Hi @navrang. Treatment for anemia will depend on why your body isn’t making enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Once the underlying cause is determined then treatment options can be suggested for you by your health team. Anemia can be a side effect of kidney disease but there are still other factors that need to be considered. Just diet alone might not be enough to bring up your red blood count.
This is a good article to read that helps explain the potential types of Anemia causes for people with Chronic Kidney disease and the treatments. It can be caused by an Iron, Vitamin or EPO (hormone) deficiency.
However, the best source of information for your condition would be to check with your nephrologist/urologist to find out the cause of your anemia and then you’ll be able to get some targeted help for your condition. Have you talked this over with your doctor or their nurse practitioner?
Hi @navrang. Treatment for anemia will depend on why your body isn’t making enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Once the underlying cause is determined then treatment options can be suggested for you by your health team. Anemia can be a side effect of kidney disease but there are still other factors that need to be considered. Just diet alone might not be enough to bring up your red blood count.
This is a good article to read that helps explain the potential types of Anemia causes for people with Chronic Kidney disease and the treatments. It can be caused by an Iron, Vitamin or EPO (hormone) deficiency.
However, the best source of information for your condition would be to check with your nephrologist/urologist to find out the cause of your anemia and then you’ll be able to get some targeted help for your condition. Have you talked this over with your doctor or their nurse practitioner?
I've continually asked my doctors about the hemoglobin and red blood cells. None of them seem that interested in giving me an answer to this or finding the underlying cause. I have chronic inflammation most likely due to my 4 autoimmune disorders. some of my doctors keep telling me to take more iron, then one today told me to stop because my body is not absorbing it. My anemia is not iron deficiency related. It is causing major fatigue and it seems like none of the doctors want to address the problem, other than exercise.
@laurie6 Being anemic is simply no fun! I take a 36mg chelated iron capsule every day, as that seems to be tolerated in my system the best. In the past I have used other over-the-counter iron supplements, but they didn't seem to work.
Has your doctor run the tests to check for your iron, and iron binding capacity? This will determine if your blood is carrying your iron properly: Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you have too much or too little iron in your blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your health care provider know how well that protein can carry iron in your blood.
Has your nephrologist talked to you about chronic kidney care and what to do? Diet is most critical for us!
Ginger
@laurie6 Being anemic is simply no fun! I take a 36mg chelated iron capsule every day, as that seems to be tolerated in my system the best. In the past I have used other over-the-counter iron supplements, but they didn't seem to work.
Has your doctor run the tests to check for your iron, and iron binding capacity? This will determine if your blood is carrying your iron properly: Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you have too much or too little iron in your blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your health care provider know how well that protein can carry iron in your blood.
Has your nephrologist talked to you about chronic kidney care and what to do? Diet is most critical for us!
Ginger
@laurie6 You're welcome! Talk frankly to your medical team and work with them to find what works best for you. Chelated iron is easy on my digestive tract.
Anemia in chronic kidney patients is pretty common. As our kidney function worsens, the ability to carry iron in our blood lessens. What stage of CKD are you? Have they determined the underlying cause of your kidney issues?
In the 1980 -1990s I was severely anemic, and went through many tests. At that time it was determined to be because of uterine fibroids, which were removed in 1999. My anemia was resolved, but later resurfaced due to my kidney issues. I am also a blood cancer patient, and we watch all my numbers every month. Some months I need to have an erythropoetin type shot to keep my system in a somewhat working order. It's a fine line, and finding what will work best for your own system can be a frustrating experience.
I am a volunteer mentor by the grace of our group moderator @colleenyoung. She asked me to join the ranks of the mentors back in 2019.
Ginger
@laurie6 You're welcome! Talk frankly to your medical team and work with them to find what works best for you. Chelated iron is easy on my digestive tract.
Anemia in chronic kidney patients is pretty common. As our kidney function worsens, the ability to carry iron in our blood lessens. What stage of CKD are you? Have they determined the underlying cause of your kidney issues?
In the 1980 -1990s I was severely anemic, and went through many tests. At that time it was determined to be because of uterine fibroids, which were removed in 1999. My anemia was resolved, but later resurfaced due to my kidney issues. I am also a blood cancer patient, and we watch all my numbers every month. Some months I need to have an erythropoetin type shot to keep my system in a somewhat working order. It's a fine line, and finding what will work best for your own system can be a frustrating experience.
I am a volunteer mentor by the grace of our group moderator @colleenyoung. She asked me to join the ranks of the mentors back in 2019.
