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My Dad has been suffering from Anemia for the past few months. First he was going in for blood infusions, now he is doing Iron infusions, usually 2 hours a week. Well apparently his iron is not going up, so on Thursday he is going in for a 7 hour infusion.
Obviously the first thing I think about is leukemia, but the doctor doesn't think it is. Think?? Should a Doctor know for sure of not?
I am really worried, my dad has a and heart and his feet and legs are swollen all the time now in spite of taking diuretics. He is out of breath all the time, weak and tired. My Dad is 83 years old! Yeah I know. It's so sad because I have 2 little girls and afraid he wont be around to see them grow up.
Has anyone heard of a condition that would be causing this?
Not to worry you, but most of those symptoms could be caused by congestive heart failure...which is slow, progressive disease. Not sure about the anemia, though--that could be a different issue....have you asked your Dad's primary care provider--or your Dad--if he has congestive heart failure?
He has had several heart attacks and about 5 open heart surgeries. His heart is in very bad shape and we are all aware of it. He was told not much else they can do to help, his arteries are too calcified.
But now this severe anemia has cropped up. I asked my step mom if they thought it the doctors thought it was leukemia and the doctors didn't seem to think so. I think they are sending him to a hematologist, but he goes in for a 7 hour infusion tomorrow. it sounds like some form of cancer to me and my step mother, I just don't know why doctors cant figure it out or because of his advanced age, they aren't really looking that hard.
I agree with the above post, it sounds like CHF. The anemia could be caused by anything (including some sort of internal bleeding) The fatigue and the swollen areas are part of the bad heart most probably. My MIL had to go for blood transfusions all the time because of anemia. When she died it was due to excessive bleeding ulcers.
well thats bad news, but then he is 83. I don't know what I expected, but that's life. When my Dad dies, I have nobody, this is the problem when a father remarries and when has babies late in life.
You have my complete understanding...it's very rough...I lost my Mom to congestive failure at 80, then my Dad, also 80, six months later to a heart attack. We always believe our parents will live forever and it's so hard for us when they don't...since my parents died, I've made a family out of friends...and my best friend is my DH. But I miss my parents and speak to them in my mind so often...if you love someone, they never really die, they live on in our hearts. Be strong to help your Dad through this passage...and be very kind to yourself right now.
He has had several heart attacks and about 5 open heart surgeries. His heart is in very bad shape and we are all aware of it. He was told not much else they can do to help, his arteries are too calcified.
But now this severe anemia has cropped up. I asked my step mom if they thought it the doctors thought it was leukemia and the doctors didn't seem to think so. I think they are sending him to a hematologist, but he goes in for a 7 hour infusion tomorrow. it sounds like some form of cancer to me and my step mother, I just don't know why doctors cant figure it out or because of his advanced age, they aren't really looking that hard.
Go to WEBMD pretty good symptom identification....But you'll know for sure when his Dr. diagnosis him. Spend your time w/ him.....not worrying. Research foods that are rich in iron...83 is a long life....Lucky to have him. Prayers going out to you. Keep us posted.
If your Dad is being treated with iron, then he has been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, because that is the only type of anemia that can be treated with iron.
He should also be evaluated to determine the cause of the iron deficiency, which is usually blood loss. Sometimes such blood loss can be occult - hidden - and loss in the stool is one of the most common ways for that to happen. Colon cancer can do it. So while the anemia is being treated, the source of the blood loss must be found and treated. If he continues to lose blood, no amount of iron is going to work. Its like trying to fill a leaky bucket wit water.
A symptom of severe anemia from any cause is fatigue, and severe anemia can precipitate heart failure, especially in someone who already has heart disease.
So the big question is, "Why does he have iron deficiency." Answer that, and the treatment should produce quick results.
well thats bad news, but then he is 83. I don't know what I expected, but that's life. When my Dad dies, I have nobody, this is the problem when a father remarries and when has babies late in life.
I know what you mean... I lost both of my parents in my early 20s. My dad was 52 when I was born and my mom was 38. They both died from cancer.
I do have a large family, however.
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