question on Iron Transfusions

September 1, 2004

Hi Everyone-

I'm 20 months post op (RNY) and trying to get pregnant. My iron has

been consistently low and my Ob/gyn is a little concerned so my

surgeon is considering doing an iron transfusion. Just wondering if

anyone has gone through this and how well it helped get your iron

up. And, if it went up - were you then able to keep it up?

Thanks so much for any advice on this issue!

Lori

Lap RNY 12/3/02

Milwaukee Wisconsin

283/145

September 1, 2004

I have a friend that has to go through that. I know it makes her very tired

and nauseous and takes a few hours to do each time you get it done. She has a

problem where her body was not producing iron and so she has to go get it

done periodically. I don't know much else about it.

(http://lilypie.com/)

September 2, 2004

Hi Lori and all,

I just had my 5yr surgery birthday, Mom to 6yr old and currently 27

wks pregnant. I was diagnosed as severe Anemic around March of 2001.

It was the lowest ferum count my Hemotologist had ever seen. She

actually commented on how it was hard to believe I was standing.

I was on weekly transfusions for nearly a year before I was out of

the danger zone...then they administered them monthly...and then

quarterly.

This winter was actually the first time they came back normal and

everyone was shocked...especially since it was the same time finding

out that I was pregnant. I get checked monthly and have

been 'normal' until last check in August. I'll have a transfusion

next week and get checked shortly afterward to make sure I don't need

another before October.

I never got sick from the transfusions. From my experience, it

really depends on how your body reacts and it just takes a few times

to know how fast they should give it to you. The first time (for me)

they gave it to me real slow...incase I felt sick. (They said most

sickness is lightheadedness or back annoyance) Within the first five

treatments, I was getting them and in-out the door within 40 minutes.

There are some other things to remember when getting transfusions and

being Anemic. Your blood will be thinner, so I like so many others

got to the point where my veins weren't cooperating and they soon had

to stick me in several different places and have to install a shunt

in your chest for easy access.

My being (severely) Anemic has had it's downfalls while pregnant.

I'm light headed (wrote about last weekend's passing out) and still

bruise easily. I don't get enough Oxygen and this is a concern to

the baby at times too. One good thing is that I don't have the hot

flashes that so many pregnant women have - and it's summertime!

My OB and Hemotologist/Oncologist argued a little at first. My OB

said that Iron had nothing to do with my two previous miscarriages

but my Hemotologist said it did. My OB opted for my taking

supplements and my Hemotologist said " No...that doesn't work for her

the body won't accept it...never has it HAS to be IV.) Fact is that

embryos need iron to survive, fetus's need it too...but are usually

okay once things are in place (once your far enough along) and babies

gestational average of 20 wks plus take most of your iron from you. I

don't have enough iron for me...let alone for the baby so I get it

through IV. No biggie!

My hubby also gives me two B12 shots and one Calcium injection weekly.

For me, getting the transfusions were simple...just a pain when it

came to my schedule. My employer didn't like the idea of my needing

a doctor every week, but quickly changed his tune when realizing that

it was absolutely necessary...that I was more awake and

productive...and he never questioned it after seeing my doctors name,

M.D. and Hemotologist/Oncologist. Most employers see " cancer " or

blood doctor and they don't give you a problem.

this is just my experience and opinion. Hope things work out for you

too!

in Detroit

Csection sometime before Thanksgiving

It's a another Boy!

m/c 2/03 and 7/02

RNY 8/99

Trent 3/98

September 2, 2004