Anemia and reduced kidney function - Anemia Message Board

flowergirl2day · 09-22-2008, 10:50 PM

Hi,

with so many types of anemia, how do our doctors determine whether or not the anemia is due to a chronic kidney disease in a person with a reduced kidney function?
I just did some reading about that. According to what I've read, people can get anemia from kidney disease as soon as their GFR hits <60cc/min, due to the diminishing production of EPO. Is the process of elimination used to rule out each and every type of anemia one by one? I am curious.

Thank you,
flowergirl

FLFLOWERGIRL · 09-25-2008, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flowergirl2day

Hi,

with so many types of anemia, how do our doctors determine whether or not the anemia is due to a chronic kidney disease in a person with a reduced kidney function?

Hello fg!--Due to my lack of medical knowledge, I cannot answer this question very well. I know that the blood labs show what type of anemia dx that you lean towards. But only further testing would give more definitive results.

I just did some reading about that. According to what I've read, people can get anemia from kidney disease as soon as their GFR hits <60cc/min, due to the diminishing production of EPO. Is the process of elimination used to rule out each and every type of anemia one by one? I am curious.

The process of elimination is based on your health history and current symptoms along with your specific blood labs. So, I would presume that if you lean towards any type of kidney disorder/problems that this would be one of the first things that would be ruled in or out for you. That is my thinking anyway. I know that if I had this issue my Hematologist would have sent me for more testing by that specific doc or not. Hope this helps a little. FLFLOWERGIRL

Thank you,
flowergirl

flowergirl2day · 09-25-2008, 08:31 PM

Thank you for your response, Flflowergirl. I feel very frustrated because I don't know why things are the way they are. I am having surgery in less than a week and will lose some blood. I had to sign a consent form for a blood transfusion, if necessary. I am concerned about not taking any iron supplements. In addition to next week's surgery, there is going to be another one in just a few weeks. I am sure it means more blood loss. I can't help but wonder how that's going to affect my ferritin level and if I'll have any iron left at all when all is said and done. I feel so tired. All I want to do is sleep. It is a good thing I am on a sick leave from work now. I have purchased a bottle of vitamin B50 complex but am not sure if I should start taking it now, or wait untill the reason for the low iron is known (if ever). I don't think it would hurt anything and perhaps would give me a much needed boost.

flowergirl

FLFLOWERGIRL · 09-25-2008, 10:14 PM

fg--I understand your frustration. I would have the same concerns. Sorry that you are going through such tough times. I was scared to have my ablation when I was a 10 something Hgb and ferritin about the same, and knowing there would be more blood loss, however, it was a small amount.

Are you having major surgery? You should ask your doctor before beginning any supplements because you don't know what type of effect they might have on your bleeding. This is not the time to begin new things if you know what I mean. FLFLOWERGIRL

flowergirl2day · 09-26-2008, 11:16 PM

Thank you for your response, Flflowergirl.

While answering questions as a part of presurgical screening today, I made sure to mention my ferritin level to the nurse at the hospital. She expressed surprise at the number. I think they might run a test just to see what it is now. In answer to your question, the surgery I am having next week is a minor one but with quite a bit of bleeding. The other one is a bit more complex (a hernia repair). I don't yet know if they will be doing it laparoscopically or as an open surgery(since I have two hernias) as I am meeting the surgeon next month. I was told to stop my aspirin and garlic supplements rightaway. Also, no meds, vitamins or supplements on the day of the surgery. One product was highly recommended for the anemia, Floravite. I wrote the name down and will keep it for future use. Does anyone here take it by any chance? The nurse said it won't make me sick. Of course, I have to wait for an OK from the doctor. Can't take anything until he gives me a go-ahead.

flowergirl