Solutions for Severe Anemia

[MississaugaLiver]

Hubby thought he was finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel, but unfortunately had a duodenal bleed in December. Ever since he’s been severely anemic. If he exerts himself in any way he becomes dizzy, nauseous and needs to have a nap for an hour or so. He feels tired all the time. It’s been three years since diagnosis and abstinence. All of his LFTs have been normal for two years, but his iron levels continue to drop. He’s back on 150mg of iron again, after a three month break. Just wondering if anyone else out there has experienced iron deficiency issues.

[RugbyMama]

Not through issues with liver but I have had chronic anaemia since my teens.

Iron is notoriously difficult to absorb from tablets, but taking with orange juice can help as the body requires vitamin c to absorb iron. Increase the amount of iron rich foods - lentils, lean red meat, dried apricots, green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach and kale, fortified cereals. You can also supplement with things like floradix or spatone.

Trying to get your iron back up is a slow process. You need to be diligent in taking supplements, resting and monitoring what you eat. Do all this and get your doctor to repeat the blood tests in 3 months. Good luck!

[MississaugaLiver in reply to RugbyMama]

Thank you for the info. Diet has never been the issue, so I guess it’s supplements ongoing.

[OMBRAMAIFU]

If his iron is so low that it is the cause of his symptoms, maybe he could ask his doctor about iron infusions?

[Zengal79]

I do, but mine are more likely related to malabsorption from my weight loss surgery rather than my cirrhosis. I get iron infusions as needed and it helps significantly. I’m in the US though. Protocols might be different

[Readlots]

I know that iron absorption is helped by vitamin C, so perhaps ensuring that he has the two together either in his diet or supplements but check with the doctors.

[MississaugaLiver in reply to Readlots]

He only drinks unsweetened cranberry juice, but eats oranges in the evening, so that’s when he’ll take the iron pill.

[AyrshireK]

Is he potentially still bleeding internally causing the continued iron deficiency? I take it his stools arn't tarry and sticky. Are further endoscopies planned to investigate?

Katie

[MississaugaLiver in reply to AyrshireK]

No tarry or sticky stools. Vomiting today, but no coffee grounds. I’ve become the nag. Asking him whenever he goes into the washroom. Unfortunately here in Mississauga, Ontario Canada he can’t even get a dedicated gastroenterologist. Our GP sent a referral and it was rejected! They’ll only see him when he winds up in hospital! So no routine endoscopy! Our health care system is great when you end up in hospital, but prevention sucks. Not sure why. I get routine mammograms, colonoscopies and bone scans!