Hi,
Has anyone been anaemic after surgery?
After 7 years I have now got anaemia.
Dr sent me back to consultant and I have had PET scan, endoscopy and colonoscopy. Within 2 weeks which is brilliant service. Having a further CT as colonoscopy wasn’t successful due to my weird anatomy.
Consultant said it could be food related , but was just wondering if other people suffer from this.
Thank You
Debbie
yes. I had some instances of anemia about 4 years post esophagectomy. I had a few times my oncologist had me get iron infusions.
I think it has more to do with how our food digests in our newly configured stomach.
I am now 5 1/2 years post surgery and just keep up with I would say yearly endoscopies/ and stretches if needed by my surgeon.
Thank you that is reassuring. I was prescribed Iron tablets but with all the tests have to come off of them until after the scans. I have always taken multivitamin’s alongside meds but recently the one I was taking has been discontinued.(multibionta).
Not had any scans or endoscopies since 2017 so I’ve just had a full MOT. Op was 2016.
Best Wishes
Debbie
Hi I am almost 14 years since my operation and am very often anaemic. I understand that our bodies are unable to absorb iron very well after the op! I found I was unable to tolerate iron tablets so now have a liquid called Spatone (with vitamin C) added as this helps with iron absorbtion. Having seen comments on here I think anaemia is fairly common. Hope your scans go well!
Thank you I will try that . Yes iron tablets not that great. I think because I was having 6monthly bloods until lockdown and they were normal, you worry that the last 2 tests were abnormal. Can’t fault NHS for acting on this.
Wow 14 years keep going strong.
I have been prescribed a daily Forceval iron and multivitamin capsule by my Dietician to prevent this.
I am 4 years post op. My iron levels were quite low. I took the usual health food store iron supplements but did not help. I asked my doctor about iron infusions. He suggested I try Feramax an iron supplement with 150 mg of elemental iron. The health food store supplements only contained 25 mg. Also when the supplement is taken every second or third day, your body absorbs between 40% to 50% more. I found quite a few scientific studies on line in this regard. My hemoglobin recovered into the low normal range in about 3 months and the ferritin in about 6 months. I am continuing to take the Feramax every second day. The way our bodies are post surgery, there is little chance of overdosing. I get blood tests every 6 months. I'm in Canada. Fermax may not be available in the UK but I'm sure there is something similar. The dose is the important thing. 25 mg just didn't do it for me. I needed 150 mg taken every second day to recover.
Hope this helps.
Bill
Thank you Bill.
I have been on iron tablets for a few years. Initially because of low ferritin levels. Trouble was gp would prescribe 1 month of tabs and that was that, then levels went down again. Now on iron tabs full stop. The first ones I had caused lroble s but ferrous sulphate is OK. I am still. Tired a lot of the tim e but loads of bloods done and all normal. I don't think we absorb iron properly. I am 5 .5 yes past Ivor Lewis. I know we are all lucky to be alive and my life is good considering, but I don't think people appreciate the difficulties of going out and about while still eating little and often and not being able to eat and drink together. Thank goodness for this site so we know we aren't alone
Hi,
Thank you last scans tomorrow.
Hopefully won’t find anything other than Gastris and Bile reflux.
Yes I expect that is the case with me that I will need iron. I think it was because it was all of a sudden after 5 years my results changed, so they are making sure.
I agree and try live my life to full although yes eating out with friends is not viable now as they like eating later. I am happy living an adapted life.
I just wish our cancer was recognised for what it is ,as there is not much talk about it like Breast and Prostrate Cancer.
Best Wishes
Debbie
early days post op
Post op
6 months after Op
After oesophagectomy 2nd op for leak - very worried
Post op cough after Ivor Lewis 
