Will this solve the problems?

Has anyone had a full GI series done to make sure the anemia really is from the fibroids etc.? What if it is caused by something else. My doctor thinks I'm crazy for putting this off for so long.Do you think the GI tests are overkill?

My anemia is really ruining my life, been putting off the TAH for years. I am so afraid!

Hi ((achill)),
I'm sorry to hear of all you have going on I've had the GI series done but not for anemia, mine was done after my Hyst...so I dont really have any personal insight/info to offer regarding your concerns
Hopefully, someone, with more experience/advice regarding this, will come along shortly to share with you

I did want to send you some ((hugs)) and to let you know my thoughts and prayers will be with you as you go forward with your treatments and possible surgery

Please keep us posted on your progress...(((hugs)))

Thank You!

My OB referred me to a GI specialist to make sure GI problems are not causing my pain. I just had the barium enema this morning and have a sigmoidoscopy scheduled 2 days after my appointment with the pelvic pain specialist (they believe adhesions are causing my pain). It was not the most comfortable procedure, it is nice to know that my lower intestines work great! While I think my pains have nothing to do with GI stuff, I guess I feel better in the end knowing that I covered all bases.

Uhum, I have a great deal of experience in this area.
Can the anemia really be only from the fibroids? Absolutely! I had nothing else going on besides fibroids.
I truly understand how the anemia can ruin your life. By having acute anemia for over 3 years, I ruined my health, quality of life, and almost lost my life due to blood loss - all from fibroids and nothing else. I could go from a hemoglobin count of from 13.2 to 4.6 in 4.5 days, and then be in the hospital for the next 4 days. (that one convinced me that I definitely needed a hysterectomy) Or 12.9 to 5.7 (day of surgery) in four days... Hopefully you aren't in such danger (((((or denial))))) but you could get there, in time, if you wait long enough.
I tried a number of things to slow/stop the bleeding (denial, waiting for menopause, herbs, D&C, BCP's) and nothing worked. I also waited so long that I could not have any less invasive surgery than a TAH. Once it was decided upon, there was a 2 month delay trying to get 'medical clearance' for the surgery. (I had organ damage after the 4.6 which made the surgery very dangerous, needed numerous tests, etc.) Did I say the anemia ruined my health??? I ended up with 12 pre-op transfusions and 3 during surgery.

I am still not over the aftermath of all that, but feeling better all the time.

(I tend to agree with your Doc)

joano

Hi,
Are you having any GI symptoms? Pain, burning, black stools, etc? If the pattern of your anemia coinsides with your heavy bleeding, and you do not have any GI symptoms, then the fibroid would sound like the mostlikely culprit, especially if your anemia is significant.

One easy thing that comes to mind are the occult stool tests. These test the stool for hidden blood, if that is what is concerning you. Maybe you could talk to your doc about that. I think some are even available over the counter now.

The other thing that comes to mind is a second opinion. If you are not feeling comfortable with something, it's always best to ask for another opinion. Even if it's just reassurance, it can be worth it. It's a big decision and one you'll want to feel confident in.

Take care,
Beth