Wellness

[RedTop]

For me personally, during this wait for the hematology appt, I would be eating more iron enriched food, and taking an iron supplement at least twice a week.  The hematologist will order more labs at the appt, and if you are able to tell the doctor what you have tried, he will be able to judge what difference that made on your labs.   

I took iron after my knee replacements, and also took it twice a week to raise my levels when I was donating platelets.   Iron can cause constipation issues for some; I never had a problem.   Always take on a full stomach.   

[Mindy D]

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@Addie2118 wrote:

Hi. I'm not really asking for advice on what to do next, but just fill like I have to vent. I tend to keep things to myself, but my husband has been super supportive.

Two Mays ago, my internist told me my iron levels were low, 10,  and it was imperative that I see if I was bleeding internally. It scared me so much, I almost gave up a trip to Savannah.

So, first to the gynecologists which included a cervical biopsy, and later a D&C for a thick lining of my uterus. No cancer. The biopsy, in the office, hurt like hell. Two ultrasounds before the biopsy. No bleeding. Nothing.

Then I go to a Hematologist. A "gazillion" vials of blood taken. He suggests iron infusions. One week of infusions, and my level goes up to 11.0. He also suggests I see a gastroenterologist. One colonoscopy, two endoscopies, and two capsule endoscopies later, no sign of bleeding.  And my iron is now down to 9.5.

Scheduled to see the hematologist in October. He said 3 months from last appointment, but not sure I should wait that long. I think I might need another run of iron infusions, but not sure anymore. I've have never had anemia before in my life.

I've seen some very old posts on anemia. Some talked about eating ice. I DO tend to do that. I'm not sure if it's a recent thing though. I am thinking I need to call the hematologist and make an appointment to see him sooner. I'm feeling frustrated. I've said yes to all the test, and have been very cooperative. There were times I've felt like a human guinea pig. I hear that also happens when you are on Medicare. (a little paranoid, I know)

As I've said, I'm just really venting. I normally don't talk about my bodily functions. Thanks for listening. 

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Hi Addie2118. This article is a great overview of the subject of anemia. It will answer so many questions  for you. It can act as a springboard to derive questions you can ask the doctors about. I suggest you scroll through the sections to see what’s included because it is in depth. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=10&pid=10&gid=000057

[Mom2Dogs]

@Addie2118 ...sorry you are having health issues....my only comment is, I think if you cook meals/food in cast iron that will help the iron levels...it's worth a try.

[hckynut]

Hi @Trinity11 ,

We think the primary cause for my colon bleeds were because of my being on Coumadin(Warfarin), but not the sole reason. After the 1st bleed in 2008 was stopped, I continued on that med.

In 2009 the bleed started once again, hence the more Colonoscopies, with ended up again with the Double Balloon Enteroscopy in order to stop the bleed. In lieu of using the Laser, my Gastro doctor, thought clipping the colon would be a better solution.

They used Steel Clips to stop the bleed. Within 10 days I was once again bleeding. Same routine/mandatory Colonoscopies, then the Double Balloon. Could not complete the 1st one because of dried blood in my colon. So 2 days later another Double Balloon Procedure.

This time my Gastro doctor(the son of 1st one that did the Double Balloon), decided to use Titanium Clips, and 2 more Clips. I was still losing blood and needed blood transfusions every 3 weeks, along with Iron Infusions every 6-7 weeks. That is when myself/my Pulmonologist/Cardiologist, and Hematologist had discussions. 

In between all of this my Spine Doctor friend did back surgery on me to remove my ruptured L-3 spinal disc. Before he would even consider surgery, he told me I had to quit: Coumadin/Plavix and no 81mg Aspirin. He also insisted I have a Titanium Greenfield Vena Cava Filter placed in my groin.

That is when I personally made the decision to go off all blood thinners, but my 81mg aspirin. My decision was based on being Anemic almost that whole time, and I would rather risk another PE(lung blood clot) than not being able to live my type of life. 

Since that time my Hemoglobin readings kept going up and my last check it was 15.3. Get a B-12 shot monthly, and Iron Infusions when my Ferritin level drops below 32. Had one a couple months ago, which now takes 2, 1 week apart.

Have only had 1 bleed since, another Colonoscopy along with and Endoscopy. That I believe I can blame myself for taking 1 Aleve tablet 2 weeks apart. Wanted to see if it would help my arthritic fingers. BAD decision on my part and Gastro doctor did both laser and clip. That was in 2016, so far so good.

This may shock you!! My primary meal every night consists of 2/3 of unpopped popcorn which makes a HUGE bowl. No fat as I microwave it and add my own seasonings. None of my doctors felt my not eating meet had any bearing on my Hemoglobin readings, or my Iron Ferritin readings.

Nope! The ice rink is still closed for maintenance. I talked with the manager and they are shooting for September 3rd for their 1st Public skating session. In the meantime I am keeping my skating legs fit using my recumbents, along with spending more time doing my balance exercises. Can't wait to hit the ice again.

Thank you for your nice post, including my skating. The information you have passed on about the popcorn may benefit lthers from that part of your information. If I end up with another colon bleed, I may have to give that some serious thought.  

Hope things are going better for you, I  know you have been dealing with a myriad of serious issues. My thoughts are with you,

Now this is a long novela even for me.  =^..^=

hckynut(john)

[Mindy D]

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@Addie2118 wrote:

I've been considering taking the ferrus sulfate. Did it make you constipated? It was once suggested to me, but not by my doctor. Thank for repsonsidng. I was just feeling so down last night with all this. 

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Addie, I don’t know if you are aware of this but there are two types of iron you get from eating foods. There’s heme iron which comes from eating animal foods,  meat and fish. There’s also non heme iron which you get from eating plant foods; grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Both types of iron raise your levels of iron. To maximize absorption of non heme iron, you need intake of vitamin C rich foods such as bell peppers, citrus, broccoli. You can easily up intake of your vitamin C by just adding in a couple of c rich foods each day. 

[CelticCrafter]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

Ice???  I doubt that eating ice does anything at all for any type of anemia.  It's frustrating when there's something wrong and they can't find the reason and you get bounced from specialist to specialist for tests after tests but that's the way it works.  Some diagnoses are difficult and we don't live in hospital tv show where everything happens in the course of an hour long program.  Why are you blaming Medicare????  Medicare just pays the bills, Medicare isn't treating you?  They can't give you the iron supplements because if they do that, they won't be able to find the cause of your anemia.  The anemia is symptom of something and that's what they are trying to diagnose.  Of course, you are frustrated, I think you should call the hematologist's office and ask if you can get an earlier appointment.  Although October is just weeks away.  Try looking at it postively; they have ruled out serious causes of your anemia.  It might just be  "iron deficiency anemia cause unknown" and they focus on getting your iron levels up. 

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Eating or craving ice is a symptom - not a home remedy.

[Addie2118]

Hi. My diet is pretty good. We've always used a cast iron skillet.

[Addie2118]

Mindy, No, I wasn't aware. I really eat pretty well, including fruits and veggies. The anemia happened so suddenly. I'm going on two Mays ago. I wish doctos were better trained in nutrition. Not one of the medical professionals I have seen even asked me about my diet. I have considered going to a nutritionist. It might be my next step. Thank for the information!

[Addie2118]

I figured that much.

[Addie2118]

Oh, and thanks for your response.  On Monday, I'm supposed to talk to the gastro doctor, and then I will call the other office and arrange an earlier appointment. Yeh, I use my common sense.