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Surgerey delayed

looselinks
  • By looselinks
  • Posted June 24, 2009 at 9:45 pm · 10 replies
  • Shared with the public
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Thursday, I was scheduled for complete spine fusion from S 1 to T=7. My pre=op hemoglobin level was only 7, and my surgeon won't operate until it is at least 12. I've never had anemia, but with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, anything is possible. Has anyone with EDS run into problems with anemia? Could it be connected with EDS? or just exist on its own?

Seeing hematologist tomorrow . GP thinks he will suggest either a blood transfusion or bone marrow. That sounds very extreme and worse than the spine surgery.
Looseliks

Explore topics in this journal entry and replies:

Cancer Surgery Hemorrhoids Weight loss surgery Anemia Hernia Pain Thyroid cancer Folic acid Hiatal hernia Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

10 replies

Ieva

But have they explained you the cause? Since anemia occurs either because of blood loss or because of poor erythropoesis- too little red blood cells created. And the latter can be caused by very many things starting from vitamin and iron malabsorbtion- do you have problems with your bowels?- up to malfunctioning kideys requiring drug called erythropoietin. Bone marrow problems van also be a cause, but do not be afraid since on medical series they show only the oldest (worst) method and there are other ways.

looselinks

They have not looked for the cause of the anemia. I am starting on an IV iron injections . Since my veins are so miserable, I will have a picc line inserted and then a series of 3 hour injections of iron once a week for 4 weeks. I will be tested periodically during this time.

I was so involved talking about treatment, I forgot to ask about finding the cause which I will definitely do next visit which is next Thursday.

Ieva

Iron can also be injected in the muscle. There are also preparations of heme (the very ingredient of hemoglobin), though not all physicians like them.....And of course one can still try pills, except iron sulfate, since it is only for injections, but fumarate is good.

Ieva

And one very common source of bleeding is hemorrhoids- our doctors keep saying that enlarged hemorrhoids is nothing to be ashamed about, but they still keep coming across patients with severe anemia who had not noticed anything……As to the dietary sources, the best thing, of course, is meat, but one also needs vitamin C and folic acid, so raw or cooked vegetables, buckweet....Anyway nothing to irritate bowel-as little wheat and sugar as possible.

looselinks

I have been taking extra folic acid and Vit. C in addition to daily multivit. I also took iron pills for a week and my hemo only went up .5. I will be getting injections of iron that take 3 hours per session over the next month.

Although I do have hemorrhoids , all the stool samples come back negative. There was a suggestion that the cause is a hiatal hernia and that is more likely . If you are losing blood due to internal bleeding,stool samples and colonosopsy are both normal, how could you find the cause of anemia which is definitely iron deficiency? Beats me!
Judy

2Anne

What sort of diet are you eating??. If you are vegetarian you may be inclined towards anaemia. However iron can be taken orally in ferrous gluconate which can constipate. I do not think iv iron would be a better alternative than the oral stuff and having to have a picc line is a bit heavy to say the least.
I think the docs need to explore your anaemia further.
Its upsetting for you to miss your weight loss surgery but if they really want a quick fix you could have a blood transfusion.
Good wishes for your future health.

looselinks

This was not weight loss surgery, it was total spine fusion from S1 to T 7. My spine is in such bad shape, walking or doing anything is very painful despite the strong pain meds I take.
In the meantime, I've applied for a wheelchair, but this will take months before it is approved by medicare.
Judy

dreamlady1931

Oh, Judy---
you can't imagine how much more energy you;'ll have when your hemoglobin hits 12!!!!

When i was diagnosed with cancer and needed surgery to remove it, my hemoglobin was only 5--I went in for an infusion of "packed red blood cells" and when i went home a few hours later, i was able to climb steps again! Of course, my spine was in excellent condition. My intestines, however, were a different matter.

Good luck on your hemo and your surgery!
Mary

looselinks

After 40+ surgeries including breast and thyroid cancer, my hemoglobin remained stable. I am surprised the doctor didn't ask me to do a stool sample. I am going to ask him for one just to make sure it is not hemorrhoids or the hiatal hernia. I will have my first treatment on Thursday and will see him after.
Judy

looselinks

Yesterday, I had a PICC line in inserted and my first iron treatment. So many people are allergic to iron, that steroids and antihistamines are given before the actual infusion. I slept through the whole 3 hours of the infusion. Th PICC line is under my arm near the arm pit and is incredibly uncomfortable. However, it beats the 5 sticks at trying to find a vein for the IV. I don't know if others with EDS or other connective tissue disorders have that problem, but it usually takes 2-3 people to get the IV in with an average of 4 tries.
I have a month of infusions and then will check hemo levels to see if they are stabelized; then reschedule the surgery.

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