[JohnnyGator]

If I am in the wrong area I apologize. If you would direct me to the correct forum, in the future, I will act accordingly. I am looking for some answers and I some how ended up here.I will attempt to give the short version of my dilemma.
I have been hospitalized twice in the last twelve months, both times for a minimum stay of no less than 10 to 17 days. It was discovered both times, by accident that my hematocrit was 20 , my hemoglobin was 7. I had a blood transfusion both times I was in the hospital. I also had infusions of iron, potassium. antibiotics, fluid etc: The doctor said he had not ever seen a patient with an iron level as low as ,mine. The first stay I had a DVT that became a Bi pulmonary embolism. I ran a low grade fever both times. I have had all of your standard GI test. multiple times with negative results. It appears I am not losing blood but, possibly I am not producing new red blood cells or. I am producing them at a rate not able to keep up with my body. I have a Doctors appt 5/2/08 with an internist from my last hospital stay. It has not been but a week since my discharge, so we will not be able to see if I am reticulating my blood. I have the usual specialist, GI, Hemo/ Oncologist, etc: I experienced most of the side effects while in the hospital. Low grade fever, rapid heart beat, shortness of breath. high BP, night sweats ( until I had the blood transfusion) I feel it is time to move past the GI docs and have the Hemo doctors begin to run test on my bone marrow and my blood work. I am not getting any answers or help. I am getting frustrated. I am a male. I will be 50 years old in less than 2 weeks. I was in relatively good health until, the incident last year. I have since steadily declined. I do not smoke, drink, or take illicit drugs. I was an athlete that exercised and watched my food intake very carefully until all of this reared it's head. I am fatigued most of the time and I do not sleep well. I found this site and thought I would reach out to the people on this forum. According to my short time here, there appears to be many people with a deep knowledge and vast understanding of this anemic / low iron dilemma. I have taken up more time and space than I intended but, as I am sure most of you are aware, I have given what I consider the bare minimum and could expound for days and, still not convey my thoughts or all the things that have transpired.

If you would be so kind to help me in the right direction or , share some of your thoughts, ideas or personal experiences with myself and the forum, I would be greatly indebted to you. Thanking you in advance.


JG