Anemia

[PaulineM1962]

Hello everyone,
I have been so tired at times since my surgery almost two years ago that my cardiologist ordered a complete blood count workup.
The tiredness comes on almost instantly and I feel almost so exhausted that I'm out of control. My emotions just about explode when this tiredness sets in. I tend to cry very easily at that time. I have to go to bed or to sleep as soon as I can.

I have been told I am borderline anemic. Does taking iron pills help any of you and are there any complications I should be aware of taking an iron tablet?

I am a longtime 'lurker' on this website, but have learned very much from so many of you. Other than the 'anemia,' my recovery has been uneventful. Thank you.

Pauline

 

[Nancy]

My husband takes iron three times a day and folic acid once a day. He was severely anemic prior to his surgery, he even had to have a transfusion. It has improved since the surgery, but he still remains on iron and folic acid and will probably have to for his life. He goes to a hematologist for this aspect of his care. During the severe anemia, he was exhausted.

The only side effect is constipation and for that he takes Metamucil 3 times a day.

 

[hensylee]

After quad bypass surgery, when my primary dr saw me, he said you look pale and I know you are anemic so he prescribed irom - then sent me to hosp for blood count and sure nuff he was right. If you didn't have iron after your surgery maybe loss of blood brought it on (also most women in menses age become anemic) and you didn't recover fully. Please go to your dr and have a check on this. God bless

 

[alpage]

You might want to get a bit more information from your Doctor or family physician or a specialist. The basic three nutrients involved are iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. It would be unfortunate if you were only taking iron if you needed folic acid as well.

Alan

 

[McCln]

I agree with Alpage, get information from your doctor's office. There are some things to get informed about when it come to iron and you can accidently overdose. I was lucky no to be anemic. My problem was my kidneys. The doctor had them checked twice. I was having trouble with my bladder when I was first diagnosed with CHF(due to the aortice valve being closed). Losing the water made the doctor concerned. So call your doctor or nurse to ask about iron suppliments. It never hurts to ask questions. Thanks for asking here before taking anything. Let us know what you find out.

Caroline
091301
Aortic valve replacement
St jude's Valve

 

[Mb]

This should be an interesting thread.
My husband is 10 weeks post op. In May, when they finally diagnosed him as being in CHF, and it was time for the double valve replacement, they told him he was mildly anemic. Post surgery his hematocrit was at 28. It took 8 weeks for it to get up to 37, and now is backed off a bit to 35. Still anemic. He take iron and folic acid, and of course a vitamin, and another long list of heart meds etc. - I did, a few weeks ago, read that prosthetic valves do damage some red blood cells as they operate. Not enough to cause anemia, but perhaps combined with other issues, they might aggravate the RBC count. I do understnad that anemia is common to alot of valve patients, and of course ir aggravates CHF fatigue.
I am anxious to see what other folks post here.

 

[Zazzy]

Hi Pauline...
Isn't anemia the pits? It is also something that I know quite a bit about... I have been anemic since my surgery a year ago. But, I also have leukemia so that plays a big role in it!

Iron will do you no harm (except constipation) as long as you follow your doctor's instructions. If you do take it and experience constipation try taking a stool softener with the iron to prevent this.

Your CBC should be monitored frequently until they get you back on the right track and if the problem persists you should be seen by a competent hematologist.... but your pcp should be able to handle the problem. I wouldn't worry too much since you are just borderline.

Tiredness can also be spurred by depression... something that is common after heart surgery. The time of year... loss of sunlight, etc. is also a problem.

Take care,
Zazzy