new problems

[khnckevin]

My concern is I am currently experiency low platelet levels and iron deficiency anemia. It has been called Multifactorial anemia and hemolytic anemia. As I read is it a possible sign to a future re-op? I have had one iron transfusion already, but after 3 months I am feeling tired again.

 

[Nancy]

My husband had terrible problems with anemia including low platelets at times, low iron, other low blood test results and hemolytic anemia. He was under the care of a hematologist. He was prescribed a high dose Folic acid, took iron pills daily, and I gave him ProCrit injections three times per week. Even with all of that, his blood would still bump along at the bottom of the range and he had many, many transfusions, and some iron IVs. It was a tough problem for him.

Well into the situation, it was discovered that he had a problem in the lining of his stomach, causing seepage of blood and had an argon vapor cauterization on about 1/3 of it. He also had kidney problems which contributed.

I hope you are under the care of a hematologist. Blood problems can make you very, very tired because they leave you short of oxygen, and low platelets can cause bleeding areas under the skin. Joe had those spots on his hands when his platelets were low.

Your doctors and you are going to have to stay on top of the bloodwork. I wish you well.

 

[Jeanie]

Before they give you any more iron or transfusions, have them check your folate level and albumin level (which will show if you are deficient in protein). The creation of new red blood cells, itself, is multifactorial and iron is not the only nutrient needed. Since you mentioned your anemia is hemolytic type (red blood cells being broken down), have they ruled out a hemangiosarcoma? Some people who have had aortic valve problems develop that, but it usually is 'cured' by aortic valve replacement. I agree with Nancy, if you are not already seeing a Hematologist, you need one.
Jeanie
AVR and Tricuspid repair (almost 7 weeks post-op)

 

[ALCapshaw2]

My concern is I am currently experiency low platelet levels and iron deficiency anemia. It has been called Multifactorial anemia and hemolytic anemia. As I read is it a possible sign to a future re-op? I have had one iron transfusion already, but after 3 months I am feeling tired again.

In addition to the possible Blood Issues cited above, Hemolysis (damage to Red Blood Cells) is a known 'side effect' with some designs of mechanical valves.

The On-X valves have Hemolysis statistics comparable to Tissue Vavles. (see www.heartvalves.com and www.onxvalves.com)
I'm thinking the "Open Pivot' ATS Vavles may also have low rates of Hemolysis. (Need to confirm this).

As suggested by the above contributors, it would be wise to consult a Hematologist for non-invasive treatment.

AL C

 

[khnckevin]

yes, i do see a hemotologist on a regular basis. They were the first ones to recommend a iron transfusion. I am trying to see what other causes maybe besides the hemolysis. It maybe what is causing it, but I am looking for other possibilities. I am curious and interested in covering all posibilities. Hard to work 50 hours a week with the anemia and hemolysis going on.

 

[Nancy]

Have your doctors check out kidney function, do an occult blood stool test and have them palpate your abdominal area for any swelling in your liver or spleen. Those are some of the areas which could cause anemia problems.

 

[tobagotwo]

You had your valve put in in 1983. It doesn't seem likely that it would suddenly start chopping up blood cells now. I'd think that it's more likely from elsewhere. I'd expand the search on other fronts, as Nancy has suggested.

Best wishes,

 

[Nancy]

I should have mentioned that from time to time, the doctors were not convinced that it was hemolysis from his valves. He had one very old large clunky one in the aortic position which was suspect. But even the hematologist went back and forth with it.

My own suspicion was that in Joe's case it really was multifactorial, some hemolysis, some kidney problems, and then the seepage from his stomach lining problem, and in later years, his intestinal tract started to seep blood.

He also had intermittent problems with his liver and spleen due to CHF, ascites.

That is why I mentioned all of those things.

 

[khnckevin]

that was what I was looking for some other ideas, thanks Nancy. I see my hemo again on the 9th. Probably will consider bone marrow test and the others as you mentioned to be on the safe side.

 

[khnckevin]

update, blood work came back better hemo to 13.4 and platelets to 135 almost normal. 5 day work week allowing my body to rest and recover. Sorry no more 6 day work weeks for me. Can't let my body run down.