Re: lab questions

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/11/2002 3:04:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

dbk324@... writes:

> Have any of you older post ops have any problems with your albumin

> levels dropping? Mine are still in normal range but have dropped from

> the previous 6 month labs. Also have two abnormal labs. One high and

> one low. The B-12 is in normal but also dropping. My total protein is

> pretty good but the albumin is on the low side and dropping. Anyone

> out there have any information. Thanks, Debbie

>

Yes, Debbie. I am 6 1/2 years out, and both my protein, albumin, vitamin A,

D, iron, (basically everything) all dropped due to not doing vites or

protein. I spent 3 months off from work too weak to go to work. I have been

getting iron IV since April, starting out at three times a week, then for a

month it was just once a week, and now going to once every other week. Also,

once a month, my hematologist is going to give me a bag of vitamins IV also

to see if he can build me back up.

I am now doing between 120 to 200 g of protein per day. I am not always

religious about taking my vitamins, and I need a swift kick in the a** to

take them, but I just HATE and gag on them dang pills!!! I have tried

chewables but they get boring, and I have sublingual B12, but I " forget " , I

have liquid calcium in the back of the fridge... however, I DO drink my

protein. Finally I felt actual HUNGER pains this afternoon... haven't really

felt those in avery long time! I eat food actually between 400 and 1000 cals

a day, when I remember :-) But, it's a very long road to recovery. My

protein preop was 7.4, and presently is 6.1. It dropped to below 6, and I

cannot remember what it was, but also my albumin and prealbumin dropped. My

body was literally robbing to keep going. I couldn't figure out why I was so

tired, and weak, and couldn't carry a gallon of milk up the stairs... would

go to the store and be sweating and dizzy and exhausted, and try to hurry to

get out of there, but was too weak to hurry.. thought I just was tired :-) I

hardly remember my honeymoon last Feb, even FELL ASLEEP in a Lakers Game at

Staples Center... go FIGURE! LOL

Anyway... keep an eye on it!

B