surgery canceled! what?!

Message

#1 Post by **jalynhasbraces** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:55 am

Well we got into the pre-op room and the got me hocked up to the iv and every thing and then they had to take an additional blood test? Well it turns out I'm anemic and have a low blood count. I also have really low blood pressure and they didn't want to run the risk of having to give me a blood transfusion during surgery. Is anyone else anemic? How do you bring up your blood count? We have to see a hemo... a blood doctor. (aka specialist/ expert vampire) lol.
help?

#2 Post by **jalynhasbraces** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:26 am

Come on people I really need some help. My grandmother is going to take me for a crash course till its up unless I can get it up!

#3 Post by **crazybeautiful** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:39 am

My friend is anaemic and is so basically because she doesn't eat the right foods. She is a vegan (a fad rather than a mindset/opinion. It annoys me

- anway...). You may be iron deficient in which case follow Popeye and pump that spinach! Or generally boost your vitamin intake- my relative has just been diagnosed with anaemia and had Vitamin B-12 deficiency (it was very low so he had to inject it for 3 weeks). That is found in dairy, fortified cereals, meats

So really- eat well with iron-enriched foods. You may also be prescribed or reccommended certain supplements

That's all I know about anaemia- I'm sure your 'blood doctor' knows more!

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/fac ... iairon.htm

Edit: By the way, forgot to add-
It sucks your surgery was cancelled!

I would've been so annoyed!

#4 Post by **bbsadmin** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:56 am

I assume they will probably prescribe iron supplements for you.

How long will your surgery be delayed? I'm sure your family didn't plan for this delay.

Please let us know what the blood doc says.

#5 Post by **bbsadmin** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:14 am

Some anemia links:

http://www.anemia.org/patients/educatio ... urgery.pdf

http://www.anemia.org/patients/faq/
includes this information:

Surgery

My hemoglobin is 9 g/dL and I am scheduled for surgery. Should I postpone the surgery?

If you have Hb of 9, you should discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible. Many patients with similar hemoglobin levels have had surgery without problems. If minimal blood loss is expected for a minor procedure, no treatment may be necessary. If a greater blood loss is expected for more extensive procedures, you should ask your doctor about being treated with erythropoietin and iron to accelerate the recovery of your hemoglobin to a normal level before surgery. An anemic patient who undergoes high-blood-loss surgery has a greater risk of surgical complications and need for a blood transfusion, which also carries some risk.

From: http://www.anemiainstitute.org/patient/ ... connection

Treatment Options for Anemia & Surgery

Your doctor may suggest several treatment options for anemia such as:

1) Iron Supplements

Iron is necessary for your red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Your body needs oxygen to make use of the energy or calories in food. If your iron is low you can feel tired and have less energy.

Decreased iron levels may be a cause or can worsen your anemia. If your anemia is caused by low iron levels your doctor may give you iron supplements. For many people with kidney disease or cancer this is not enough and other treatments are usually necessary. Talk to your doctor to see what is right for you.

Most people can take iron tablets but some may need iron injections. Always consult your doctor or your pharmacist before taking iron supplements.

2) Diet Modifications

A healthy diet is important to your overall health. Your doctor may investigate potential dietary causes of anemia, such as a reduced appetite or vitamin and iron deficiencies. If these are the cause of your anemia then dietary modifications will help. Your physician may recommend a visit with a dietitian to investigate this further and identify what dietary modifications are needed. Always consult with your physician before making any modification to your diet.

3) Blood transfusions

If your red blood cell counts are very low, your doctor may recommend a blood transfusion. This is the fastest way to increase your red blood cell levels. A transfusion is usually given in the hospital and can take several hours. It is usually painless, however you should immediately inform your nurse or your doctor if you experience any side effects or discomfort. Most patients feel better after the transfusion but some may require multiple transfusions if their red blood cell counts fall again.

4) Medications

Your doctor may suggest a medication that helps your body make red blood cells. The increase in red blood cells will help to deliver more oxygen to the rest of the body and you will feel less tired. Talk with your doctor about medications that will help with your anemia and determine whether they are right for you.

5) For more information

It is important for you to discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor. Although not everyone can take advantage of the alternatives discussed here, you and your doctor can explore all the options together and find out what is right for you. If you have any other questions about anemia and your alternatives talk to your doctor.

