Pre-op testing question

losin'it · May 3, 2007

Hi!

I just went to my 3 hour pre-op class today and the nurse told me that I have to have another blood test because my Iron levels are low. She said that I am anemic and that you have to be at a 10 or above to have surgery and I am at 11. Does anyone have any idea what the number actually means and how likely it would be that my levels would drop by 2 in a matter of about 2 weeks? My surgery is scheduled for May 15th so I dont have much time to take iron supplements and let them start working and take ANOTHER test so I'm just hoping that the likelihood of dropping by 2 is UNlikely! If anyone has any ideas or thoughts about this I'd love to hear them. I'm really nervous with only 13 days to go!

Thanks for your help!

wolfmaydn · May 3, 2007

Im not sure exactly what the numbers mean, but my doc had me take Ferrous Sulfate 325mg three times a day for 2 weeks. This brought my levels up, and it was especially helpful in keeping my energy levels up during my two week liquid diet.< /p>

losin'it · May 3, 2007

Thanks for responding! The LPN at the pre-op class yesterday sent a prescription in for Iron supplements yesterday but unfortunatly I had to have the blood taken today. I dont have enough time to take them and then have another test taken before surgery so I'm HOPING that my levels havent dropped. I'm hoping that the 2 weeks that I can take the supplements leading up to surgery will help me with my energy and healing after surgery.

JohnnyRay · May 3, 2007

The number is probably your hemoglobin level. Take the supplements and see what your levels turn out. If the anemia is a new thing, the doctor may want to run other tests to find out what is causing the anemia.

Best of luck with your surgery!