Blood Loss and Major Surgery

[ec1968]

Hi folks

I've just had major spinal surgery (my sixth op.) and during the procedure I lost 2.5 litres of blood.

Can anyone give me some advice on how to build myself and my blood back up to normal levels? I'd rather not take iron supplements as I'm already taking meds that cause digestive problems and I don't want to add to that.

Thanks in advance

Eúnan

 

[ajseph 21]

Liver (grass fed preferably). Sardines are also a good source of iron.

 

[Gaby]

Eúnan, what is your Hb and Ht level? If it is close to 9 or 10, you could just let your reserves build up in the upcoming months with the diet.

Sounds like you just had a major bloodletting procedure.

 

[ec1968]

Hi Psyche

My Hb is 10.2

I know from my sister (she's a midwife) that post-partum women with a Hb of 10 would be treated to get their levels up. But for spinal surgery of the type I had (the operation was over 6 hours long) they 'leave well enough alone'. I know it will re-balance itself eventually, but the exhaustion is getting me down so if there is an easy way to build it back more quickly with either diet or aother supplements I'd be very interested.

Thanks ajesph21, I knew someone would recommend liver. I know it would be really good for me but I just can't stomach it I'm afraid. I do like sardines though, and I did not realise that they were a good source of iron, so thank-you for that.

 

[Gaby]

Hi Psyche

My Hb is 10.2

I know from my sister (she's a midwife) that post-partum women with a Hb of 10 would be treated to get their levels up.

In "Exposing the Hidden Dangers of Iron" it is actually documented how this practice has often been counterproductive for both the child and the mother. But more on that on the Hemochromatosis thread and the books suggested.

Your Hb levels doesn't sound like they are too low at all. Who knows, maybe you actually unloaded some excess iron.

I think that what you need is help to recover your adrenals which often get "shot" with major surgeries like this one.

I would follow the ketogenic or paleo diet (depending on where you are at) and focus on eating plenty of meat and taking enough vitamin C. The later one is one sure way to heal your adrenals. You can make liposomal vitamin C:

http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,30416.0.html

Speedy recovery!

 

[ec1968]

Psyche

Thank you so much for the tips. Liposomal vitamin C is now on my agenda - I'd not read Laura's posts on it until you pointed it out and it seems like something for me to try.

Cheers

Eúnan

 

[Possibility of Being]

I know it will re-balance itself eventually, but the exhaustion is getting me down so if there is an easy way to build it back more quickly with either diet or aother supplements I'd be very interested.

I'd also suggest a LOT of sleep as it seems the body recovers and heals mostly then. So sleeping in the right time (from well before midnight, best before 11 pm) in total darkness and as long as you can should speed up the healing process.

 

[Nienna]

I know it will re-balance itself eventually, but the exhaustion is getting me down so if there is an easy way to build it back more quickly with either diet or aother supplements I'd be very interested.

I'd also suggest a LOT of sleep as it seems the body recovers and heals mostly then. So sleeping in the right time (from well before midnight, best before 11 pm) in total darkness and as long as you can should speed up the healing process.

I agree. You may be exhausted because of the surgery you went through and you body is trying to repair itself. The surgery itself is quite exhausting for your body. The being exhausted, I think, is your body telling you to get a lot of rest and sleep so it can heal. It would not help your body at all if you were up and running around. You'd be using up valuable energy that your body needs for recovery.