Uterine Fibroid Embolization - Iron Deficiency / Anemia With Heavy Bleeding
Apr 12, 2016
I am now 12 weeks post op. I am due my period on Friday but I started with light bleeding yesterday and today I am waiting to see if the bleeding gets heavier. At least it's nearly 4 weeks since the last period. I got some Mefenamic Acid to take if I get pain which I have done since the op on both sides of my bikini line when I have period . Pre op I used get bad pain in my stomach. My tummy was shrinking but now I'm at period it's blown up again. Doctor won't give me iron tablets now cos my blood test states that I don't need them. I don't understand this cos I was falling asleep in the afternoon without them so can't be bothered arguing with them so just buy them myself now ( I have been taking over the counter ones since I was refused them last week on prescription. How can my iron level be normal when I still have the heavy bleeding that causes the Anemia?
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I'm 15 days post op. I had heavy bleeding when I left hospital which lasted a few days then stopped. Then yesterday I started bleeding again it's not as heavy as pre op but heavy enough. I wondered if anyone experienced this post op
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I have recently become anaemic, I suffer from uterine polyps that have been 'quiet' for about 6 years ever since menopause, however about a week ago I started bleeding heavily, the past couple of days I am so tired, wobbly on my feet and look as white as a sheet, also heartrate is up a bit, anyone out there who has experienced the same or similar? and what happened regarding treatment were you put on iron tablets etc? I know I have to see the doc and will be ringing her tomorrow but am sitting in bed fretting about it.
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Hi all not good today GP refusing to give me Iron tablets even though I feel very tired. Says I am not low on Iron. Read online though that some docs don't even check the iron levels just the blood count. GP is ringing me tomorrow morning so I will ask her if my iron level has been checked (if it's below 50 then I am lacking iron) Feel really tired. If they don't give them me I will self medicate I don't care. You can get iron tablets from the pound shop. I'm so angry with the surgery.
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3 months post UFE. Good news no pain bad news still on bulky towels. I now have to have a more detailed blood test so I can have iron tablets. Hello Docs still very heavy flow chance of iron deficient very high. I wondered if anyone else on here still had heavy periods 3 months post op UFE And if they did then did the bleeding go normal months 4 5 or 6. Cos I'm beginning to lose hope that this has worked. Don't get me wrong I'm better now than pre op but nowhere near enough.
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After noticing a recent decrease in my athletic performance, I sent a message to my doctor early last week. My primary care physician ordered blood work and sent me to a hematologist in oncology. The hematologist said it was "very unlikely" cancer and ordered more blood work. Further blood work confirmed I have iron deficiency anemia.
All my blood work was normal apart from the indices related to iron deficiency. Ferritin was low, indicating iron deficiency and not anemia of chronic disease. Bone marrow is producing a normal amount of red blood cells. I have not recently donated or lost substantial quantities of blood. I have not had any tarry stools or seen blood in my stool. A rectal exam was negative for the presence of blood. (This test involved a doctor inserting a gloved finger into my rectum and then testing the glove for blood.) I have no bruising and my blood clots normally. I have not seen any blood in my urine. I have no other ongoing health conditions.
For the last 5 years, I have run 52 miles a week. I eat very little red meat, no more than a few times a year. I do regularly eat poultry, fish, and eggs. I have had semi-frequent nose bleeds, averaging one a month, since childhood.
The hematologist put me on a high potency iron supplement -- 130mg of iron and 250mg of vitamin c per day.
All my doctors have discounted the possibility the anemia could have been caused by my running, despite there being ample evidence in medical journals that excessive exercise can lead to iron deficiency.
If it's not cancer and i'm not losing blood through my gastrointestinal tract, what is causing it? I do feel improved since starting the iron supplement on Monday, but my athletic performance is not where I'd like it to be. I don't have any further doctor visits scheduled at this time. I am to have blood work in 1-2 months to test my iron levels again.
