Anemia?

[xoxava]

anemia?

Ok so I'm still in the hospital. The doc came in and told me I am anemic. What does that mean? Should I be worried? They want to keep me to monitor my blood and see if it gets better and move me away from IV pain meds to pill form. Does anyone else have anemia? Thanks once again for all the support you guys give.

 

[Lisa]

When I have flared I have been anemic - it means your red blood count is low....which would make you tired etc.....it is treatable/cureable - especially once you have a flare under control.

 

[Rebecca85]

I did have anaemia. Symptoms were fatigue, dizziness, that sort of thing. My anaemia was due to low iron stores, so was soon treated with iron tablets.

 

[outlier]

I have anemia as well. This was actually the vital clue to my diagnoses. I take iron tablets, but I know people do get iv iron.
I occupationally faint, from it. It is very common not just with people with UC or crohns

 

[BLM]

Yes, been anemic all my life. Also B12 deficient....Ive been told the two go hand in hand, so maybe ask about your B12 levels as well. Anemia can be treated a number of ways, diet is best....but if you dont absorb then diet doesnt really work. Iron suppliments work, but cause constipation...or infussions work the best, but really painful.

 

[ameslouise]

Very common for us Crohnies! I'm anemic and getting iron infusions weekly, plus b12. It's really been helping!

You can also take iron tablets, but they are notoriously hard on your digestive system.

Depending on how anemic you are, you might get an iron infusion or even a blood transfusion.

Good luck! Hope you start feeling better soon! -Amy

 

[GothamGirl]

I also became extremely anemic when I originally got sick with Crohn's. I have been getting Iron tranfusions reguarly and had several blood tranfusions in the past 12+ years. Last one was 6 years ago.
I wish I was able to take iron orally, but like other members said its very hard on your stomach.
Good luck and feel better soon.

 

[glum chump]

Like other's, I've had iron infusions and not been able to handle iron pills. I started receiving iron infusions when I seemed to be losing waaay too much blood and my hemoglobin levels were really low. Prior to that, when I was anemic but my hemoglobin levels were not so desperately low, I was getting iron shots. They were much easier than the infusions--I would just go to my doctor's office with the iron shot prescription filled out and he would give me a quick *** and I'd be on my way home within a couple of minutes. The iron infusions take longer (3 hours), although they work really amazing.

 

[Rebecca85]

Iron supplements don't always cause constipation. There was no difference in my stools (other than the colour).