Ginger
@gingerw I have been severely anemic for weeks if not months. The only one seriously concerned is my primary who I think is in panic mode which is setting me off as I really REALLY don't feel well. Lupus doc took one look at my labs and said I'm anemic. He told me when I see my new CLL doc in OCTOBER (!) to tell him my symptoms and he'll give me an iron infusion. I said "I'm allergic to iron infusions" and he mumbled about different kinds of infusions and left the room. I've never felt this way before. I've said it before and I'll say it again I am literally and physically dying I know without a shadow of a doubt and I can't find a doctor to help me 🥺😵💫😭
@gingerw I have been severely anemic for weeks if not months. The only one seriously concerned is my primary who I think is in panic mode which is setting me off as I really REALLY don't feel well. Lupus doc took one look at my labs and said I'm anemic. He told me when I see my new CLL doc in OCTOBER (!) to tell him my symptoms and he'll give me an iron infusion. I said "I'm allergic to iron infusions" and he mumbled about different kinds of infusions and left the room. I've never felt this way before. I've said it before and I'll say it again I am literally and physically dying I know without a shadow of a doubt and I can't find a doctor to help me 🥺😵💫😭
@jerrysgirl3 Finding the reason for the anemia is the first step to solving it. Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that speaks to anemia. Now, please do not assume you have a nasty disease process going on! It may be a medication is lending itself to creating the anemia. Or your diet is not the right one for you. Do you have access to a registered dietician in your area you can confer with? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360 https://www.eatright.org/ will offer you the opportunity to look for someone in your area [see the red button on the upper right]
It's tricky, balancing everything together. But, we owe it to ourselves.
Ginger
@jerrysgirl3 Finding the reason for the anemia is the first step to solving it. Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that speaks to anemia. Now, please do not assume you have a nasty disease process going on! It may be a medication is lending itself to creating the anemia. Or your diet is not the right one for you. Do you have access to a registered dietician in your area you can confer with? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360 https://www.eatright.org/ will offer you the opportunity to look for someone in your area [see the red button on the upper right]
It's tricky, balancing everything together. But, we owe it to ourselves.
Ginger
@gingerw OMG what a GREAT link!!! Thank you so much!! I've printed out the info and will take it to my new CLL doctor in early October!! I sent my great primary the link as well. Unfortunately I fall into many of the different categories for anemia because of my autoimmune issues, cancer and food allergies. My RBC numbers have been HORRENDOUS!!! I find getting vitamins from plant based foods is extremely difficult. Most of it is crap but it's either stay away from my food allergens or suffer from extreme hives. 🙁. I've had several doctors tell me they would find me a nutritionist - nothing. I've called one - no response. The nutritionist in the local hospital was totally clueless and had me eating gluten free hamburger buns that caused rash!!! I will look at the eating right link next. These are the best....as are you 😊❤️
Thank you.
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Hi @navrang. Treatment for anemia will depend on why your body isn’t making enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Once the underlying cause is determined then treatment options can be suggested for you by your health team. Anemia can be a side effect of kidney disease but there are still other factors that need to be considered. Just diet alone might not be enough to bring up your red blood count.
This is a good article to read that helps explain the potential types of Anemia causes for people with Chronic Kidney disease and the treatments. It can be caused by an Iron, Vitamin or EPO (hormone) deficiency.
https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-disease/anemia-in-chronic-kidney-diseaseA healthy diet, rich in iron building foods is a great way for you to help increase your levels naturally. This is one of many sites on the internet which has good suggestions.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-hemoglobin#iron-and-folate
However, the best source of information for your condition would be to check with your nephrologist/urologist to find out the cause of your anemia and then you’ll be able to get some targeted help for your condition. Have you talked this over with your doctor or their nurse practitioner?
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3 ReactionsI've continually asked my doctors about the hemoglobin and red blood cells. None of them seem that interested in giving me an answer to this or finding the underlying cause. I have chronic inflammation most likely due to my 4 autoimmune disorders. some of my doctors keep telling me to take more iron, then one today told me to stop because my body is not absorbing it. My anemia is not iron deficiency related. It is causing major fatigue and it seems like none of the doctors want to address the problem, other than exercise.
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3 ReactionsHello inactive thread. I fit in this category (finally I know this).
I can take iron supplements up the wazoo and I still have progressive, anemia. Messes up my appetite so I am labeled with an eating disorder now.
I can’t be sure if I’m dying this weekend or maybe in October or maybe not for 20 years. Nothing I’m doing NOW is encouraging my red blood cells.
My dr said I could probably turn it around if I would exercise every day for an hour and EAT MORE.
