medical question

Emily wrote:
Well, it appears there WAS a good explanation for the fatigue, and it
certainly wasn't depression. Try feeling not tired with a hemoglobin
level of 9.7 g/dl.


For a cancer patient, that'd be pretty good. For one of our total joint
replacement patients, I'd be hanging blood before we sent them home. Glad you
finally have a reason (sort of). Now the question is, why is your hemoglobin so
low?

Iron and Colace for you, young lady.




--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com

Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
Emily wrote:
Well, it appears there WAS a good explanation for the fatigue, and it

For a cancer patient, that'd be pretty good. For one of our total joint
replacement patients, I'd be hanging blood before we sent them home. Glad you
finally have a reason (sort of). Now the question is, why is your hemoglobin so
low?

Look in the encyclopedia under "bad eating habits" and you'll see my name.

All I pretty much do is total joint replacements, and we don't necessarily
automatically give blood just to treat the number- they have to be
symptomatic as well.

A poor diet would not likely cause such a low hemoglobin, unless perhaps the
patient had pernicious anemia. It suggests a further workup be carried out.
Although I am not an internist, a simple dietary explanation would not be
sufficient, and other potential causes should be investigated.

Viperdoc wrote:
All I pretty much do is total joint replacements, and we don't necessarily
automatically give blood just to treat the number- they have to be
symptomatic as well.

A poor diet would not likely cause such a low hemoglobin, unless perhaps the
patient had pernicious anemia. It suggests a further workup be carried out.
Although I am not an internist, a simple dietary explanation would not be
sufficient, and other potential causes should be investigated.


Well, after my last experience, I'll try diet first, thanks. I don't
need other idiots poking around and making things up.

(Not saying you're making this up, obviously, but I'm a little reluctant
to go back to the doctor)

Emily wrote:
A poor diet would not likely cause such a low hemoglobin, unless perhaps the
patient had pernicious anemia. It suggests a further workup be carried out.
Although I am not an internist, a simple dietary explanation would not be
sufficient, and other potential causes should be investigated.


Well, after my last experience, I'll try diet first, thanks. I don't
need other idiots poking around and making things up.

(Not saying you're making this up, obviously, but I'm a little reluctant
to go back to the doctor)


He's right, though. *Something* is causing your hgb to run low and it ought to
be investigated. Go find another doc, pay cash and don't say a word about
flying.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com

Viperdoc wrote:
All I pretty much do is total joint replacements, and we don't necessarily
automatically give blood just to treat the number- they have to be
symptomatic as well.

That's my area as well, though on the nursing side of it. We have just one
orthopedic group in town and the carepath specifies checking hematcrit and
hemoglobin for the three days following surgery. Some of the docs write orders
to transfuse any hematocrits below 30 automatically, asymptomatic or not.

When I had *my* hip replaced, I didn't get a transfusion. I have no idea what
my H&H was but I didn't get treated.

There's a group in Charlotte that's trying out giving Epoetin preoperatively
rather than transfusions postoperatively. I haven't found out how that's worked
out though the early reports were very encouraging. I'd love to get out of the
transfusion business... it's a real PITA for the staff.




--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com

("Emily" wrote)
Well, it appears there WAS a good explanation for the fatigue, and it
certainly wasn't depression. Try feeling not tired with a hemoglobin
level of 9.7 g/dl.

Sigh...back to the steak and no tea diet. The good thing is, I'm guessing
he'll drop his "depression" diagnosis now.


Roxie: Mr. Flynn!
[pretends to faint]
Billy Flynn: Someone open this door immediately!
Ms. Sunshine: Oh, my God! Roxie! What is it, dear?
Roxie: Oh! Oh! Oh, no no no. Don't, don't worry about me. Oh, I only hope
the fall didn't hurt the baby.
Matron Mama Morton: Baby?
Velma Kelly: "#%^*!"

Chicago (2002)
Oscar for "Best Picture"


Mont(eating for two)black