supplements. Still just trying to get in enough fluids and protein, but discussions like this help me understand the importance of doing it all or risking passing out, bone loss, etc.  You guys are my role models and I am so thankful for you!

Just had my first follow up to my surgery (8/28/12) and my doc complimented me on the vitamins that I take & said you can tell you did your homework.

Centrum Silver Multi vitamin
B12 Sublingual
Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D
Iron(shoot can't remember the name of it now)

Good luck
Bren