I’m exercising as I can and eating proper food whenever I can…taking vitamins…
Any suggestions if anyone else has anemic renal insufficiency.
@laurie6 Being anemic is simply no fun! I take a 36mg chelated iron capsule every day, as that seems to be tolerated in my system the best. In the past I have used other over-the-counter iron supplements, but they didn't seem to work.
Has your doctor run the tests to check for your iron, and iron binding capacity? This will determine if your blood is carrying your iron properly: Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you have too much or too little iron in your blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your health care provider know how well that protein can carry iron in your blood.
Has your nephrologist talked to you about chronic kidney care and what to do? Diet is most critical for us!
Ginger
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3 ReactionsHi Ginger,
What a nice service you are involved in👍. Thank you!
My anemia is apparently not iron deficiency but rather it’s called anemic renal insufficiency.
But I’m taking AT LEAST TWO iron supplements per my hematologist(s). And beef liver supplements (my idea) and prenatal supplements (my idea).
It was sent via email so I have not gotten to talk to anyone about my limited options.
How did you come to mod volunteering? I do it on some other topics and enjoy online forums since I’m not always up to going out of the house.
Thank you for the reply 👋👩🦳
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1 Reaction@laurie6 You're welcome! Talk frankly to your medical team and work with them to find what works best for you. Chelated iron is easy on my digestive tract.
Anemia in chronic kidney patients is pretty common. As our kidney function worsens, the ability to carry iron in our blood lessens. What stage of CKD are you? Have they determined the underlying cause of your kidney issues?
In the 1980 -1990s I was severely anemic, and went through many tests. At that time it was determined to be because of uterine fibroids, which were removed in 1999. My anemia was resolved, but later resurfaced due to my kidney issues. I am also a blood cancer patient, and we watch all my numbers every month. Some months I need to have an erythropoetin type shot to keep my system in a somewhat working order. It's a fine line, and finding what will work best for your own system can be a frustrating experience.
I am a volunteer mentor by the grace of our group moderator @colleenyoung. She asked me to join the ranks of the mentors back in 2019.
Ginger
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4 ReactionsGinger,
Thank you for the reply! I have been panicked about this, fine with it, overly focused on it..
The underlying cause has not been determined (yet). I drank a lot for 40 years (not in the last decade) and my liver is fine!
My other health issues are distracting and serious 1) anxiety!
Unfortunately
I have somehow managed to develop an eating disorder as a result of covid-19 and I never even got the virus!
I started eating less to cut down on hassles. Everything is so much work (some days).
That medication you get is exactly what I was preparing to suggest. Epo.
Transfusion is another thing I would really like to try and see what it’s like to be a regular person..
Thank you for sharing your story.
I’m going to go EAT DINNER 🙂
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1 Reaction@gingerw I have been severely anemic for weeks if not months. The only one seriously concerned is my primary who I think is in panic mode which is setting me off as I really REALLY don't feel well. Lupus doc took one look at my labs and said I'm anemic. He told me when I see my new CLL doc in OCTOBER (!) to tell him my symptoms and he'll give me an iron infusion. I said "I'm allergic to iron infusions" and he mumbled about different kinds of infusions and left the room. I've never felt this way before. I've said it before and I'll say it again I am literally and physically dying I know without a shadow of a doubt and I can't find a doctor to help me 🥺😵💫😭
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5 Reactions@jerrysgirl3 Finding the reason for the anemia is the first step to solving it. Here is an article from Mayo Clinic that speaks to anemia. Now, please do not assume you have a nasty disease process going on! It may be a medication is lending itself to creating the anemia. Or your diet is not the right one for you. Do you have access to a registered dietician in your area you can confer with?
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360
https://www.eatright.org/ will offer you the opportunity to look for someone in your area [see the red button on the upper right]
It's tricky, balancing everything together. But, we owe it to ourselves.
Ginger
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Helpful -
Hug
6 Reactions@gingerw OMG what a GREAT link!!! Thank you so much!! I've printed out the info and will take it to my new CLL doctor in early October!! I sent my great primary the link as well. Unfortunately I fall into many of the different categories for anemia because of my autoimmune issues, cancer and food allergies. My RBC numbers have been HORRENDOUS!!! I find getting vitamins from plant based foods is extremely difficult. Most of it is crap but it's either stay away from my food allergens or suffer from extreme hives. 🙁. I've had several doctors tell me they would find me a nutritionist - nothing. I've called one - no response. The nutritionist in the local hospital was totally clueless and had me eating gluten free hamburger buns that caused rash!!! I will look at the eating right link next. These are the best....as are you 😊❤️
Thank you.
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Hug
4 Reactions