Anemia and heart surgery?

[Guest]

I found out through my regular pcp that I'm pretty anemic, not sure of the reason why. I don't think my cardios or my cardiac surgeons have ever tested for anemia, but when I google anemia and open heart surgery or valve repair/replacement it looks pretty scary. However, if it makes that much of a difference, wouldn't the surgeons check for it? Anyone dealt with this? Thanks for any comments.

 

[Mellyouttaphase]

I had a blood test a couple of days before being admitted to check for anaemia. If there are any concerns they monitor closely with daily blood tests whilst on the ward.

 

[DachsieMom]

My sister and I both become severely anemic after our surgeries, but I believe that is because with were both pre-menopausal and lost buckets of blood every month due to Coumadin! We are both on iron now.

 

[dornole]

I was told that turbulence across a valve (whether the replacement, or the original damaged one) can rupture red blood cells and cause anemia. However, after getting an endometrial ablation (same problem as DachsieMom even though I'm only on aspirin), no more anemia.

 

[AZ Don]

I would bring up your concerns with your Dr's. I am not normally anemic but I was after surgery and was given iron pills for a time. It went back to normal within a couple months which was quicker than the Dr expected.

 

[Agian]

They have the option of transfusing you.
I lost a lot of blood during the op.
At week 6 I'm still anaemic (Hb 116). Reading Don's post sounds like it's not unusual post-op. I was starting to wonder why it was taking so long.
Transfusions are pretty standard. They could even do one in theatre.

 

[Mellyouttaphase]

I had a transfusion five days after my initial surgery, and at nearly 6/7 weeks post-op I keep forgetting to take my iron tablet. Empty stomach? I don't know what that is!

 

[pellicle]

I had a transfusion five days after my initial surgery, and at nearly 6/7 weeks post-op I keep forgetting to take my iron tablet. Empty stomach? I don't know what that is!

Guinness, better than iron tablets

 

[epstns]

I, too, was never anemic prior to valve surgery, but after surgery I was pretty badly anemic. Not bad enough to need transfusion (I received no blood during surgery, either), but for almost 2 months post-op I was constantly cold. I walked around the house fully dressed and wrapped in a blanket, while my wife was perfectly comfortable in normal clothing. My doc did a blood test and said that I was "a bit anemic" but that with a normal diet it would likely resolve on its own in short order. Mine did resolve, but as I said, it took nearly two months. Not a real handicap, but disconcerting nonetheless.

 

[epstns]

Guinness, better than iron tablets

Sorry, mate, but the only liquid I drink at room temperature is my whiskey, straight up.

 

[pellicle]

Sorry, mate, but the only liquid I drink at room temperature is my whiskey, straight up.

God I don't drink it warm (shudder) ... I'm not a Pommie

 

[epstns]

I don't live in Britain -- only visited there recently. I have consumed my whiskey at room temperature for a long time.