Second Opinion?

[tverb84]

On Tuesday I have a doctor's appointment to see what level my iron is at. I was getting it checked because as of last year I donated blood and the last time I donated in December 2013 I fainted. If the doctor says I can't donate again I was thinking of getting a second opinion about it. Has anyone else here got a second opinion? I REALLY miss donating and want to continue because I'm helping save a life or more.

 

[seoj]

So you passed out after the blood draw because of low iron? If so- you can take supplements if you have low iron. Good to take either way if you have iron issues as it can cause other symptoms.

I personally would pass out- just cause I can! LOL. I tend to get really low blood pressure when it comes to needles- something I've passed out over a few times in my life. Just something I've dealt with my whole life- and it's much better now- long and nothing traumatic occurs I just get light headed and sweaty palms... I'm a baby! lol

Hopefully you can continue to give blood soon! It's an amazing gift

 

[tverb84]

Unfortunately, my doctor told me I can't donate blood right now because my iron stores is 21 and that's too low to donate. She wants me to take Feramax again but next week I'm going to call her office and see if I can get a second opinion from another doctor. I'm not buying iron pills until I can get another opinion.

 

[Wannabe Mommy]

Do you have an iron rich diet with plenty of meat, green leafy veg, lentils, pulses....

I don't think a second opinion will get you the result you're looking for as all they would be able to do is take another blood draw and if your iron is low then that's what it will show. A medical professional can't reasonably suggest or OK that you give blood while you are anaemic.

In my opinion it would be better to address the issue with supplements and diet and then get retested in a couple of weeks to see if your iron levels gave improved you'll then be able to give blood again.

 

[tverb84]

My doctor never told me that I am anemic, just that I have low iron stores.

 

[seoj]

Any reason you don't want to take Iron supplements? My MIL is one of those people that cannot sustain her iron levels on her own- her body just won't. I can't remember the cause- but she has to take iron all the time now. She takes the liquid kind- as it's more gentle on your system (if that's of concern). I had to take the pills after my LO was born- I was borderline anemic due to blood loss. But after a couple weeks all was fine again.

Otherwise, like mentioned- just eat a diet rich in iron for a couple weeks and see if that helps.

 

[tverb84]

The iron supplements are by prescription and cost $22 for 30. I can afford it but haven't bought them yet. Now I'm not sure if I want to get a second opinion because tomorrow I'm going to call and see about getting an ultrasound to check if I have any blood clots when I have my period. My doctor mentioned it last week and after thinking about it I'm going to get it done.