anemic?

JackieOnLine

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just had a blood draw yesterday and got some results already. is this probably because of my VSG?

HEMOGLOBIN10.7 g/dL11.1 - 15.9 g/dLL
HEMATOCRIT33.5 %34.0 - 46.6 %L
 
Remember, anyone can be anemic but your VSG doesn’t help. While you aren’t missing any intestine, you are limited on stomach space.

Are you taking oral iron? If so, what type and how much?
 
no, I have not taken any iron supplements at all and I assume that's next, I wanted to get expert advice before I talk to my doctor about what to take!
 
You might wait until you see your iron/ferritin results before taking supplements. HGB and HCT do not tell the whole story. I have low HGB (like your number) and borderline HCT with normal iron levels. My hemo says it is not anemia and thinks I am bleeding somewhere or have another disease process.
 
Well finding out if you have a bleed is the place to start. Also get your ferritin and iron sat% pulled as well. Since you MIGHT have anemia, a complete iron panel is appropriate.
 
I should get a bunch more results today. somebody drives the blood samples all the way to Seattle over night, doesn't that seem strange? (Portland is so much closer, for one thing)

my blood sugar was 108 which I'm told is too high, even for not fasting. :rolleyes:
 
I should get a bunch more results today. somebody drives the blood samples all the way to Seattle over night, doesn't that seem strange? (Portland is so much closer, for one thing)

my blood sugar was 108 which I'm told is too high, even for not fasting. :rolleyes:
Depends on when you last ate or drank something other than water. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/how-sugar-affects-diabetes#1 Up to 140 is normal for non-diabetics after eating.

As to where it’s sent, closer may not be in the same system. I know around here, Birmingham seems to be the choice but Atlanta and Charlotte are far closer.
 
My A1C was 5.4 so that's not too bad. I suppose lower is better but still.

IRON BIND. CAP.(TIBC)433 ug/dL250 - 450 ug/dL
UIBC388 ug/dL131 - 425 ug/dL
IRON, SERUM45 ug/dL27 - 159 ug/dL
IRON SATURATION10 %15 - 55 %L
FERRITIN, SERUM10 ng/mL15 - 150 ng/mLL
RETICULOCYTE COUNT0.7 %0.6 - 2.6 %



and then my B12 was high!

VITAMIN B121,742 pg/mL232 - 1,245 pg/mLH


the doctor had a nurse call me and tell me to stop taking the B12 supplement - what do y'all think of that?

and to start taking 325 mg ferrous sulfate 3 times a week. she ordered a Rx for it but I can take OTC if it's cheaper.

a friend said I should consider getting a cast iron skillet.

any advice?
 
My hematologist provides an iron infusion when ferritin drops below 11. Is that an option? That could make you feel better quickly.
 
that's a good question, Hilary, I can ask anyway. I also need to know when we re-test - how soon, how often.
and I need to ask my insurance what things are going to cost, not understanding insurance is very stressful for me. I mean, I guess first I find out what my doctor thinks is the thing to do, then I ask if insurance will pay for it? honestly, I get overwhelmed just thinking about insurance. :rolleyes:

PM on "my chart" is how to ask my doctor questions. it's not ideal but it's better than nothing. is this how other doctors do it? I have been so spoiled with concierge doctors the last few years! you just email or text then and they answer!
 
I spoke with one of the nurses and he will forward the question about an infusion on to the doctor - but he said she wants to do a colonoscopy anyway - since I am 58 and haven't had one - and he thought "finding the cause of the anemia" was the way to go. (don't see why we couldn't do both, of course).

but I feel like many women just have to supplement and there isn't anything to find?

the doctor had talked about me getting an endoscopy to find out if I have damage from all the acid reflux over the years. I don't understand if this is necessary or not. I guess I just assume that by now I have a hiatal hernia like I had back when I had WLS and I got another one the same way: over eating. :frown:

so I asked the nurse which would be more important to get.

I almost got a colonoscopy back in Nevada but they said I had to have someone to drive me home - couldn't just get a cab. I don't have anyone to ask here so there's another worry.
 
While your A1C is on the higher side of normal, it’s still normal.
Don’t drop ALL your B12. Maybe cut it down to 3-4 days a week and see where it lands. You want that one high side of normal. I take a standard multi and my B12 has been over 2000 for 30 plus odd years. They always tell me to stop taking B12 but back before the DS, I wasn’t even taking a multi. How can you stop taking something you aren’t taking in the first place.
 

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