I started hemodialysis in Aug with an emergency chest catheter. I had 2 units of blood as my hemoglobin was low while in hospital.
Then in hospital again in September and another 2 units of blood. Got my labs today and hemoglobin was 6.8 so they gave me Mircera and iron.
When I did PD I got Mircera and iron but never a transfusion. Does hemodialysis cause worse low hemoglobin? I’m concerned that when I’m able to get back on the transplant list my antibodies will be high.
HI, I had an iron infusion in August. Started dialysis in October. It took three months for my hemoglobin to increase and then it went down a bit. So yes, there is a correlation with iron being removed with dialysis. They will monitor it and administer it during dialysis. I asked about how do my numbers affect being on the transplant list and they said they understand that there is a period of adjustment not only for you but for them to write the correct prescription. Give it some time.
Last week it was Mircera and today they gave me iron. Both kind of gave me a bad taste while they administered it. I was hungry as all get out so I stopped and got a cheeseburger and fries at the local deli. It was delicious. Luckily my phos and potassium are well in range. I barely pass protein so any I can eat I do.
Good little Horsie.... eat those calories. Thats great. Maybe you'll put the weight on you need. Interesting that the Mircea made you hungry. I had my first shot on Wednesday, and it made my BP go up.
I'm not sure it was the Mircera as I'm hungry all the time now. It's so different than the last couple of months on PD where I had no appetite at all and at the point where I went to the hospital the first time I was having trouble eating solid foods. I pretty much lived on Nepro and Kates Farms drinks.
My hubby was on HD for awhile and then PD. He was given EPO injections and iron tablets, no transfusions, during both forms of dialysis. EPO is a great treatment in that it stimulates the body to make iron via the hormone named erythropoietin which is produced by the kidneys. As kidneys fail, hormone production falls leading to low iron and related issues. Ask for EPO infusions and see what they say. Insurance companies fought paying for it a couple of years ago since it was very expensive then. Somehow, my hubby's dialysis center found a way to get them to cover it. Generally speaking, women tend to have higher antibodies than men since most have had babies. I agree with you that keeping those antibodies as low as possible is a good thing to do.
They started iron on Thursday and I noticed today another iron infusion...I asked about it and was told every treatment I will get iron. Is this common?
Hello Horsie63. I was inquiring about your low Hemoglobin and transfusions to see if and how that got resolved. My father has the same scenario and he just started HD in Aug. and needs transfusions every 3 weeks because the Hgb drops every 2-3 weeks. He is also getting Mircera and Iron but looks like it’s not helping. Thank you kindly for any advice you may have.
I'm not sure what to tell as mine has gotten much better with the Mircera and iron. I get Mircera once a month and the iron at my 3 a week treatments in center. Perhaps instead of Mircera he needs Epogen?
Thank you. I am speaking to the nephrologist today. Hope you are feeling better these days.
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