Anemic causes?

3LittleMonkeys
on 6/6/18 4:24 pm - Aurora, CO
Well, I haven't been feeling well these last couple of weeks. Yesterday at work, I passed out in one of my patient's rooms and landed in the ED (I work as an inpatient financial counselor at a large hospital). So, they ran labs and I am anemic. However, I was diagnosed as anemic back in March/April and told to take extra iron. Well, even with supplementing iron, my levels have significantly dropped. The ED Doc doesn't know why. So, I was told to follow up with my PCP. I have an appointment for tomorrow morning. The ED Doc says I should have an Endoscopy , most likely Iron Infusion (I am very close to needing a blood transfusion) to rule out an ulcer. They feel I am bleeding somehow and that is why my iron is so low. Anyone have this problem? My Hemoglobin, Red Blood Cells and Hemacrit have dropped since they were checked in March (feeling extremely awful then too, but much worse now). If its not an ulcer, what could it be? PS - RNY 12/18/14.
                
Citizen Kim
on 6/6/18 5:00 pm - Castle Rock, CO

Malabsorbtion

Proud Feminist, Atheist, LGBT friend, and Democratic Socialist

MarinaGirl
on 6/6/18 6:10 pm

Are you taking iron supplements, and if so, what type? Please note that taking iron and calcium together (as well as some medication) is an issue as they impede absorption of each. Therefore, if your multi-vitamin contains both you will need to take extra of each, and separated by 2-4 hours. I take a multi that does not contain Iron and then I take Heme iron (Proferrin) at night when it will be absorbed properly.l by itself.

jenorama
on 6/6/18 9:21 pm - CA
RNY on 10/07/13

Some people post-RNY just do not absorb iron through the digestive system and you may be one of these. Ruling out an ulcer is important, but it could be that you'll need to continue with infusions. Make sure to ask lots of questions at your appointments. Let us know how you get on.

Jen

H.A.L.A B.
on 6/7/18 3:31 am, edited 6/6/18 8:32 pm

Malabsorption is one.

Lately I run into a study that links gluten sensitivity and intolerances to anemia.

It don't need to be celiac, but even just gluten sensitivity can affect iron and B12.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21770680

I also have been reading on and looking for more info that links not only gluten, but lectins to leaky gut, food intolerances and anemia.

Here is one example.

https://scialert.net/fulltextmobile/?doi=pjn.2009.293.303

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

3LittleMonkeys
on 6/7/18 5:59 am - Aurora, CO

I am seeing the PCP this morning. I will let you know what the game plan is. I can't stand feeling this way. I work full time, I have three children (14.12 and 10) and my 12 year old has special needs with a major surgery coming up (MRI and Neurosurgeon is this afternoon for her game plan). This is not normal feeling for me.

More than ever, I say trust your instincts. My instincts said something was going wrong back in February when I first started feeling bad. Sigh...

H.A.L.A B.
on 6/7/18 1:01 pm

Most likely you need iron infusions.

Lots of PCPs want to prescribe extra iron for yo too try. That takes another 3-6 months feeling like crap. Been there - done that. You may ask to see a hematologist - someone who knows about malabsorption post op RNY and who can order iron infusions. The sooner the better.

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

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