Dr. Hive: Severe Iron Deficiency, please advise

[abrightmom]

:001_smile: My levels are really low....a 3!! Normal is 12+ for a not pregnant woman. The nurse called it a "severe iron deficiency" and said she is surprised I'm not asleep while standing up. :lol: I've felt horrendous for months and finally had a physical. I've known something isn't right as I've slid downhill. Vitamin D is also low but not as alarmingly low (and seems more normal for those of us living in the northwest). Doctor prescribed this:

 

1000 IUs vit. D3 daily

 

325 mg Ferrous Sulfate 1x a day for the first week then 2x a day indefinitely. Take 100 mg Vitamin C with the first dose of the day to aid in absorption. Re-test in 12 weeks. In the meantime I'll see him again to trouble shoot why I'm so low.

 

Thoughts? Advice? Does this sound okay? Thank-you for your help.

[PentecostalMom]

Mine was recently 5.6. I take this 2x day: 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate + Vitamin C to help absorption. This much iron *can* cause constipation so ask or watch for that as well.

[Staceyshoe]

Wow! I'm so so glad you got checked out!! I really wonder if there is a problem with you absorbing nutrients from your food. I was just reading that anemia is the most common symptom for celiac disease, but other intestinal issues can cause absorption problems also.

[Canadianmumof5]

:001_smile: My levels are really low....a 3!! Normal is 12+ for a not pregnant woman. The nurse called it a "severe iron deficiency" and said she is surprised I'm not asleep while standing up. :lol: I've felt horrendous for months and finally had a physical. I've known something isn't right as I've slid downhill. Vitamin D is also low but not as alarmingly low (and seems more normal for those of us living in the northwest). Doctor prescribed this:

 

1000 IUs vit. D3 daily

 

325 mg Ferrous Sulfate 1x a day for the first week then 2x a day indefinitely. Take 100 mg Vitamin C with the first dose of the day to aid in absorption. Re-test in 12 weeks. In the meantime I'll see him again to trouble shoot why I'm so low.

 

Thoughts? Advice? Does this sound okay? Thank-you for your help.

 

BTDT

I'm taking the same. I take it at night with the Vit C. I'd recommend Slow Fe. It releases the iron slowly rather than all at once. I haven't had any GI issues at all while I've been doing this iron therapy. I definitely feel better.

 

Hope you start feeling better soon.

[sbgrace]

I highly recommend Ferrochel (Ferrous Bis-glycinate). It will raise levels faster at lower doses with far less side effects like constipation. Here is a study.

It is concluded that daily supplementation with Ferrochel was significantly more effective, in spite of the lower dose, than supplementation with ferrous sulfate.

There are lots of studies showing similar things if you want to google. It's absorbed at least 3 x's as well by the body. Take it with vitamin C. My son took Gentle Iron by Solgar--it's the bisglycinate form. It raised his levels so fast. He had been taking Sulfate (at higher doses) for a long time without any significant improvement and he had lots of constipation with the Sulfate--no issues with bisglycinate.

 

You need more vitamin D. Most people need 1000 IU per 25 pounds to maintain a current level. You'll need much more than that to improve a low level. What was your level? Labs slips are misleading. Realize anything below 50 is low and anything below 40 is very deficient. The Vitamin D council website has lots of good information.

 

A healthy adult can take up to 10,000 IU per day (of D3 form, not D2) without issues. So I strongly suggest you take 10,000 IU of a D3 form 6 days per week. That puts you under the 10,000 per day. You'll raise your level much faster and likely feel better as it improves. It might also have you at a healthy level for flu season which would be protective. Retest in a month or whenever they recheck the iron. When you know you're in the 50-80 range drop to 1000 IU per 25 pounds to maintain.

Edited October 27, 2011 by sbgrace

[ktgrok]

I highly recommend Ferrochel (Ferrous Bis-glycinate). It will raise levels faster at lower doses with far less side effects like constipation. Here is a study. There are lots of studies showing similar things if you want to google. It's absorbed at least 3 x's as well by the body.

 

 

 

:iagree::iagree::iagree::iagree:

I have problems with anemia during pregnancy, I was at a 7 I believe when it was caught last time. My first pregnancy I took Slow Fe, which is regular iron, and it never did a darned thing other than constipate me. This pregnancy my midwife gave me this http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Hemagenics and it didn't upset my stomach, and worked SO FAST! It was miraculous. I actually was back up to 12 by the next time she checked it! Totally amazing stuff. Oh, and the listed dose is one per day I believe, but she had me taking 2 per day for the first two weeks I believe, to really get it up faster.

