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What Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels?
Question: Mom is 92. Has one kidney. Anemic. Her hemaglobin runs around 10. 8 to 11.4 usually. A week ago her blood test showed hgb of 9.8. She gets blood test every month. She was feeling a little sluggish. Doctor also said ferritin was 35 and iron was 86. They want mom to take Integra capsule, for iron. Once a day. Said it would turn stools black. Also doc said iron pill might constipate her so to eat prunes once a day or take senacot to fight the constipation. For information---Mom had 14 inches of small bowell removed in 1982. Generally has some diarrhea controlled by Immodium.....She has high blood pressure... Controlled.... And congestive heart failure... Watches salt. She wants to know -- is it necessary to take the iron pill??? Shes worried about starting new meds and the bowell issues
Brief Answer:
Yes it may improve her hemoglobin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for your query.
It seems her hemoglobin is reducing, her blood iron levels are fine but body iron stores are low. So iron supplements may improve her hemoglobin by improving body iron stores. But the improvement may not be noticeable immediately as the iron is OK in blood.
The bowel issues are usually manageable. If they are too bothersome then she can always stop it temporarily.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Yes it may improve her hemoglobin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for your query.
It seems her hemoglobin is reducing, her blood iron levels are fine but body iron stores are low. So iron supplements may improve her hemoglobin by improving body iron stores. But the improvement may not be noticeable immediately as the iron is OK in blood.
The bowel issues are usually manageable. If they are too bothersome then she can always stop it temporarily.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor as a follow up please----1 are there side effects of taking Integra?
The nurse talked about constipation
2. We see the hematologist again on September 14. Is that enough time to see a difference? Once body iron stores are better, does it make a difference on how mom might feel???
The nurse talked about constipation
2. We see the hematologist again on September 14. Is that enough time to see a difference? Once body iron stores are better, does it make a difference on how mom might feel???
Brief Answer:
there are side effects as explained
Detailed Answer:
Common side effects are constipation, black stools, bloating, etc. But usually manageable.
September 14 is three weeks from now so by that time we should notice some improvement. Just by increasing stores she may not notice significant improvement, but when hemoglobin increases by 1-2% then she will feel better.
there are side effects as explained
Detailed Answer:
Common side effects are constipation, black stools, bloating, etc. But usually manageable.
September 14 is three weeks from now so by that time we should notice some improvement. Just by increasing stores she may not notice significant improvement, but when hemoglobin increases by 1-2% then she will feel better.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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