My blood work is below:
IRON 24
TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY 380
IRON/TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY 6%
FERRITIN 5.6
VIT B12 549
FOLATE 17.62
RETICULOCYTE COUNT, ABSOLUTE 2.5
WBC'S AUTO3.4
RBC, AUTO4.52
HGB 10.6
HEMATOCRIT34.2
MCV 75.6
MCH 23.5
MCHC 31.0
RDW, BLOOD18.0
PLATELETS, AUTOMATED COUNT 206
MPV 8.7
CHOLESTEROL 127
HDL 43
CHOLESTEROL, NON-HDL 84
TRIGLYCERIDE 48
LDL 74
HGBA1C 5.4
GLUCOSE POST FAST 87
BUN 21
CREATININE1.2
TOTAL PROTEIN6.6
ALBUMIN 4.8
GLOBULIN1.8
ALBUMIN/GLOBULIN RATIO, SERUM/PLASMA 2.7
CALCIUM 9.4
AST 21
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE 51
BILIRUBIN, TOTAL 0.8
LDH 157
PHOSPHATE, BLD, QN 4.2
URIC ACID5.3
TSH,BLD,QN1.680
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Okay, so I was diagnosed with anemia about 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure that I've had this since I started high school, which was almost 8 years ago. 2 years ago my doc said my hemoglobin was 10.1 and told me to take iron supplements to improve it. I had to stop due to the side effects, but I recently started taking liquid iron supps. My anemia is more than likely caused by my periods, which have been extremely heavy for years, and I have to schedule an appt with the OBGYN soon. Lately, I've noticed that my periods have been getting heavier and shorter. Also, the month or 2 I've been feeling like my symptoms are getting worse. I have SOB, and I feel like I can't breathe in enough air(feels like a pressure in my chest). I also have had lightheadedness, weakness, extreme exhaustion (to the point where I sometimes have to miss school because I am too tired to get out of bed), PICA, trouble focusing, and I have been extremely pale for a few years. I thought I was just being stupid so I tried to get through this on my own for a while, but now my SOB and chest pressure won't go away and I am so exhausted that I don't know how much longer I can do this. I have a really busy schedule but I feel like my body is going to give out if I keep going on like this. I don't know what to do anymore. I didn't go back to the doc for so long because I figured my iron is probably not even going to be really low and I'm one of those people that doesn't like to go to the er unless I'm dying or in severe pain. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve my sx? I'm definitely going to try to go see the doc about this. It's frustrating because I feel like no one understands what I'm going through, but it seems like people on here know a lot about anemia so I thought I'd come here to ask for help.
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I initially found out I had mild iron deficiency about 6 months ago and the GP didn't tell me to take anything. I've been taking floradix on/off (finished a bottle) and redid my blood work with a new GP. The results seem to have gotten slightly worse, but this new GP also just recommended to take a multivitamin. Neither doctor seemed concerned. Anyway, here are the latest results (this new doctor didn't test ferritin; my old result 6 months ago was a 3)
Hemoglobin - 11 (low)
MCV - 78 (low)
MCH - 25.2 (low)
RDW - 15.6% (high)
TIBC - 538 (high)
UIBC - 480 (high)
Iron Saturation - 11% (low)
Iron Serum - 58 (normal)
Vitamin B12 - 348 (normal)
Anyone know exactly how bad my case is? I am located in NYC; if anyone has a good doctor that takes iron deficiency more seriously, can they recommend the doctor?
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These were done during a regular physical exam and my regular dr. said I was definitely anemic, but she never did do an iron panel. After thinking back on my symptoms, I had several..headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, rapid heart rate with exertion, and shortness of breath with exertion. Three weeks ago I was started on iron supplements. Here are my abnormals or near low normals from 3 weeks ago:
RBC 5.45 (4.00-5.36)
Hgb 12.5 (12-16)
MCV 74 (81-98)
MCHC 30.9 (31.2-35.2)
RDW 24.2 (11.0-14.5)
anisocytosis present
hypochromasia present
ovalocytes present
She determined that my anemia was due to menorrhagia and I then made an appt. with a GYN.
The GYN looked at these labs and said this is NOT anemia. She then ordered an iron panel, which she said was normal:
Iron 142
TIBC 356
Ferritin 14
She called today and again said this is not anemia, but some other blood issue must be going on. She mentioned thalassemia and suggested that my regular dr. refer me to a hematologist. I am so frustrated and confused. I can't see my regular dr. until Mon. but I'm thinking it's still anemia?
