Long surgery

I had my TAH/BSO/Appendectomy for Endometriosis on July 11. My surgery lasted over 5 hours and I lost a lot of blood. I was given 2 units while on the table and another before I was allowed to go home on Sat. July 14 at 9:30 PM EDT. I am still very weak and I am going to call the Dr in just a minute verify that this is normal. My color is ashen and my eyes are sunken and dark-not just the tired been through hell look either Has anyone else been through this much blood loss? I am not bleeding internally and I have not lost a drop vaginally. My pain is where it probably should be at this point. I am just SOOSOOO WEAK! I fear I may need yet another unit of blood! I am on a natural diet high in iron.Ferrous sulfate makes me constipated so I am trying to avoid it. Help Sisters! Let me know what has worked for you!

Kathy,

I'm sorry that I don't have any light to shed on your troubles, but wanted to offer you a

I'm glad that you are calling your dr. Please let us know what they say. Remember that you need a lot of rest, with your feet up. Are you drinking lots of water and Juice? If not, please make sure that you do...you certainly do not want to get dehydrated.

We look forward to hearing from you....

When I had my first daughter, I had a post partum hemmorage Right after she came out. They wanted to give me 1 pint but it was 10 years ago and I was young and afraid so I denied it. They said okay but you have to take a multivitamin with no iron, AND also 3 iron pills a day. I ate tons of raisin bran and got lots of rest(not sleep, who sleeps with a newborn) But I had help durring the day so I rested. Im glad you are calling the doctor. If I remember correctly, I was so weak I couldnt stand up straight for the life of me and I couldnt breath very well. After a week I felt much better. My doc at the time said low hemaglobin. You might need another pint if your iron isnt helping. Good Luck to you you poor thing. BOY OH BOY what us women go through! Hope your better soon!~Teri

Dear Kathy,
I am so sorry that you had such a difficult time during your surgery. Now the worst is over and you will slowly start to feel better. I have a suggestion for a good hematinic. If you have a health food store nearby call and ask if they carry a hematinic formula made by solgar. In the three pills you take during the day there are 45 mgs. of Iron, vit c, B12, folic acid and best of all
dessicated liver. I know it sounds gross, but believe me it will help raise your hemoglobin and help you to feel better. Always take it with a glass of orange juice to help with the absorption. I never took it with any other vits. I always spaced it so I took my other vitamins over an hour later. It can help. Best of all the iron in these formula was not constipating at all.
I hope it works for you.
Anita from N.J.

Thanks! You gals are great! I asked my Dr about the natural foods stuff and he said it could only help, so my Mom is on her way to the Co-op. My blood looked a little better when I went to the Dr this morning and I am starting to feel better now. I am not going to get another unit of blood_WHEW! I have been very good at being the punctured princess and I rest while others work around me, it bothered me at first but I am getting used to it! Hugs to everyone!

Hope you are feeling better...try the drink (chocolate is best) from the drug store (also available at Wal-Mart...about $2 per can) called "Ensure"...it's got tons of vitamins, etc. to help keep you hydrated .... also tons of water and juices (prune juice, too, for your bowels)!

Good luck
Sandra C
TAH/BSO 6\28

Please! Try Sundown Perfect Iron. Some of the sisters turned me on to Sundown before my surgery. The regular pills gave me raging diarrhea. Sundown Perfect Iron (I buy it at Fred Meyer grocers) promised to be gentle to my system and it delivered.

I took four, 50 mg pills for a couple weeks prior to surgery. I was SEVERLY anemic. My doc said it was the lowest iron level in a walking person that she'd ever seen. Since surgery, I'm on one pill a day.

It is very difficult to reverse severe anemia without supplements, and the anemia can be practically debilitating. I've heard of women fainting, having heart palipitations, shortness of breath, etc.

I'm six weeks post-op and have more energy that I did pre-op. Please work at finding a supplement that will work for you.

Hope you feel better soon!