[wapiti]

BTDTI'd recommend Slow Fe. It releases the iron slowly rather than all at once.

:iagree:

 

I *love* Slow Fe. When I start back on it, I start feeling better within two days.

 

I'd think about taking even more vitamin D3 than that if you're low.

[twoxcell]

I have a cousind dealing with something like this. She has been having all sorts of tests since July, and her iron was almost non existent like 1-2. She has been on iron supplements for a month or two now and is feeling somewhat better, but is still undergoing some testing to see what is causing the problems. She also had low blood cell counts initially. I hope that the supplements help you and you can find out what is causing this problem.

[jennsmile]

Hemaplex is awesome, glad they figured out what was wrong. Be careful around anything sharp as you will have problems clotting.

 

:grouphug:

[abrightmom]

You need more vitamin D. Most people need 1000 IU per 25 pounds to maintain a current level. You'll need much more than that to improve a low level. What was your level? Labs slips are misleading. Realize anything below 50 is low and anything below 40 is very deficient. The Vitamin D council website has lots of good information.

 

She gave me "23" as the number for my Vit D level.

[abrightmom]

Ladies,

 

THANK YOU for the recommendations. I'll be researching this week. Went to Whole Foods to find the Ferrous Sulfate. It was available in one brand only and the dose is 22mg. :lol: I did the math and this week I'll need a bottle every 3 days and starting next week I'd go through a bottle every 1.5 days! Hmmmmm. That will cost HUNDREDS. So I'll call the doc tomorrow and query him about other options.

 

I was thinking the same thing about the D3....that I'd need a lot more. I think it's possible I wrote the numbers down wrong which is another reason to call tomorrow for a review of the lab results.

[abrightmom]

Mine was recently 5.6. I take this 2x day: 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate + Vitamin C to help absorption. This much iron *can* cause constipation so ask or watch for that as well.

 

Where did you buy your Ferrous Sulfate? Can you give me the brand as well? I'm having trouble finding something affordable and in a reasonable dose size. :001_smile:

[abrightmom]

Wow! I'm so so glad you got checked out!! I really wonder if there is a problem with you absorbing nutrients from your food. I was just reading that anemia is the most common symptom for celiac disease, but other intestinal issues can cause absorption problems also.

 

I'm pondering that and the doctor discussed gluten with me :glare:. I have LOTS of auto immune symptoms (fibromyalgia-ish) and he suggested that gluten issues can cause these symptoms. HOWEVER, the one issue I don't have is tummy stuff.... :confused:

 

BTDT

I'm taking the same. I take it at night with the Vit C. I'd recommend Slow Fe. It releases the iron slowly rather than all at once. I haven't had any GI issues at all while I've been doing this iron therapy. I definitely feel better.

 

Hope you start feeling better soon.

 

The nurse told me NOT to take Slow FE. Why, I don't know. I asked about it because I'd taken it during my pregnancies and it seemed to work fine for me and didn't cause belly aches. But, she said the Ferrous Sulfate is not the same form of iron or something! I don't know :D.

 

I highly recommend Ferrochel (Ferrous Bis-glycinate). It will raise levels faster at lower doses with far less side effects like constipation. Here is a study. There are lots of studies showing similar things if you want to google. It's absorbed at least 3 x's as well by the body. Take it with vitamin C. My son took Gentle Iron by Solgar--it's the bisglycinate form. It raised his levels so fast. He had been taking Sulfate (at higher doses) for a long time without any significant improvement and he had lots of constipation with the Sulfate--no issues with bisglycinate.

 

I saw something at Whole Foods tonight with the term Ferrous Bisglycinate on it. :001_smile: I'll ask about it tomorrow and I will most definitely be researching it tonight (or perhaps tomorrow :D). THANK YOU again for the counsel. I'm so grateful.

[Pippen]

I became severely anemic right before going in for my hysterectomy. I took regular iron supplements (double dose) that my doctor prescribed and added high iron foods to my diet. My iron levels started recovering quickly. I think the prescription was about $4.

 

Do check out foods as I found some that surprised me (like Quaker instant oatmeal packets).

[Night Elf]

Hmmm... my dd19 also has severe iron deficiency. Due to a host of problems, her pediatrician referred her to a GI and a neurologist. The neurologist nearly fell out of her chair when she saw my daughter's blood work results. She said she didn't know whether she should be impressed or scared to death. That freaked us out!

