Partial Gastrectomy - Iron Defeciency

Partial Gastrectomy - Iron Deficiency
by swirllight


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swirllight
Female
Member since Jun 2009  



, Jun 26, 2009 02:42PM
10 years ago I had a partial gastrectomy due to high grade severe dysplaisa. The lower half of my stomach and upper part of my small intesetine was removed.  Because I have no intrinsic factor I am unable to absorb B-12 and Iron.  I have monthly B-12 injections and get an iron infusion about every 12 - 14 months.  I live about 6 months  a year with a ferritin level of under 30 - which complicates my life with iron deficiency symptoms - but apparently the level is not low enough or symptomatic enough to allow for the infusion.  I struggle with fatigue, depression, poor cognition, poor memory, night sweats, leg cramps, sores in and around my mouth and a litany of others symptoms. My nails are spoon shaped with ridges running lengthwise, my hair is thinning, and I feel quite hopeless.  It is a horrifying feeling waiting for the blood test results and having the serum ferritin come in at 21 or 15 and know that it is still not low enough for the infusion.  Can you give me any suggestion to help me maintain a higher quality of life while working with the medical and insurance communities?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The decision of whether you need an infusion or not should be made in conjunction with your hematologist.

Certainly, some of the symptoms you describe can be associated with iron deficiency.  I would also place zinc deficiency on the list as well.

Looking outside iron deficiency, you can also consider thyroid problems, as well as other metabolic diseases like electrolyte imbalances and rheumatologic disease.   Obtaining a metabolic panel as well as thyroid and an ANA test should all be considered as part of the workup.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd