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My Story, So Far
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10-11-2006, 06:03 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 25
Hysterectomy: November 6th, 2006
Ovaries: Undecided
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My Story, So Far
If I jump around and don't make much sense, please forgive me.....one symptom of anemia is lack of concentration and I've been feeling pretty fuzzy lately!
I've been having menstrual problems for years. I had been diagnosed with PCOS but can't take the medication because it made me violently ill. I also have hypothyroidism. Any hormonal method of controlling cycles was out of the question too because, again, they meds made me sick. Over the course of the last 2 years they have been so bad I was hemmorhaging. November 04 was my first ER visit. They didn't find anything wrong, neither did the doctor on that follow-up. I had two more hospital visits in 2006, and the last one (til now) in April 2006. Still didn't find anything. I went to a different gyn, who told me there was nothing wrong and that I had to "bleed it out" because the lining had to come out anyway.
In the meantime, I had been researching hysterectomies and was told by both several doctors and my insurance company that it would not be covered because it was determined "nothing was wrong." Of course, due to prolonged bleeding and severe cramps, there has been no sex life whatsoever in the past year.
Friday afternoon I started hemmorhagging again, so bad that my IUD bled out. Due to past experiences I waited til Sunday morning to go to the emergency room (at a different hospital in a city further away). And finally got some answers! I was losing so much blood that I was pale and tachy. They immediately gave me morphine for pain and fluids. After several pelvics and the two usual ultrasounds, it was decided I needed a D & C. I was feeling okay enough to walk around. BIG mistake. I passed out instead.
I had the emergency D & C Sunday evening and was able to leave the hospital on Monday, with a follow up US and gyn appointment scheduled for Friday. This new gyn can't beleive what I've been through in the past two years and will make sure everything is taken care of.
So I am home and resting. My hemoglobin count in April (during a hemmorhage) was 12.8. Sunday it was 8.6. Monday morning it was 7.8. Last night I started developing severe headaches and my neck/upper shoulder and chest actually hurt to the touch. Is this just the anemia? I can't walk around my house without feeling totally winded and the only time I'm comfortable is when I'm sleeping.
My new gyn is out of the office til Friday but I was told to really push the fluids, so that's what I'm doing. And taking Advil for the pain. I have no affects from the D & C, just the anemia. I am almost excited to see the doctor on Friday to finally get all this taken care of. I'm so sick and tired of dealing with the pain, the cramps, the mess, everything!
Anyone else ever had an experience like this?
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10-11-2006, 06:39 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 379
Hysterectomy: September 29th, 2006
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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My Story, So Far
Yes I HAVE had heavy bleeding and severe anemia. Everything but the neck/shoulder/chest hurting to the touch part. (I did however have a very sore TONGUE which it turns out is symptomatic of anemia - whoda known?) 7.8 is very low hemoglobin. Do you know what your hematocrit is? Every time mine went below 22 I received two units of whole blood - outpatient at first but as time went on it became more and more of an emergency (and up to 4 units transfused). I know most people don't like the idea of blood transfusion but when you're that anemic it's hard on your heart and other organs, there is always a danger of fainting and as you found out, you don't always know you're about to faint so you can't get out of danger, like off the highway. And your immunity is down, leaving you open to viruses and germs right at the beginning of cold/flu season. Donated blood is screened very carefully. I am glad that I was a blood donor for years (before I got too anemic to donate) and I am grateful that the blood bank was there for me when I needed it. It saved my life. Now that I am no longer bleeding all the time, I intend to build my blood back up and head for the nearest Red Cross blood drive.
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10-11-2006, 07:17 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 25
Hysterectomy: November 6th, 2006
Ovaries: Undecided
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My Story, So Far
Thank you for your reply! How long does it take to get back to feeling normal with anemia? All I've been wanting to do is sleep! I have a trip scheduled this weekend and am worried that I won't be able to make it, even though I dont' have to drive much and can use a wheelchair (I'm that tired!). They doctor did mention the possibility of a transfusion but decided against it. I was sent home and told to take slow-release iron w/OJ and lots of vitamins, which I am. I figured rest was just a given! As far as passing out, I guess I am one of those lucky ones who just "know" its going to happen. I was able to get to someone before I passed out at the hospital, thankfully!
I just can't wait til this is over and I'm feeling even halfway better. The D & C was a godsend, but this anemia is for the dogs!
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10-11-2006, 07:29 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 379
Hysterectomy: September 29th, 2006
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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My Story, So Far
To answer the question How long does it take to feel normal? Have you ever seen a houseplant that is limp and wilted from dehydration? And have you been amazed how it perked up and stood up and looked healthy after you gave it water? It's like that. 4 AM you can't even stand up due to low blood volume - you are white as a ghost, tachy, and feel like you're gonna die. You receive two units (along with saline or Ringer's Lactate) over four hours and feel perfectly fine and like you could run a marathon and your cheeks are pink and you tell them Okay thanks I'll just be going now, and they say No no no you still need another two units and you say Oh Bother and after ANOTHER four hours your veins actually have BLOOD in them so your heart has something to push and it feels great. Till next week when you hemorrhage again and lose four pints of blood over three hours...
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10-12-2006, 07:42 PM
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Posts: 36,890
Hysterectomy: November 14th, 2000
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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My Story, So Far
Since you did not have a transfusion to "instantly" bring up your hemoglobin, it may take a bit before your hemoglobin is high enough for you to feel "perky." Even with a transfusion I did not "perk right up." It took me awhile.
in there and best wishes for your upcoming dr's appt!
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10-13-2006, 08:54 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 6,719
Hysterectomy: February 18th, 2005
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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My Story, So Far
(((Zookeeper16))),
I am so sorry you have had such a horrible time. My story is actually very similar to yours. I had only enough energy to get up and do a chore and then go back to sleep. I was bleeding so much it was impossible to keep my iron level up even with mega supplements. Do let us know what your Dr says. I hope he has some answers for you and can help you start on the road to feeling better soon.
,
Kay
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