Disappointed

[Parsonsterrier]

Hi I've just found out I have severe anemia which is preventing me from having a long awaited operation I have been given iron and folic acid tablets. My GP who had no idea about my anemia until the hospital through the pre operation tests found it even though I had bloods done in March with my GP ? He now wants me to have a colonoscopy even though my bowels are ok which is crazy ???

[PMRpro]

Was your Hb OK in March? If so - they must be suspecting a bit of bleeding from somewhere in the GI tract for it to have fallen so quickly and want to rule that out.

[Parsonsterrier in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro I asked the doctor this and was told they didn't do a HB check in March when they did my bloods.

[PMRpro in reply to Parsonsterrier]

Oh for goodness sake!!!!! Was it coming out of his pocket? There are some basic tests that need to be done at least annually and preferably twice a year - and a full blood count is amongst them. There is a form of anaemia that goes with chronic illness - hence why we need regular checks - but it is normally moderate at worst.

I do hope everything turns out well - apart from the postponed op. which currently is heart-breaking I imagine. Hope you don't have to wait too long.

[KayHimm]

I am sorry to hear about the anemia. I think it is standard to do a colonoscopy in certain cases of anemia. Your doctor is being thorough to make sure there is no bleeding in your GI tract. Your blood count must have decreased fast and they want to be cautious.

Your concern is natural. Don’t hesitate to ask your GP for an explanation.

Hope everything goes smoothly.

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to KayHimm]

Agree with this - I had to have one last year because of anemia.

[LuluM25]

It seems to me the docs will accept a little bit of low Hb without taking action but unfortunately levels can decrease quickly and then you have problems. Just been through something similar and taking ferrous sulfate now since February. Very debilitating and I hope your meds put you right quickly.

[Parsonsterrier]

Well after trying to get a colonoscopy it has been cancelled. 3 times one where I was too ill to attend I had a sore throat and a fever the other two times were cancelled by the hospital due to them not being able to get the bowel preparation to me on time so now they have sent the referral back to my doctor so I have no chance of having my hip replacement at the end of August as my haemoglobin count won't be high enough to operate. Does no one care that so many people are having vital procedures and operations cancelled through no fault of their own because things are missed and mixed up?