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What Causes Exhaustion After Blood Transfusion For Blood Loss From Diverticulosis?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Sep 2015
Question: 4 and 1/2 weeks ago, my 83 yr old dad was given 6 pints of blood within a 7 day period due to loss of blood from diverticulosis. The bleeding stopped 3 and half weeks ago and he was released from hospital. Previous to this, dad was active. Now, he just sits in his recliner and complains of having NO ENERGY. Anything that would help him with energy level?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi please repeat hemoglobin,electrolytes and do the following

Detailed Answer:
Hi I did review your concern.
I can understand that such massive amounts of bleeding must have taken a toll on your dads overall health. If his hemoglobin is still low after the blood transfusion, may be anemia is still a major cause of him being out of energy.

Sometimes, massive bleeding can cause electrolyte imbalance and can cause fatigue, so I would also recommend you get him checked for electrolytes esp sodium, magnesium and calcium.
Meanwhile a healthy and a nutritious diet helps. Like feeding him with coconut water, moderate amounts of lemon water with sugar and fruits would help replenish his vitamins and minerals. Also any vitamin supplements with ginseng in it can increase his energy however, literature support for this is poor.
Apart from that, motivation and constant backing will help him recover from this post bleeding event sooner than later.
I hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.
Wish you all the best.
Sincerely
Dr Parth Desai.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anil Parth Desai (4 hours later)
Dr. Parth-
Thank you so much. My dad is also a type 2 diabetic. Do you think he could still have coconut water? What about a b-12 shot? Really appreciate your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi, coconut water is good for diabetics and oral vitamins should be first.

Detailed Answer:
Hi thank you for your reply query.
Ofcourse coconut water is good for diabetics for maintaining potassium balance without excessive calorie intake(banana has lot of potassium but lot of calories so not useful for diabetics).
Vitamin B 12 shots are a good idea but if he is responding to oral vitamin supplements and his MCV report in blood report is within normal range it is not of much extra help. I would rather advice oral vitamin supplements with ginseng as initial choice.
Also graded exercise and encouraging to take part in previously loving activities does go a long way in helping him come out of his fatigue.

I hope this helps
Wish you all the best.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Also please provide me feedback of his health and reports.
Sincerely,
Dr Parth Desai.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Anil Parth Desai

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 593 Questions

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What Causes Exhaustion After Blood Transfusion For Blood Loss From Diverticulosis?

Brief Answer: Hi please repeat hemoglobin,electrolytes and do the following Detailed Answer: Hi I did review your concern. I can understand that such massive amounts of bleeding must have taken a toll on your dads overall health. If his hemoglobin is still low after the blood transfusion, may be anemia is still a major cause of him being out of energy. Sometimes, massive bleeding can cause electrolyte imbalance and can cause fatigue, so I would also recommend you get him checked for electrolytes esp sodium, magnesium and calcium. Meanwhile a healthy and a nutritious diet helps. Like feeding him with coconut water, moderate amounts of lemon water with sugar and fruits would help replenish his vitamins and minerals. Also any vitamin supplements with ginseng in it can increase his energy however, literature support for this is poor. Apart from that, motivation and constant backing will help him recover from this post bleeding event sooner than later. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns. Wish you all the best. Sincerely Dr Parth Desai.