Food to build up hemoglobin

Hi Sisters. I pray that your day went well. I have two quick questions. Is there any way I can get my hemoglobin back up.? I donated my first unit of blood today for surgery scheduled 11/13/2009. My hemoglobin was 11.3. It has to be at least 11 when I donate the second unit next week. Is there any food that I can eat to build it up. They suggested raisins.

Also my second question is if I have my cervix removed, what would be the point on going to the gyn doctor yearly if I don't get pap smears? The plan as of now is to keep my ovaries and cervix, but who knows what my doctor will find once she is inside my abdomen. Hope these questions don't sound crazy.

vedean -

If you are keeping your ovaries and cervix reasons to go to the gyn would:

Get Pap smears of your cervix. It is endometrial tissue and it could still get cancer. Even if you don't keep your cervix many gyns want to do pap smears of the vaginal vault to make sure there isn't cancer developing.

Also palpitations to see if the doctor feels any cysts on ovaries (could happen over time).

Also some members that kept their cervix developed fibroids on it (again since it is endometrial tissue) and those were found from gyn visits.

I can't tell you anything about your hemoglobin item.



G.

You should consult your doctor before you try to modify your diet for medical reasons.

Hemoglobin is made up of iron and protein, and my understanding is that there are some iron-rich foods. The only one that comes to mind at this moment is spinach; I think some beans also contain iron, but I'm not certain of which ones.

A drastic increase in dietary protein can cause kidney and liver problems. So can a huge increase in iron, but iron is less readily absorbed than protein so it's unlikely you'd get ill from iron-rich foods alone.

If you decide to use iron supplements, again you should contact your doctor first, then a pharmacist. In addition to the risk of overdose, iron supplements vary in quality and absorption, and constipation is a normal side effect.

Liver is a food that has often been suggested for those with anemia issues! You can actually do a web search to find several lists of foods rich in iron. A quick list includes green veggies (spinach, broccoli, aparagus), lean meats, seafood, nuts, and egg yolks. You could also give your doctor a call and ask what s/he suggests besides the raisins already mentioned when you donated blood.

As far as yearly gynecological exams after a hysterectomy, a yearly well woman exam can be wise regardless of what type of surgery you have. This exam can be done by your GYN or GP. The exam should include a head to toe check including a breast exam. Some doctors recommend a pap every year (or every other year) whether or not you keep your cervix--well, it would be a vaginal vault smear if the cervix is removed. My cervix was removed and I had a vaginal vault smear every year for the first five years and now I have one every two or three years. If you keep your ovaries, they do need checked as well. Depending on your situation and your doctors, you may need a vaginal exam to check for any issues that could be going on.

Wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery! S

I too have low blood issues. I just had the Davinci procedure last week. I too needed to get my blood up. From what is not mentioned in the previous posts, I learned that dried fruits ie: apricots and nuts ie: sunflower seeds are good for you as well as beets.

Thanks Sisters for responding. I now have a cold which I am trying to get rid of so that I may donate blood on Monday as scheduled. I may have to reschedule that appt.