 

DD19 was instructed to take the iron 3 times a day with Vitamin C each time. She is supposed to retest in mid-December.

 

I've not heard the term Ferrous Sulfate. I need to ask dd what she is taking.

 

ETA: well duh, she said the ferrous sulfate is what she is taking. I just didn't hear the term, nor did I buy them for her, so I had no idea. oops :)

Edited October 27, 2011 by Night Elf

[Night Elf]

Now you ladies have me wondering about the Ferrous Sulfate. Why is it hard to find?

 

My dd is taking this brand: Nature Made It says it is 65 mg and equal to 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate. There are 180 tablets which makes it a one-month supply for her. I just checked the Walmart website and they are just at $6.00 a bottle. Is this not the same thing you are talking about?

 

The only thing on her paperwork is to take iron supplements and that is what we bought. Is she taking the right thing? I remember her telling the neurologist that what she was taking was 65 mg and equal to 325 mg and the doctor didn't say that was wrong.

[momchiroto2]

To absorb iron one needs a healthy HCl balance in the stomach otherwise, it is difficult to absorb it. I would suggest taking betaine HcL with it to aid absorption.

[The Governess]

I'm pondering that and the doctor discussed gluten with me :glare:. I have LOTS of auto immune symptoms (fibromyalgia-ish) and he suggested that gluten issues can cause these symptoms.

 

.

[ChrisB]

Ferrous Sulfate is really the worst form of iron and can be very constipating. And, unfortunately, it is always prescribed. I would recommend Gentle Iron. Take it at night before going to bed with vitamin C. Taking Vitamin C can increase iron absorption by as much as 30%. Calcium inhibits the absorption of iron.

 

You can get iron through food, unless you have other issues going on. There are lists of iron rich foods, like spinach, etc., just google it.

[abrightmom]

Now you ladies have me wondering about the Ferrous Sulfate. Why is it hard to find?

 

My dd is taking this brand: Nature Made It says it is 65 mg and equal to 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate. There are 180 tablets which makes it a one-month supply for her. I just checked the Walmart website and they are just at $6.00 a bottle. Is this not the same thing you are talking about?

 

The only thing on her paperwork is to take iron supplements and that is what we bought. Is she taking the right thing? I remember her telling the neurologist that what she was taking was 65 mg and equal to 325 mg and the doctor didn't say that was wrong.

This looks like just what my doctor is advising me to take. I suspect I can get the ferrous sulfate from Rite Aid or Walgreens here. I am, however, looking into the glycinate (?) form as previously suggested by sbgrace. :001_smile:

[ChrisB]

I highly recommend Ferrochel (Ferrous Bis-glycinate). It will raise levels faster at lower doses with far less side effects like constipation. Here is a study. There are lots of studies showing similar things if you want to google. It's absorbed at least 3 x's as well by the body. Take it with vitamin C. My son took Gentle Iron by Solgar--it's the bisglycinate form. It raised his levels so fast. He had been taking Sulfate (at higher doses) for a long time without any significant improvement and he had lots of constipation with the Sulfate--no issues with bisglycinate.

:iagree:

[abrightmom]

Ferrous Sulfate is really the worst form of iron and can be very constipating. And, unfortunately, it is always prescribed. I would recommend Gentle Iron. Take it at night before going to bed with vitamin C. Taking Vitamin C can increase iron absorption by as much as 30%. Calcium inhibits the absorption of iron.

 

You can get iron through food, unless you have other issues going on. There are lists of iron rich foods, like spinach, etc., just google it.

 

Chris,

You are the second or third woman to recommend this over the f. Sulfate. How do I know how much to take? I am so low it seems like I would need more than a standard dose. I have a hard time deviating from doctors' orders because I lack knowledge, experience, and confidence. However, I know I will get sick from the iron and if I can avoid that I most definitely want to. Any advice is welcome. I will also ask the doc about this form of iron and if he could recommend a dosage for me. Gentle Iron looks great and I'll go ahead and order it. I just want to order enough.

[ChrisB]

I originally posted before I saw sbgrace's response. I think she might have a really good idea about dosages. If it were me, then I'd start with one a day, every few days up it by one capsule, and then stop when I felt it was working. From what I've seen, one or two capsules can be highly effective. You might find that your doctor doesn't know much about this form of iron, therefore, unable to give you a proper dosage, YMMV. I also saw that Amazon.com sells it too. Good luck! It isn't fun feeling unwell.