#6 Post by **fromjersey** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:15 am

Crazy beautiful: Veganism is not a "fad" and can be a very healthful way of eating. Dr. Mimi Guarneri is a well-known, healthy heart surgeon at Scripps clinic in La Jolla, is a vegan and has the job of cleaning out the arteries of meat eaters who often don't bother with fruits, vegetables or fiber. Vegans can use Vitamin B-12 supplements but most vegans are not anemic. Plenty of research out there on how healthy vegans are. I was vegan for many, many years and was not at all anemic. I do eat salmon now and then. My cholesterol is 130. At age 79 I just went through jaw surgery with flying colors and I believe one of the reasons is my diet. The point is many nutritionists and doctors do recommend a plant-based diet.
Helen

#7 Post by **bbsadmin** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:28 am

I think what she was saying is that her friend was being vegan more for the fad of it than for the health benefits. She wasn't knocking veganism.

#8 Post by **crazybeautiful** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:40 am

Yes- I know (and like!

) many vegans, but my friend is not one for good health, rather, for attention. I moan about it all the time, but it doesn't bare any insight into the issue here, I know

Funny thing is I actually just saw a t-shirt that reads 'Save a plant, eat a vegan' Thought it was very amusing

*Disclaimer*- I do not advocate a persons right to eat a vegan

#9 Post by **jalynhasbraces** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 5:24 pm

as these are good suggestions I don't see me turning into a vegan anytime soon or well... at all. I kinda love my meat. ^^'
No we did not for-see this coming. I really kind of mad actually, we got everyone (including myself) worked up for this surgery. Even my -surgeon came in prepared for surgery and they wanted to check my blood one more time because they were weirded out by the results from the day before and they found out I was aneamic and have a really low blood pressure. They didn't want to run the risk of blood transfusions during surgery and canceled right there in pre-op. I even had the stupid gown on and iv in my arm for christ sake! we had a hell of a time getting arrangements made to get back home and a hotel b/c we were my family) could stay with me over night. were leaving Sunday and went through the most hellish tour of Dallas and its absolute worse hotel till we moved and are at the hyatt now. NEVER! Stay at the Dallas Plaza Hotel. It has rats in the parking lot and all the rooms are disgusting! And to think I could have been recovering there?! OH MY GOD! I guess it was for the best. Nothing seemed to be going our way til we finally got settled here on our journey back to Missouri again. eh...

#10 Post by **bbsadmin** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:24 pm

So, what is the plan? What is going to happen next, Jalyn?

#11 Post by **ThinK** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 1:56 pm

Didn't you have to go to the doctor about a month before your surgery to check up on you and make sure everything was A-OK for the surgery? I just had to do that this morning. Surgery is in about 30 days and they had to do all their pre-surgery testing to ensure I was good to go.

I have been thinking too on what I should be eating to ensure a fast recovery. Seems like lots of fruits and veggies are the way to go. What about foods to speed up the bone growth?

#12 Post by **jalynhasbraces** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 7:47 pm

I have appointments tommorrow and monday with my doctor and hemotologist. We're shooting for June now. Oi.

ThinK- that's the most annoying thing. My mom had asked Wolford's secretary if we needed any blood work done, or physicals prior and she said No! She said they'd do all that the day before surgery at the hospital. If we did we wouldn't have had to go all the way down there and get canceled on.

I hope this doesn't come off wrong but that secretary he has working down there really needs to get her act together. She's 71 and if she can't tell patients the right things to do then she shouldn't be doing that job! She screwed up telling us about the no caffeine thing a week into the time I was supposed to be off it and then it got canceled anyway!

Forgive me I'm in a killing mode...

#13 Post by **sweetpea** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:24 pm

Jalyn
June.... what a let down. You must have the patience of a saint.
Hope the Friday and Monday appts are positive.
Keeping fingers crossed for you.

#14 Post by **Braceschris** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:56 pm

Any updates in regards to surgery etc? Did you get enough funds to cover everything/

Chris

#15 Post by **Andantae** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 1:57 pm

Jalyn~

How absolutely frustrating!!! That is a huge exercise to go through for nothing, not to mention the psychological regrouping. I am so sorry to hear that, Jalyn---feel free to vent

. Keep us posted on the results from your next appointments.....