Anaemia

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Anyone suffered iron deficient anemia. Had a few blood tests, seems my ferritin and haemoglobin levels are low. Colonoscopy and endoscopy beckon, deep joy. Seems I probably have some sort of internal long term minor bleed, the colonoscopy/endo might find the cause, anyone else had the same, wonder if I will get to keep the pictures
I'm 60 so they are taking it pretty seriously.
Just wondered if anyone else had had the same and it turned out non serious?
Matt
 
I haven't but many over-60's have had iron deficiency anaemia ... your Dr is doing the right thing by ordering the endoscopy/colonoscopy as the deficiency can sometimes be linked to problems in the stomach or digestive tract, including the colon. However there are a number of other reasons, including the use of drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin or inappropriate diet etc so the tests will help rule out more serious problems. Some people have had quite serious bleeding from the bowel, which stops without any rhyme or reason, and drugs/procedures are available where the bleeding is a problem.
Both procedures are 'invasive' obviously but are more uncomfortable than anything else, so nothing to really worry about there ... in the case of the endoscopy, if the idea of having the scope down your throat bothers you, you can elect for sedation to make the procedure less uncomfortable.
Whatever, hope it all goes well for you :)
 
As above, can occur quite often as you get older. Often down to dietary changes or benign conditions. You just need to make sure it's not cancer, given that 1 in 3 will now develop some form of cancer.
 
Don't worry about the #oscopies - the camera's pretty small in diameter (far narrower than a decent poo!) and they do wash it between patients! Well worth it for peace of mind
 
Just out of interest have you noticed any blood in your poo etc?

It could be you are just anemic.

My missus gets low iron as well and tops up with tablets.
 
Been there done that and have the T shirt.
In my case it was down to piles and was sorted by a quick op. The first dump afterwards was like giving birth:oops: :$
 
Cheers all, no visible sign of blood loss. All started when I started getting headaches 3 months ago, after 3 weeks I went to the Docs as I never get headaches. Long story but both kids have Arnold Chiari, hence the visit to Docs and a follow up brain scan, then blood test(s) which found the anemia and very low iron count and follow up scopes sometime soon.
Internet says there are 3 main causes, diet, poor take up of iron and lastly blood loss, first two I doubt. Blood loss splits into a number of causes, cancer being one, cant see I have any symptoms to suggest that other than possible invisible blood loss (had piles years ago so I know what they are all about, dont think its a re-occurence, in some ways I wish it was). Not too concerned about the "procedure", waiting for the appointment is a bit stressful though, but to be fair as they are trying to rule out cancer I should get one in a couple of weeks on teh NHS, if not then the private insurance will kick in.

Odds are it isnt cancer, just wondered if anyone else had actually had the same symptoms to see what the odds were of me having some other non threatening condition,like an ulcer or having developed coeliac disease, trouble is without any other symptoms it's hard to try and work out what else it could be, guess we always fear the worst and having had 2 close relatives die at a young age through cancer doesnt help (Mum & Brother - theirs was probably smoking related though, I have never smoked).

Thanks for all the kind words of re-assurance, suppose I'll have to man up and wait for some sort of diagnosis in due course.

Matt
 
Have you been sent/have you used the "s***sticks"? They are reckoned to spot most bowel cancer at an early stage.
I've a mate who says they are too embarassing to use so would rather take his chances. Silly Billy.
 
Just a quick update.
Procedure done today, top and bottom camera insertion, actual procedure was fine as I took the sedation option, still awake and talk during the procedure, the bottom one anyway ;)
The previous day I had to stop eating after 9am and that wasn't easy. The laxative was awful 2 litres of it, the effect wasn't particularly pleasant either.
Procedure found nothing that could be causing the problem so it's iron and hope it sorts it.
Worry of polyps and cancer were weighing heavily on me so that's massive masive relief.

Upshot really is if my experience is anything to go by then get it done and you have little to worry about, can't thank the staff at Hemel enough or the NHS.

Matt
 
Glad that nothing sinister was found. Yup, the Fleet (or whatever brand they use these days!) "tube clearer" tastes pretty awful but it works pretty damn well. Somewhere on the web is a graphic description of the effects - very funny and remarkably accurate at the same time!
 
Nod said:
Glad that nothing sinister was found. Yup, the Fleet (or whatever brand they use these days!) "tube clearer" tastes pretty awful but it works pretty damn well. Somewhere on the web is a graphic description of the effects - very funny and remarkably accurate at the same time!
Click to expand...

Not the 'agent picolax' thread that originated on Singletrackworld forum by any chance ?
 
Very possibly. Just reading the tale almost made me evacuate as effectively as the doses of the stuff I've had to take for assorted procedures!
 
I've just read the 'Agent Picolax' saga, it took me ages as I couldn't see to read it through the tears of laughter and my ribs are going to be sore in the morning. A true classic!
 
MatBin said:
still awake and talk during the procedure, the bottom one anyway ;)
Click to expand...

Hope they gave it a bit of a rinse between insertions. :D ;)

Glad all went well & the major worries now eased. :cool:
 
Great writeup on picolax, mine was called moviprep, had picolax years ago, moviprep tasted even worse, effects pretty similar though. Tbh I feel a million times more cheerful (thanks for the welll wishes and kind words) than I had been feeling, all of a sudden the future looks a whole lot brighter.
 
That is the funniest thread I've read in ages hope I never have to meet agent Picolax
 
BTW, the epic fart after the lower route shuftiscope makes it almost worthwhile!!!
 
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