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Here are my lab results:
WBC 6.6 (4-10.8)
Ly 25.8 (20.5-51.1)
Mo 9.7 (1.7-9.3)
Gr 64.5 (42.2-75.2)
Rbc 3.74 (4.2-6.1)
Hgb 10 (12-18)
Hct 30.3 (37-52)
Mcv 80.9 (81-99.9)
Much 26.8 (27-31)
Mchc 33.1 (33-37)
Rdw 14.5 (12-15)
Plt 218 (130-400)
Mpv 8.2 (5-10)
My iron and ferritin were normal (don't have a copy of the results, just was told they are normal). Also, b12 and d are normal.
What kind of anemia does this look like? I DO have a history of iron deficient anemia, but my ferritin was like a 3.
Below are my symptoms. Saw the doc about a week ago, and symptoms are much worse than then. I am on an iron supplement.
Extreme exhaustion
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Chest pains
Extreme lightheadedness/dizzy spells/near syncope
Basically I am hardly functional. I have gone home early and missed a couple days of work, because I literally couldn't do it. I have had to spend almost whole days in bed. Very small things wear me out. I was placing items in a box (that was on my lap) at work today and got weak and short of breath.
Does this not seem crazy for a hgb of 10?? I have been in the 8 range, and while I felt really, really bad, I was not this dysfunctional.
Also, I have been having the dizzy spells/lightheadedness/near syncope and some actual syncope for over a year. The drs are still trying to figure this out. They are a good deal worse right now.
Any thoughts or advice?
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I have a friend who has had iron deficiency anemia since she was like 18 years old from what i heard. She's now having severe iron deficiency anemia and is having two IV injections of iron a day and the doctors do not know the cause still. She's on gluten free diet and oral iron therapy doesn't work on her. Now her situation is getting bad by the day. Does anyone know anything that could suggest a reason for this ?
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I have been iron deficient all my life, but it's at a critical point right now. I see a hematologist on September 14th. It takes everything out of me to get up each morning and go to work. I come home and just want to sleep. I am freezing cold all the time and eat ice constantly. I'm extremely moody and my husband doesn't understand my condition, so I am turning to the internet for support and help. I'll be getting an iron transfusion and blood transfusion as well. I don't absorb iron like everyone else as I had a gastric bypass in 2008. I am also not absorbing my Vit D 50,000 IU pills once a week either. I'm just at my wits end here.
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I would like to know about anyone who is six months post op. Just to know if it worked and if you lost any weight and got rid of heavy periods and anemia.
I would like to lose at least 22 1bs as I feel it's Fiboriod weight.
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A little background first, I was originally diagnosed with fibroids around 8 years ago(age 30). I expected it as every woman in my family has had a hysterectomy. My only symptom was a slightly heavier period and the final straw was the last 2 periods that lasted around 2 weeks each. I had so many small ones that my gyno couldn't tell me how many there were so I opted for a myomectomy. Procedure went great - incision at the bikini line. Everything was fine until 4 years ago, my new gyno told me that they were growing again. I knew that this was a possibility but as I wasn't having any symptoms, I chose to leave them be. A year ago, they experienced a serious growth spirt and I began having issues extremely heavy bleeding, long periods, severe iron deficiency, tiredness, and last but not least the protruding stomach. Of course, she wanted me to have a hysterectomy and again I said no. I have/had 3 large ones an a ton of small ones. My stomach was so big that she said that I would have to be completely cut open from above the belly button down to my original incision and I believe that I looked to be 4-5 months pregnant. I couldn't stomach that so I tried a few home remedies. Black strap molasses - couldn't stomach the stuff. Castor oil packs and ACV - I didn't stick with that long enough to notice any benefit. Essaic tea and progesterone cream did help slow down the heavy cycles and made cycle-time bearable again. I tried serrapeptase enzyme for a short time but not long enough to see any benefit or even to feel as if it was helping. No I don't want any more children but I still refuse to have a hysterectomy.
In January 2016, I had an UFE. I guess that it was successful as I really haven't had a heavy cycle yet but I have a couple of questions that my male doctors can't really answer.
