Re: B-12 and iron -Sheila

[Guest guest]

Oh believe me....when I was first diagnosed with severe anemia the

entire hemotology/oncology department was on me like 'flies on' you

know what.

My first lab came back at 1.09...they were ALL in the room as none of

them could believe I was alive and kicking. To say the least, that

first day of testing was spent in the Kemo lab getting three

treatments and it was the beginning of my weekly treatments...lasting

nearly two years.

It actually took nearly a year and half before I started feeling the

difference.

I was right around 9.8 and 11.0 during the first six months of

pregnancy...and my hemotologist was is awe to say the least. Then

the usual symptoms came back, bruising WAY TOO EASILY, freezing-and

here it was summertime, extreme fatique and sleeping 12-16 hrs day

and feeling generally...well, like crap. That was last month...it

came back at 4.5...got a treatment and it went up to 4.9...I'll get

tested again this Tuesday and more than likely get another one the

same day.

Could my doctor (not) be freaking out because mine has been so

ungodly low in the past? I mean, he sent me to the lab that day to

get a treatment, but it wasn't anything like that first day four

years ago.

You mentioned having to put me to sleep for the surgery...which they

did. I was completely out the entire time. I was my mothers guenie

pig when she was a nursing student....all her classmates wanted to

use my veins instead of an orange. It usually doesn't matter how

experienced the nurse is...it takes an average of 5-10 times to get a

vein without it drying up, collasping or 'spraying' all over. My

jugular has been cath'd twice because everything else was useless.

Thanks for the info

in Detroit

[Guest guest]

ok, now hearing your story, I do recall you and I discussing it a few

months ago. I suppose if you are used to it being that low, thats why

he didn't freak. Did they not warn you not to get pg again? Not just

with epidurals or spinals, but with blood clotting altogether, when

your levels are that low, your blood doesn't clot, which is a very

important factor when having your abdomen cut open!

I have been in nursing for nearly 16 years and have never seen a

hemoglobin of 1. The lowest I've ever seen was a 3 (multi-

trauma/bloody mess) and she was (DOA) " not doing well " .

you say " spent in the Kemo lab getting three treatments and it was

the beginning of my weekly treatments...lasting nearly two years "

were you getting Chemotherapy? or are you talking about Iron Dextran?

It took about 16 infusions before I felt " human. " I honestly had to

take a nap after changing my baby;s diaper!

I started pregnancy with a hemoglobin of 14.9!!!!!

Ended with a 7 which dropped to a 6.2 at the lowet point.

I preferred to have blood transfusions which my OB insisted I didnt

because of blood acquired infections (I know, even after all of the

testing the do, he's a worrier b/c he's had a pt in the past get

hepatitis from donated blood). I'm tired of the infusions. I havent

had any for about 6 weeks and I am getting ready to call to see what

my last level was. (calling now as a matter of fact).

I'm back- lol How do you like the play-by-play!

My hgb was 12.9 and hematocrit was 41!!! This is with no infusions

for at least 6 weeks if not longer!

I do need to eat better- more protein-more iron rich foods!

aanyway, your post worried me, but now I do recall talking with you

in the past about it! At least you know about it and can keepa close

eye on it!

Sheila

[Guest guest]

Yes, you bring up a good point...well, not " good " but nonetheless -

after my miscarriage (at 7 wks) they made me wait nearly 12 wks until

I ovulated again to do any testing. They wouldn't give me a D & C out

of fear that I would bleed so badly.

My current OB doesn't fear the bleeding so much (at least he puts on

a good face for the conversation) but has informed me that my WLS

will be on call specifically for my csection and they will have ppl

and equipment there 'just in case.'

Things seem to be going in my favor...the iron hasn't given me that

much trouble and the pregnancy has went rather well under the

circumstances...and my WLS recently relocated to my 'delivering'

hospital!

My hemotologist also said that she'll visit me the day after and give

me an iron transfusion...she's in the same hospital.