[Harriet Vane]

I don't think your iron dosage is high enough. A safe, gentle way to add more would be to take several tablespoons of unsulphured blackstrap molasses daily, certainly no less than 3. It's sticky stuff, so I usually dilute in half a cup of water and then drink it down.

[Staceyshoe]

I'm pondering that and the doctor discussed gluten with me :glare:. I have LOTS of auto immune symptoms (fibromyalgia-ish) and he suggested that gluten issues can cause these symptoms. HOWEVER, the one issue I don't have is tummy stuff.... :confused:

 

I've been learning a lot about celiac disease lately, as we just discovered that ds has it. Actually, we're finding most of my husband's family has it. One sister had bellyaches when she had dairy. Otherwise, no one (3 sisters, dh, and his father) has GI problems. What I've learned in my reading is that a large percentage of people with celiac disease have no symptoms at all. Other autoimmune problems and low iron levels are two huge red flags for getting tested. A simple blood test may add some clarity to the situation.

[Mom-ninja.]

One of the most common symptoms of celiac in adults is unexplained iron deficiency. I would make an appt with a GI and rule it out.

 

There are over 250 symptoms of celiac and no one has all of them. So just because one doesn't have stomach issues doesn't mean one doesn't have celiac.

[SweetMissMagnolia]

mine is low too....dr wants me to take iron supplement 3xs per day.....I have recently adjusted diet and rarely eat red meat anymore......guess I should have known LOL---I'm really really tired and sluggish and just exhausted all the time.......I've just started the iron this week.....

[Susan in TN]

Cut way down on foods that contain manganese. Manganese takes up the same "space" in cells that iron does, so if you have high levels of it, the iron won't be absorbed.

[littleWMN]

I have Celiac and those were my symptoms: fatigue, muscle aches, headaches. I had ZERO GI problems and never suspected Celiac. My Dr. drew vitamin levels and I was anemic but my ferritin was also low - it was 9. My vitamin D level was also 9. All vitamins were low. So she ran a Celiac teat and sure enough, I was positive and my tTg was sky high.

[Amy in KS]

I was recently diagnosed anemic as well.

 

I think the 325 mg is the concentration of the Ferrous Sulfate, and not the total iron the doc is wanting you to take. My bottle says 325 Mg Ferrous Sulfate and the back says it is 65 mg of iron. I buy mine at CVS.

 

I'm just mentioning because I think you'll need to clarify the dosage for the other type of iron if you try the other brand and not just assume you need 325 mg of it.

 

Oh, and Ferrous Sulfate 325 has made me feel SOOOO much better. I guess I just assumed I felt this bad because I was getting older!!! I've even had anemia problems before and I didn't see this coming. Oh, and I've had slo FE before and don't remember it working as quickly.

[Cindyg]

I don't think your iron dosage is high enough. A safe, gentle way to add more would be to take several tablespoons of unsulphured blackstrap molasses daily, certainly no less than 3. It's sticky stuff, so I usually dilute in half a cup of water and then drink it down.

 

I agree with this. Consume blackstrap molasses along with orange juice or some other high-vitamin C fruit. And what about liver and red meat? Do you eat normal amounts of these? (The iron in meat is better absorbed than the iron in vegetables.) But what about leafy green vegetables? Are you eating leafy green vegetables every day? Spinach?

 

I agree with the others -- if you are eating high amounts of iron and you're still anemic, you have to figure out what what is preventing your body from absorbing the iron. (And I don't know anything about this angle.) But between now and your next blood draw, I'd consume all the iron I could. That will tell you if this is about consumption or absorption.

 

Best of luck to you.

[Joyofsixreboot]

Ooops

[NilaGroveSchool]

You must feel horrible, sorry :sad:. I agree with the nurse, how are you even standing??

 

Everyone is different and has different bodies, with that being said, I have had a lifelong tendency toward anemia, and have experimented with everything that is supposed to help, and for me the only thing that ever budged my iron levels was/ is beef and liver (LOTS)... also when I eat these high iron foods, I try not to consume any calcium products (vitamins or dairy) for 4 hours before or after... I am otherwise "healthy"....

