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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Done GIST Operation And Baritic Surgery. Have Low Hemoglobin. No Iron Shortage. Reason?

I have been operated for GIST and also baritic surgery was carried out by removing 75% of stomach.

Now i am facing the problem of low hemoglobin which falls down to less than 6.
Bone marrow test was also done but as per doctor nothing found and no iron shortage.
Doctor says i do not have iron shortage.
No leaksge of blood. Taken many hamones, iron and b-12 injections also but no improvment.
Wed, 17 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thank you for posting your question here, I will try to answer it to the best of my abilities.

Well this is what I think is happening. The small intestine absorbs iron from your food, but in your case after the baritic surgery a significant part of your small intestine is being used as part of your stomach now. So there is a smaller area to absorb the iron.
Actually, this is quite a common side effect of the baritic surgery, I am surprised your doctor hasnt told you that yet.
Anyway a temporary solution to your problem would be a blood transfusion.
Has your doctor considered checking whether you are suffering from anemia caused by chronic diseases?
It is a condition which most doctors tend to overlook, so ask him to consider it.

I hope this helped.
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Done GIST Operation And Baritic Surgery. Have Low Hemoglobin. No Iron Shortage. Reason?

Hi, Thank you for posting your question here, I will try to answer it to the best of my abilities. Well this is what I think is happening. The small intestine absorbs iron from your food, but in your case after the baritic surgery a significant part of your small intestine is being used as part of your stomach now. So there is a smaller area to absorb the iron. Actually, this is quite a common side effect of the baritic surgery, I am surprised your doctor hasnt told you that yet. Anyway a temporary solution to your problem would be a blood transfusion. Has your doctor considered checking whether you are suffering from anemia caused by chronic diseases? It is a condition which most doctors tend to overlook, so ask him to consider it. I hope this helped.