heart surgery

i had my mitral valve replaced 3 weeks ago and my red cell count was 8.6,i was put on iron tablets which i think have irritated my stomach,i have a lot of discomfort and nausia also i get dizzy, headaches and legs ache,can you advise.

[ed34]

Try artichokes for iron, or better still, egg yolks. Egg yolks are full of good nutrients like iron and are like taking a multivitamin a day. Another good source of iron is iron enriched cereals, it will state on the packaging if it's enriched. Eating foods high in the nutrient you require is a much safer and natural way to absorb it into the body. Our bodies don't always like a pill containing single substances.

[ed34]

Have you had your valve checked in the last three weeks?

[alison34]

No,not due to see the cardiologist till 16th Feb,and an x-ray and blood tests on the same day.

[ed34]

From what I gather, dizziness/nausea is not usual from heart surgery. However they are not uncommon with certain medications. Your cardiologist should have a pretty good idea which one is causing the problem.