Anemia After Annunoplasty

[Jennywren2953]

Hi Everyone,

I had Annunoplasty on my Mitral and Trucuspid valves 3 1/2 months ago. Heart wise everything seems fine, a big improvement on my pre op condition, though I’m not running marathons.

My blood tests have showed my hemaglobin is to low, it had started to pick up but is now 101 should be between 119-160 ( I’m in Australia).

My GP says may be internal bleeding, want me to have colonoscopy and endoscopy. I had that done 3 years ago and after my recent open heart didn’t want more anaesthetic.

I rang my Surgeon and he wants me to have a special blood test to see if it’s heart related, I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

Thanks in advance.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I do hope someone may see your post that has had a similar problem as I know someone relating to what we are going through can really help

I hope your tests go well and would be nice to hear a update when you have had them done x

[Jennywren2953 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thanks so much for your reply. I see the Haematologist on Thursday so hopefully some news then🤗

[BeKind28- in reply to Jennywren2953]

Hello

I really hope you get some good news and if you have time let us know how you get on x

[Jennywren2953 in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you will do🤗

[Hidden]

Hi, It is a problem I've had and from my experience both your GP and Surgeon have merit in their suggestions. It's good that you're seeing a Haematologist this week, they should be able to shed some light on the matter and hopefully any concerns with blood tests.

I've been Anaemic for a few years now with two diagnosis, the first is for Iron Difficiency, however, the second is blood related.

I have a condition called Haemolytic Anaemia, for me its caused by my Mechanical Valves destroying the Red Blood Cells faster than they can be replaced, one of the lesser known cons of having the valves. I'm by no means an expert on the subject, but, my understanding is that other heart related problems can also cause the condition. It is possible that your Surgeon is thinking along those lines. My Haemoglobin level has tended to be circa 120 over the years, below the recommended minimum for a male of 130. Medication wise I take a daily dose of Folic Acid for a boost, but, I'll always be low.

I think your GP is following normal protocols for something like this and an internal bleed is one that they'd like to discount. Since April 2022, I've had five internal bleeds, in and out of hospital for each with multiple Colonoscopies and Endoscopies. This highlighted a condition called Angiodysplasia in the Colon, this was cause of my first bleed with my Haemoglobin dipping to 59. They effectively burnt off the affected veins during a Colonoscopy. My further bleeds (mainly Gastrointestinal) have links to medication, in particular Warfarin due to spikes in my INR. Angiodysplasia has links to Heart Disease which they suspect is why I had the condition.

Hopefully its neither for yourself, but, it's good to see the Medics taking it seriously.

Best wishes for Thursday.