I need some female advice/help. And or anyone in the medical field.
I will be 50 in Jan. Perimenopausal since 2016. I have a hemoglobin of 7.8. Iron is 12. It was 8.4 3 weeks ago. I have severe bleeding- sometimes lasting 30-40 days.
I met with a gynecological surgeon yesterday. I do not want a hysterectomy nor am I a candidate
I had open heart surgery in 2016 for an aortic aneurysm and currently have an aortic root aneurysm that measures 4.65. The surgeon told me yesterday that if I were to need a second emergency open heart surgery that with my anemia this bad that I would not be able to handle surgery and would die. Her biggest concern is getting my iron up. And bleeding to stop.
They want me to do iron infusions and get an IUD
I have horrible reactions to most "drugs" and take nothing. Not an ibuprofen. Not even natural etc. I'm afraid to try beef liver pills.
I dont do chemicals, no deodorant, only natural shampoos cleaners etc
I am terrified to get an IUD
I need help
You can try with oral iron to stay ahead of the blood loss with Ferrous sulfate, Ferrous gluconate or Ferrous fumarate all sold OTC. If pelvic US shows uterine fibroids which can be extensive and not amenable to cautery then surgery is still an option because this is not another open heart procedure. Granted it is a big operation but they can always give several units of blood to get your hemoglobin up a little prior to a surgery. The aneurysm is likely stable so not a contraindication for an elective procedure however obtaining a cardiac clearance might be necessary but doable. Trying to stay ahead of this may be too much of a quality of life issue with hormones, iron, vit C and avoidance of platelet inhibitors like aspirin and NSAIDS and removing the IUD. Being in Medicine for quite some time i try to avoid pushing people for surgeries but this may be needed and not too difficult with the right GYN and cardiologist to coordinate this for you. I pray for you and wish you well!
