Hemoglobin

Shawz

Hi,

I know this isn't a moneysaving question but....

My Dad went to see a consultant today as he has been on a course of steroids to deal with a low hemoglobin level in his body. They have said that it has been dropping rapidly and due to this, they increased the strength of his steroids to the maximum allowed. This has not made any difference to his hemoglobin levels.

They have now said that they are going to reduce the level of steroids to see what difference that makes, and review it again in four weeks, but they have also warned that he cannot stay on steroids for ever and if this doesn't work then there is not a lot else they can do

Does this mean he will need to have blood transfusions to deal with this, or will it be the beginning of the end _pale_

He does still have cancer in his body and has had chemotherapy to deal with this and its now (asof a couple of months ago) at a level where they don't need to be concerned about it, they just need to get this Hemoglobin level sorted.

Any help or advice much appreciated.

Sarahsaver

Sorry to hear you must be worried. This needs to be on the health board. I don't think anyone here should give you specific medical advice. Have they mentioned anything dietary which could be implemented? Best wishes to you (look after yourself too;)) and your father. x

Lotta_Littlies

A drop in Haemoglobin levels in cancer patients can be a result of the treatment or the cancer itself. It doesn't mean the beginning of the end and a blood transfusion may be required to lift the red blood cells in the body.

I have found a couple of links here for you:

http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/Resourcessupport/Symptomssideeffects/Fatigue/Causes

http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/pressoffice/pressreleases/2002/november/39646

Wishing your dad all the best with his treatment.

Lotta

Glad

I'ts a little difficult to think where this thread should be,
the 'Family board' is only for tips/queries on saving money in the family/relationship base,
the 'Health board' likewise is about Health Moneysaving, not a place for discuss or ask for advice on Medical treatment,
the 'Discussion board' is the place for non money discussions but this is bordering on asking for medical advice which is against the site rules in any board,

I do think that if you are worried about your Dad's future care and treatment you should make him an appointment with his GP and go along with him to ask your questions, if you don't want this discussed in front of your dad or he is too ill to go along you can (with his permission) make an appointment to speak to the GP yourself