Question:
Anyone have BAD Anemia and VERY sore muscles????

Hi All: I am 3 1/2 yrs post op and have BAD Anemia. Nothing gets my blood counts back up and I am always around 6 or 7. But lately, my legs and arms are so sore that I can hardly carry myself around. All of my muscles feel like I have run a hundred miles. Any suggestions on anything else I can do for the pain and blood counts. P.S. I have had 4 transfusions, B12 injections, Iron Infusions, nothing works. It only brings up my blood counts to about 8. I really need your help you guys, I'm starting to give up on my doctors. They don't know what else to do.    — Joi G. (posted on February 13, 2005)


February 13, 2005
Have your doctor's tested you for ant-immune disease? You have a lot of the symptoms that I have and I just test positive for it. Just a thought
   — chilin1106

February 13, 2005
I am also 3 1/2 yrs post-op and having the same problem with anemia. It is my fault mostly for not taking my vitamins, but I am not a "pill" popper. I hate having to take pills every day. I did not start becoming anemic until I had my tummy tuck 2 yrs post-op. I then got pregnant, which made my levels drop even lower. I did give birth to a very healthy little boy, but needed 2 transfusions during my c-section. My levels stayed up for 3 months, and now have bottomed out again. I am trying an Iron pill that I found at Sav-On Drugs. It is called "Feosol". It is Carbonyl Iron. Gentel on the stomach and the purest form of Iron. I have only taken it for a few days, but I am noticing an increase in energy. I hope it works, and I am being very watchful of myself and taking my vitamins...I just hope I don't fall off the wagon...lol. If you or anyone else finds something that works well please keep me informed. Thanks
   — Susan M.

February 13, 2005
Just to let you know, If you have a Wal-Mart close by.... you can buy the FEOSOL Iron tablets there instead of paying all the shipping and handling fees from buying on line. I can not remember the price Wal-Mart sells them for but it has to be cheap or I wouldn't have bought them.HAhah. Just thought I would mention it. They work well for me..........
   — cindirella

February 14, 2005
My daughter (3yrs p.o.) is having the same symptons. She's been having iron infusions & B12 shots also. Her level has increased a bit but not enough. She just had a core blood biopsy (?) to test for lukemia. We're just praying & waiting for the results which we should have in a few days.
   — scaryreader

February 14, 2005
Hi Joi, I would say first of all to go to a hemotologist. You should find out if there is anything wrong like pernicious anemia or something like that. It could be serious. Are you taking your multivits and B12 as directed and your calcium. You should also take iron everyday since you are anemic. I personally would not waste any more time. I would find me a specialist and get signed up. Look on the internet and check around for his reputation. Just keep complaining. The squeaky wheel gets oiled. I would be interested to hear what the deal is. Especially as I see that another 3 yr post op has the similar problem. I am 5 months out. Take care and let me know. Hugs. Jo
   — Jo Marie M.

February 14, 2005
Hi Joi, another Joy here!...I am 4 years post op. I too am anemic. Not clinically diagnosed yet. I tried to donate blood a couple of months ago and they said they wouldnt take any because I was anemic. They asked if I ws feeling tired all the time...uh YEAH! anyway I had bloodwork done today. My doctor(new) asked if I was taking b12 injections? I said no! He said he was going to get a full blood screening and see just how low all my counts are! I get the results Friday and I will let you know what they are. If you find out anything let me know...Until then God Bless...Get well and know there are alot of people here willing to help...they are great!
   — joyfuljoy2000

February 14, 2005
My hemoglobin levels were in the normal range, 13.1, up till my 1st PS at 12-3/4 months PO. Now for the last year I have struggled with low iron etc. I did do 4 days of iron infusions back in Sept which did bring me back into the normal range again, 12.6, but then I had another PS in Nov. and it dropped to 10.3 again. I have been taking Ferrous Fumarate or Ferrous Carbonate for the past 2 months and it has raised my level to 10.8 but I am finding it so hard to fit in 3 doses a day of iron and all my other required supplements, since they all need to be spaced out from each other. So I've decided to go ahead with the infusions again in hopes it brings them back into the normal range. I then have to hope they stay there without taking iron or no more than like 1 dose a day. <P>Foods is another way to help combat it. Find iron rich foods and work them into at least 1-2 meals a day. Shrimp is high in iron. I've been eating a lot of shrimp again so that may have also factored into the level rising. While I am somewhat tired I cannot even imagine how bad you must be dragging if your hemoglobin is 6-7. My ferritin, I believe, is like 5 or 6. If it's not the ferritin then it's the iron level. My b-12 is good and solid in the 500-600 range and that's with taking the sublinguals usually every other day. Like someone else said you need to be checked out more and need to see a specialist and soon. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

February 15, 2005
Try chlorphyll 2 tabs twice a day. i needed 2 units also and started taken the chlorphyll tabets ..they also have a liquid you can add to cold water or pinapple juice (a small amt 30cc or so )you will see a marked improvmentin you blood work in a week. All the Best! Tracey
   — traceybubbles

February 16, 2005
My surgeon (Dr. Wm. O'Malley in Rochester, NY) prescribes iron/B12 supplements called Trinsicon (generic form: Ferocon). They contain instrinsic factor, which helps vitamins and nutrients be absorbed. 'Normal' stomachs produce intrinsic factor in abundance, but it is in low supply for post-ops. The Trinsicon is specifically designed for patients with some form of gastrectomy (like a gastric bypass, or ulcer surgery, etc.), and also contains vitamin C, to aid in absorption. The only time my iron has been low is when I had not filled my trinsicon Rx and had to take regular iron supplements. I live in Canada, and I drive about an hour to NY state twice a year to pick these up for my hubby and I (he's also a postie).
   — Patricia E.




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