Follow-Up Hemoglobin Testing for My Father Post-GI Bleed Repair
My father, a 79-year-old man with no significant health issues, had previously been on a low-dose aspirin regimen, but he does not take any other medications. Recently, he was hospitalized due to experiencing bloody stools accompanied by dizziness. At the time of his admission, his hemoglobin level was recorded at 9.9. Subsequently, a bleeding site in his duodenum was repaired the following day, but his hemoglobin had decreased to 9.0. Unfortunately, he continued to decline after the procedure, with levels dropping to 8 and then reaching 7.4 two days later. Remarkably, he did not receive any blood transfusions during this period. Instead, he was treated with an iron infusion and a B12 injection before being discharged yesterday with a hemoglobin level of 7.9. Upon discharge, the medical team advised him to schedule a follow-up appointment with his primary care physician. However, they did not specify the timing for this visit. My father seems to think he should wait a couple of weeks, but I feel strongly that it would be prudent for him to have his hemoglobin checked sooner. His levels had consistently been decreasing for nearly two days following the intervention. I understand that his recovery may not be swift, but I am concerned about the continued drop in his numbers even 36 hours post-surgery. Typically, his hemoglobin levels sit around 13, a measurement he is familiar with as he has been a dedicated blood donor for many years.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 1:31:08 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your father's hemoglobin levels, especially considering his recent hospitalization and surgery. Given his history and the significant drop in hemoglobin levels to 7.9 at discharge, it would be wise to monitor his condition closely.
Main Points:
- Your father's hemoglobin levels have significantly decreased following surgery, indicating the need for timely follow-up.
- Early reevaluation of his hemoglobin is essential since his normal levels are around 13.
Explanation:
Hemoglobin is an important component of your father's blood that carries oxygen. After experiencing a gastrointestinal bleed and surgery, seeing levels drop to 7.9 is concerning, especially when he previously maintained a normal level around 13. It's clear that his body may still be adjusting post-surgery, and low hemoglobin can lead to symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, which can impact recovery.
Next Steps:
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Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment: Aim to schedule a follow-up appointment with his primary care physician within 1 week of discharge, if possible. This will ensure that his hemoglobin can be rechecked and his progress monitored closely.
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Keep Track of Symptoms: Pay attention to any signs of worsening such as increased dizziness, fatigue, or weakness. If he experiences these symptoms, consider seeking medical attention sooner.
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Encourage Nutritional Support: Ensure he is well-hydrated and able to eat a balanced diet rich in iron (like leafy greens, red meats, and beans) and vitamin B12 (found in eggs, dairy, and fortified foods) to support recovery.
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Monitor Activity Level: Encourage your father to rest and avoid strenuous activities until his doctor can provide further guidance, especially since low hemoglobin can increase the risk of falls or fatigue.
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Educate on Importance of Monitoring: Help him understand that even though he feels okay, monitoring is crucial to prevent any complications from low hemoglobin levels.
These steps should help in managing your father's recovery and ensuring that he receives the care he need. Your involvement in his health care is commendable and can make a significant difference in navigating this recovery process.
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