He does have regular bloodwork and it is closely monitored. Monthly now since he is on the B12.
My only concern is when you have a doctor for: primary care, endocrinologist, GI, urology, dermatology, VA Dr for military stuff, my feeling is they all specialize in their own areas and I am sure have a "working knowledge" of other areas. Of course they are treating him insofar as their areas of concern and I get nervous in the whole big picture something may not be totally right.
I know I keep referring to the Mayo Clinic and hope I am not putting way too much emphasis on our upcoming visit but I definitely have as one of my questions the typed listing of all his meds, the timeframes when he takes them and if they have any problems or concerns. Insofar as doses or even if something should be taken at a different time than he is doing now.
The Iron Infusion information I have as a separate area to discuss if that is a much better way to go. He's not thrilled at the prospect of a 6 hour ordeal if that is the case.
By the way how often is something like that needed usually? If it is every 4 or 6 months and eliminate the 3 iron pills a day and possibly the B12 shots then that wouldn't seem to bad.
The $64,000 question is why this has been such an ongoing problem for him for so many years. He has been tested from here to kingdom come and the iron always is low for him.
Fortunately he is NOT constipating from the iron - that is the last thing he needs.
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 good days & bad days 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 folic acid 1mg