Anaemia problems ?

[jimbo1605]

Pooh bear (the wife) has been having a very rough time of it recently. Surgery to rebuild her hip following too many steroids, breathing problems and sepsis which thankfully was caught early.

A constant problem she seems to have is Anaemia, particularly after a bad flare. Her haemoglobin count falls to below 80 and she feels rubbish, looks ghost like and cant do anything.

She has had both blood and iron infusions in the past and two recently which helps temporarily.

Does this ring bells ? Thoughts most welcomed please.

[Tiggywoos]

What a kind thoughtful husband you are . Must be very tough to see your wife so poorly. Could you speak to the Dr about her taking regular iron to keep the levels more topped up ? Sorry for not being more knowledgeable. I know that iron levels can yo-yo . Hope someone on here can offer some advice

Look after yourself too

[murtoz]

Hi Jim, sorry to hear about your wife's problems. My wife is having similar issues with anaemia so we got the gp to add ferritin onto the regular blood tests she has to do for her rheumatoid arthritis meds, and if it drops too low she gets an iron infusion. That's the only thing that really helps for any length of time. She does also take liquid iron sachets but they don't seem to make her any better, at best they just slow down how quickly the anaemia deteriorates. Still worth doing we think. GP can prescribe or you could buy over the counter, spatone is what we have.

Also note that the body needs vit c to absorb the iron sachets properly, so take it with orange juice, and don't have anything with calcium an hour each side of when you take the iron sachets, as it stops the absorption. Good luck to you both!

[Tiggywoos in reply to murtoz]

Didn’t know that about the calcium …

[CecilyParsley]

Pooh Bear is lucky to have you. Your care and love just oozes through your posts. Being anaemia is no fun. I get it regularly. My white cells are too low, my haemoglobin levels drop and my red cells are apparently too big. I take ferrous sulphate but honestly I am not sure it helps. Has your wife had her B12 levels checked? Pernicious Anaemia makes you feel dreadful, like a half dropped drip. I would contact your GP and get some blood tests. I hope Pooh Bear starts to feel much better soon. Big Cwtches to you both xx