Posted 3/23/2013 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
Had a blood test done a couple of days ago and got an urgent call from my G.I. doctor that my hemoglobin count was really low (6.25). He said I had to immediately go to the ER and get a blood transfusion.
Before this, I was in what I believe to be a mild flare. Symptoms were mostly diarrhea and urgency. I didn't realize I was losing so much blood, as my stool was dark maroon-ish usually. Stupid me didn't realize that could be blood mixed in with the stool .
Anyways, I go to E.R. again and they admit me. They take my blood again to get my blood type, as well as check my levels again. My hemoglobin has decreases to about 5.9 now, and my blood type is O-, fya -. Turns out this blood type is really hard to find, so had to wait about 4-5 hours for the hospital to get 2 units of blood.
Transfusion took about three hours for both units. I am still experiencing diarrhea the same color and still have noticed blood, cramping and abdominal pain, but think it was because I wasn't paying attention to my diet the week before. After the transfusion, I have started a low residue diet until I can talk to my G.I. doctor again, which will be Tuesday. I want to limit as much blood output as possible from diarrhea, which I think will persist unless my diet is changed or I am given a prednisone again.
I won't be in touch with my G.I. doctor until Monday the earlier, but should I be taking furrous sulphate pills (iron) in the meantime? I forgot to ask the E.R. doctor this.
Right now, the only medication I am taking is 800 mg of Asacol HD three times a day as my maintenence. I am pretty sure next week I will be given prednisone to get out of this flare, my only second time since I have been diagnosed with U.C.