New- question on anemia

[Sita]

Hi I am new and do not have Crohns. I had peritonitis in 1981, had two bowel surgeries then and have had adhesions since then. In 2012 I had a bowel resectioning and have been very anemic since. I have very low energy, get breathless very easily, take iron, eat well, have iron infusions about once a year. In 2012 I was also diagnosed with breast cancer and so have been taking a medication for that with lots of side effects. I have taken a break from that medication starting in March 2015 to see if it is causing the breathlessness.
My last infusion was mid-April 2015, should the breathlessness be better by now? Thanks, Sita

 

[David]

Have they been testing you to make sure your anemia has resolved with the current dose of iron supplements?

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

If you haven't yet, I would make sure and get it checked out. Especially with being breathless from medication. A different medication and/or a different amount of iron could be in store...

 

[Sita]

Hi there
I get blood tests every three months and my blood levels improve after the infusions, then gradually drop again over time. I think it is an absorption problem from the bowel resectioning. I think the iron I take orally helps some, but I still need the infusions about once a year. The medication that I am wondering about, Tamoxifen is for breast cancer, I am wondering if it causes breathlessness or if the iron issues are the cause of the breathlessness. Both can cause this problem.
Thanks for responding. My current concern is low level nausea most of the time. I just had an upper endoscopy and found my ulcer had healed. Sita

 

[Fernando1]

For anemia I take monthly shots of B12, sublingual B12. Also take Ferritin that helps absorb the iron. Also take Methyl Folate sublingual, better than regular folic acid.

 

[Sita]

Thank you!