 

Hope you feel better soon :001_smile:

[LaxMom]

I'm pondering that and the doctor discussed gluten with me :glare:. I have LOTS of auto immune symptoms (fibromyalgia-ish) and he suggested that gluten issues can cause these symptoms. HOWEVER, the one issue I don't have is tummy stuff.... :confused:

 

 

 

 

...

 

That's exactly how it presented for me. No iron deficiency, though. Mine (and my hematocrit) was high enough to make me concerned about other issues, but has seemed to normalize back into the high normal range.

[Haiku]

325 mg Ferrous Sulfate 1x a day for the first week then 2x a day indefinitely.

Thoughts? Advice? Does this sound okay?

 

No, that does not sound ok. It sounds like a recipe to get constipated in a hurry.

 

My dd's iron was a six this spring. She had, over the course of five months, 8 iron infusions at the local hospital.

 

Your doctor's response of "take a pill and call me in 3 months" sounds ridiculous to me.

 

Tara

[Autodidact]

I have struggled with anemia for years which is how I was diagnosed with celiac disease six years ago. Even eating gluten free and taking iron supplements didn't fix the anemia. Finally, I went to a hematologist and I've had two iron infusions spaced three months apart. It may seem drastic but I feel like a new woman. I actually can stay awake and do things with my family now. The hematologist said that you can get so low that it is like a bottomless pit that you can't eat or supplement your way out of. There are many reasons for anemia and many different blood tests that tell the size, shape, color etc. of the cells. For me my only regret is why didn't I do this earlier.

[SweetMissMagnolia]

i'm going through the same thing-I've changed diet to eat very low amounts of red meat----my levels were low like yours the last bout os blood tests i had done a few weeks ago...i'm taking fergonferrous gluconate...i'm horribly tired literally ALL OF THE TIME.....

[Lacie]

Licorice will help with low iron, but you have to watch how much you eat. Make sure that you don't have calcium within 2 hours of taking your iron. Calcium will inhibit how your body absorbs the iron.

[lailasmum]

I have experience with iron deficiency. My ferritin was 4 in October 2010. I haven't got on very well with ferrous sulfate and haven't managed to get much help from my dr so don't know what my levels are now. The side effects of the prescribed tablets are too bad. I take spa tone instead with no side effect though I know that is not as easily available as it used to be. I take 6 sachets a day most of the time but I am trying to eat more iron high foods as the supplements are so expensive and that does seem to be helping. Though I felt dreadful again 3 months ago. I always know when its getting bad again because on top of the fatigue and swollen joint and joint pain, my heart races and I wake up in the night in a cold sweat and on the verge of passing out.

[laundrycrisis]

Mine was once so low that I had to refuse a transfusion against medical advice (I did not want it). So my old-fashioned doctor put me on a red meat diet. Gross ! But really, red meat 3x a day with orange juice, the kind with no calcium, for a week. I survived it and in a week my levels were higher - diet changed to red meat once a day, with orange juice, calcium 12 hours apart from the red meat. Oh and NO TEA while you are trying to raise your iron (I mean the kind you drink :lol:). Tea has tannins that can block iron. Gradually diet was progressed down to red meat at least once a week. When I get anemic, I increase it back to twice per week. This works well for me and my cholesterol is not high from the red meat.

 

Calcium blocks iron absorption so keep your calcium and your iron 12 hours apart.

 

Some people do not absorb non-meat iron well at all, and need to get their iron from red meat.

 

Vitamin C helps iron absorption.

 

Black and green tea can interfere with iron absorption.

[Veritaserum]

Whew! I've never been that low and I've had problems with anemia for forever. I finally found an iron that works for me. It's Ultimate Iron by Enzymatic Therapies. It comes in capsules and contains ground up liver, which apparently does a great job. I buy the iron on Amazon.

 

My midwife is having me take 4,000 IU of D3. I buy D3 in a big bottle at Costco.

[LizzyBee]

:001_smile: My levels are really low....a 3!! Normal is 12+ for a not pregnant woman. The nurse called it a "severe iron deficiency" and said she is surprised I'm not asleep while standing up. :lol: I've felt horrendous for months and finally had a physical. I've known something isn't right as I've slid downhill. Vitamin D is also low but not as alarmingly low (and seems more normal for those of us living in the northwest). Doctor prescribed this:

 

1000 IUs vit. D3 daily

 

325 mg Ferrous Sulfate 1x a day for the first week then 2x a day indefinitely. Take 100 mg Vitamin C with the first dose of the day to aid in absorption. Re-test in 12 weeks. In the meantime I'll see him again to trouble shoot why I'm so low.