My stomach has gone down slightly but not enough to be noticeable. I actually measured before and after the procedure to check for any results. I know that it's vanity but I miss my flat stomach. I know that this procedure does not shrink them 100% but is there anyone 4-6 months or so out, that can provide any type of information about the long term results? Also, the leg where they "plugged up" my artery, every now and then, it still feels "weird". Is that normal?
Would trying natural remedies now actually help? I started taking serrapeptase again recently and I do workout regularly(cardio & strength training). I try to drink plenty of filtered water. My diet consists of a mix of 75% organic/mostly natural foods with the rest being the "bad" stuff. I do drink coffee and alcohol on a regular basis. I'm trying to limit dairy and am struggling for my morning latte. I do eat a bit of cheese but other than that, I'm not a big dairy fan.
I'm just looking for ways to continue to get these things out of my life without settling for a hysterectomy.
Anyone have any ideas or have you tried anything that seems helpful?
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Especially after an ablation? They are recommending that a few months after the ablation
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Does anyone know what the Drs. do if they can't get your hemoglobin back up to within normal limits? They say I have lost the ability to store iron. I have had 4 infusions and have very little results.
I'm scheduled for 8 more. I am a little alarmed because the Dr is disappointed that I haven't recovered better. How much trouble am I in here?s.
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I think I may have iron deficiency anemia my mom had it when she was younger and I have really bad nose bleeds in the middle of the night I have also fainted and I don't want to go to the doctor. Just wondering how dangerous could it be?
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Just thought I would post an update I'm 4 weeks post op. For the 1st 3 weeks I was bleeding on and off now it seems to have stopped. So hopefully next period will be normal. My stomach is so much better as well I no longer feel bloated it's also getting flatter not much but definitely there. Still have low energy but hopeful that will go as time goes on. My leg aches a bit when I walk my dog but it's gradually getting easier. Overall though really happy and I would recommend this procedure to anyone. Much better than a Hysterectomy
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I'm now 11 weeks post op. I have got my energy back so something is going right. Periods are heavy but not flooding last one was 18th March so I'm hoping the next one is gonna be at least 2 weeks off. Had a twinge of pain this morning but it went. There is definitely shrinkage on my tummy area but it gets bloated back to size when I am due a period. It's a lot better though as before the op I could not eat properly if I did my stomach would really hurt for ages after and bloat so much that I felt like I would burst. I would definitely recommend this op to anyone as its better than having a total hysterectomy where they take out the womb cervix and ovaries.
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Has anyone else had foul smelling vaginal discharge following UFE? At my wits end with my GP and not sure what to do next.
Had my UFE 2 weeks ago, recovery was tough the first week but much improved by the end of the second week. Then came the smelly discharge. I'd had discharge for weeks prior to the procedure and was told this was nothing to worry about. I knew discharge would continue for several weeks after the procedure, however, i wasn't prepared for the smell.
Most women who've undergone UFE experience discharge (fibroids breaking down apparently, lasts for months) no one mentions offensive smelling discharge. I can't be the only one. It's really bad - I smell like rotting meat!
I know offensive discharge is one of symptoms of infection, but I don't have any other symptoms - no fever, high temperature etc. (although did feel feverish, with mild temperature for 2 days) Saw my GP earlier in the week, and she dismissed the idea of infection (swab test was negative for BV etc). I requested a 2nd test as this smell can't be normal - I get those results next week.
My worry is GP is testing/looking for the wrong type of infection. She hasn't ordered a blood test which is apparently more accurate in determining uterine infection?
I have multiple fibroids and my MRI showed one had undergone cystic degeneration - is it possible the UFE has escalated degeneration and the consequence is mild infection?
Has anyone else experienced this?
I can't get GP to take me seriously - she won't even prescribe antibiotics as a precaution. Can't get follow up appointment with my gynea due to some admin error (means my case file is between consultants - don't ask), so will have to wait until the new year until that's sorted.
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I am now 3 weeks post op and already Things are getting better. The constant period has gone. I feel less bloated and I'm even not getting up as often in the night to pee. The only things left now are the tiredness and the ache in my right leg. I used to walk the dog for an hour every day now I manage half an hour. I can't physically go any further. Other than that I feel great so glad I had this done.
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