blood transfusions and UC

Never needed one. Curious why you're asking.

q

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Hi - Yes, I had to have a transfussion about 2 1/2 years ago. My Hemoglobbin was 76. The normal range for a male of my age at the time was 135-190. I didn't notice much of a difference but I only got one unit. Probably should have had two.

Thanks for all those comments.

Quincy,

My H/globin was low when I got my severe attack in May. Family-history of low iron problems and I've struggled to get it back up. I find it very hard to take iron tablets - bad reaction on tummy. I was wondering whether there is other ways to get your iron levels up.

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15 mg Pred (yuck!)

When my UC came on, it was sudden, fast and furious. But it took them a while to diagnose it....
By the time I got to the hospital, my count was down to 2, and I needed six blood transfusions, even before they figured out it was UC. After that, I never needed another one, nor did I take iron.
One other time, my count dropped to 11 but I just ate well, rested and it came back to normal.

Also, since I have the characteristics of Thalassemia (a genetic disiorder of Mediterranean people), which means my red blood cells tend to be all small instead of varied in size, they do not like to prescribe iron. With this form of anemia, you have plenty of iron, it just is not carried efficiently. I have been told that it is not good to overdosed with iron.

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diagnosed with UC in 1962
regualr meds:
Asulfadine (500mg tablets, 6 daily)
Folic Acid
Zantac as needed
open heart surgery in 2005 for removal of aortic root aneurysm