blood transfusions and UC

Has anyone had a blood transfusion because of low levels of hameoglobin due to UC? If so what was your hameoglobin when you had the transfusion? Did it give you your energy back straightaway? Any side effects

Never needed one. Curious why you're asking.

q

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I received blood once due to severe anemia. My hemoglobin was a 6, when it should have been 12. I started feeling better within a couple of days and had no bad side effects.

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.

Not sure what the count was (it was low...and they took a 2nd test to confirm the count) but my husband got 2 units and part of a 3rd one in May while admitted. It didn't seem to make a really big difference in the energy department. He is on 3 iron pills a day and just started B12 shots. Hemoglobin last set of labs was ok but the B12 is just below normal and they want to build it up.

His combination of meds and the UC itself just keeps you worn out it seems.

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60 yr old male~Colitis 1st diagnosed Jan '05-cleared up within a few wks. Flared again in May '06 ... left sided UC now, fully involved and trying to get in remission. Acute inflammation-pancolitis-tenesmus rectal pain-granulation is showing some healing started. Osteopena of spine from prednisone DX 8/07  July 07 starting to feel somewhat normal 75mg Imuran 40  mg prednisone (tapering 8/07) 12 Asacol, Lidocaine Hydrochloride Jelly 2%,multi vitamin, iron 3X day, DanActive, chewable calcium, Prilosec 20mg, enalapril 10mg, glipizide 5 mg, zocor 20 mg, baby aspirin, (Fentanyl pain patch 50mg 72 hrs  Morphine Sulf 15 mg twice daily)Colocourt enemas at night. Fosamax and mthly B12 shots.

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!)

Oh, didn't realise. Hope you find a solution. You should also have your B12 level checked..can sometimes be a factor in iron levels.

q

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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