big fall in hemoglobin after graft revision

[sullidog]

Every time I have a revision/surgery on my graft no matter how hi my hemoglobin it always drops to 8.9 which makes me feel crappy, I find it weird that it happens everytime, and sometimes it happens after an intervention, too. Anyone else ever have this big of a drop when they have theirs done? I understand that do to surgery you lose some blood, but this much? I guess it doesn't take much for us kidney patients.

[Lovebelle]

I am the same way. Whenever I have a surgical procedure, no matter how minor, my Hemoglobin drops significantly. I used to work on a post surgical unit and we checked Hemoglobins everyday for this very reason. It wasnt uncommon to have to give blood products a few days post op because a person's levels would drop so much. In our case of course its not so simple as getting a blood transfusion everytime we get low, but its not uncommon.

[lmunchkin]

Yes, it can drop significantly in any kidney patient, especially ESRD.  You just arent producing enough RBC (red blood cells) because you have no kidney function.  It is something that has to be monitored all the time.  If your HGB is low, have them check your iron levels too. If you got to take EPO shots, be sure your iron levels are up to snuff too, cause iron helps the cells to build. You may need IV iron iffusions also.

Make sure they check your iron too, especially if they prescribe EPO shots. When J was in-center, his always seemed to drop significantly, but I don't recall it ever happened after surgery.  But then again, he had blood transfusions too.

God Bless,
lmunchkin