My son had j-pouch placement after years of suffering with ulcerative colitis. He is 40 years old. I would like to hear if any other individuals out there suffer with chronic iron difficiency anemia post surgery and how it was investigated. His surgery was eight years ago. Thanks
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I suffer from chronic anemia and now have iron infusions every year, or more if my levels drop. I also take Vitamin B shots every month. I now have blood work done every 3 months to check levels, so it never gets very low. The infusions are done every week for 4-6 weeks, depending on how low the level is. It is an easy fix now that we know what is happening. Also, I tried iron tablets and they didn't make any difference, so that was a waste of 2 months!
I also have iron deficiency. It was found one year post surgery 12 years ago--symptoms were extreme tiredness and white lips! A blood test soon revealed anemia.At that time I had to get transfusions. (Just once)
I am now getting ferraheme IV infusions, which work very well. I have gone from getting them twice a year to once a year. I started taking forvia chewable vitamins 3 years ago, and I think it has made a difference. The vitamins are made for people with absorption problems. Thanks to this j-pouch site for mentioning the vitamins! The website for the vitamins is inovera.com
Iron tablets were not being absorbed and also caused severe cramps.
marz, do you have trouble gaining weight as well? Due to the malabsorption? Just curious.
My son had anemia, and it has taken years to start to sort out. And yes, he was far under weight due to improper absorption. Blood tests and iron pills have slowly helped. After 4 1/2 years, he is down to a multivitamin with iron each day, and his levels finally made it into the normal ranges. As did his weight, even tho he is still thin.
Yup, I do. So I take a liquid iron (Floravit) and give myself B12 shots 2xweek. You just have to stay on top of it.
Yes, my son had low iron, which comes and goes. He gets blood tests every 6 months. It is handled pretty easily with "Gentle Iron" 28 mg. Absorbs well, and does not cause irritation.