Aneamia

Hi,

I was very anaemic post op and the doctors did say I might need a blood transfusion but luckily I managed to avoid that. My iron levels are always on the low side and I have been prescribed iron on and off since the cystectomy. Have they given you a reason for the deficiency ? My diet is not as good as it should be but eating iron rich foods might help. My sister always has low levels but her blood cells are much smaller than they should be so don’t carry as much haemoglobin.

Best wishes,

Jane 

Hi Jane , good to hear from you . In December my local GP prescribed ferrous sulfate 200 mg after I looked like Casper. I have a lot more colour now but a recent blood test still shows low red blood count ( not massively under the normal ) . Apart from a diet of crowbars and McDonald's burgers ( never had one ) is there anything else I can try or just keep on the iron tablets ? 

Hi Quarry . Bit different to you as I did not have RC. Prior to being diagnosed, I was permanently tired and GP prescribed ferrous sulphate which perked me up. When I then got diagnosed with BC, blood tests showed I had pernicious anaemia. I now have B12 injections every 3 months which do the trick for me. Best wishes.

Following my BC diagnosis in 2017, my haemoglobin count fell to 54g/L in late 2017 and was initially below 50 in early 2018 when I was admitted to hospital for a 3.5 weeks stay. Blood transfusions were necessary as the anaemia caused by the main symptom, bleeding, was causing concern. I did not have chemo, BCG or RC because a heart anomaly was discovered. One emergency TURBT and a subsequent tidying-up TURBT in 2018 brought the bleeding under control. After my second discharge from hospital in 2018, ferrous sulphate pills were prescribed for 6 months. I've responded to your post because I'm still here 7 years later, living independently on palliative care and no medication...but not cured. Keep an eye on your blood count as you and the medics are doing, try to adopt a healthy diet and keep fit (taking advice from your cancer team of course). Pleased that your recovery from RC is going well. Life expectancy will look after itself but it is a natural background concern for everyone on the forum. Enjoy each day and what is probably an early summer. Best wishes.

Ray    

Thanks Ray , best wishes to you and yours