 

Thoughts? Advice? Does this sound okay? Thank-you for your help.

 

Have you had a transfusion? It would help get your hgb (and energy) up in a hurry. One of my sisters is a nurse who works in a drs office, and their cut-off for a transfusion is 8; the hospital down here where I had a transfusion uses a cut-off of 7. Also, I'd ask for a referral to a hematologist.

Edited November 19, 2011 by LizzyBee

[Cindyg]

Make sure that you don't have calcium within 2 hours of taking your iron. Calcium will inhibit how your body absorbs the iron.

 

This is excellent advice, and thank you for bringing it up. I forgot about this.

[PiCO]

I have problems with anemia during pregnancy, I was at a 7 I believe when it was caught last time. My first pregnancy I took Slow Fe, which is regular iron, and it never did a darned thing other than constipate me. This pregnancy my midwife gave me this http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/Hemagenics and it didn't upset my stomach, and worked SO FAST! It was miraculous. I actually was back up to 12 by the next time she checked it! Totally amazing stuff. Oh, and the listed dose is one per day I believe, but she had me taking 2 per day for the first two weeks I believe, to really get it up faster.

 

This is the Iron I take as well. Other iron supplements just gave me black sticky stools, and not raise my iron levels. Hemagenics keeps my iron levels normal even with the lower dose, and no digestive issues.

[abrightmom]

WOW! You all are so wonderful. Thanks for so many thoughts and ideas. I am seriously pondering it all.....

 

I am having no issues with the ferrous sulfate. :001_smile:

 

I am still working on a better eating plan. Going gluten free has been a tad more challenging than expected. I am hungry! I don't eat red meat very often so I need to add more. Working at eating more greens in smoothies :D.

 

I return for blood work in Jan. I am a little frustrated that I have nothing to go on as to why it is low. It also sounds weird that there wasnt more concern about how low! FWIW, I don't feel too poorly right now. I think I detoxed after dropping the gluten :D. I also feel NO different being off gluten. My usual issues are ever present. I'm committed to staying with it until the next blood draw and I remain hopeful. :001_smile:

 

Thank-you!

[Harriet Vane]

WOW! You all are so wonderful. Thanks for so many thoughts and ideas. I am seriously pondering it all.....

 

I am having no issues with the ferrous sulfate. :001_smile:

 

I am still working on a better eating plan. Going gluten free has been a tad more challenging than expected. I am hungry! I don't eat red meat very often so I need to add more. Working at eating more greens in smoothies :D.

 

I return for blood work in Jan. I am a little frustrated that I have nothing to go on as to why it is low. It also sounds weird that there wasnt more concern about how low! FWIW, I don't feel too poorly right now. I think I detoxed after dropping the gluten :D. I also feel NO different being off gluten. My usual issues are ever present. I'm committed to staying with it until the next blood draw and I remain hopeful. :001_smile:

 

Thank-you!

 

If you add in more fat to your diet, that will ease your hunger. When I went gluten-free I was shaky and hungry until someone advised adding fat. I embraced having butter on most things, full-fat yoghurt, cheese, or avocado with most meals. It really helped.

[abrightmom]

If you add in more fat to your diet, that will ease your hunger. When I went gluten-free I was shaky and hungry until someone advised adding fat. I embraced having butter on most things, full-fat yoghurt, cheese, or avocado with most meals. It really helped.

 

Thanks! I :001_wub: butter and Greek yogurt!

[MelissaMinNC]

I don't have any advice, Katrina, but :grouphug: .

 

No wonder you've been feeling so bad! Maybe once your iron count is up, you'll have a clearer head for decision-making. ;)

 

I guess the one thing I would ask about is taking magnesium to counteract the constipation side-effect of iron - I take a cal-mag supplement daily and the magnesium is really good for uh, staying regular. (Also good for restless leg syndrome, and allegedly helps with chocolate cravings, but I haven't actually noticed an improvement in that area, personally.)

 

I hope you're feeling better really soon!

[mommy4ever]

Another factor that can bring on anemia is hypothyroidism, and it is one of the most undiagnosed illnesses in women. Just a thought

 

I battle anemia as well. My count is typically 2-3, in a REALLY good stretch it's 6. I have been tested for anemia, had a uterine biopsy, have had lots of blood work.

 

The one thing posted here that I hadn't heard about is low HcL... I'm going to look into that.

 

Hope you're feeling better