Question about Iron

I read recently that someone had to have Iron infusions and they weren't pleasant. What exactly is an iron infusion. My doctor put me on one iron pill a day after I saw him for my yearly check-up. A couple of days later the nurse called and said to up it to 3 pills a day. And to take the pills with orange juice because it helps your body absorb the iron. And I have to go back in 6 months instead of a year for blood work. I'm a little worried. Any advice about how to get in more iron? And I don't understand how in this last year I lost so much iron. (Had a hysterectomy, so it's not that). Last year my iron was so high, it took forever to draw blood because it was so thick. One year later I'm on iron pills...what gives? Oh, and he said my protein was low too. I'm a fanatic about my protein. It's my goal everyday. I hope I'm not fixing to start falling apart

Gisela

To be honest the infusions are time consuming, but it is really an IV given over a 2-4 hour period. They give you a small amount and check your vitals then give you your dose. I went to sleep. You might try Repliva 21/7 it is precription but is absorbed better with LESS side effects( no constipation etc). Hope that helps.

Althea

Right now he's got me on BariatricAdvantage chewable iron. They are not bad and I'm not getting constipated, rather having quite the opposite reaction. Just don't want any needles any where around me. And sometimes I forget to take a dose...

Hey Gisela,

I'm three years out and this last time my iron was down to 18...low normal is 30.  I'm taking iron from Vitalady.  I take one poly iron capsule and 4 tender iron tablets daily with a vitamin C and a copper tab to help absorption.

I have my blood rechecked on the 18th.  Hopefully we will see an improvement...

Good luck to you!

C

Gisela,

You may want to pop over to the post-op pregnancy board and look up "Andrea." She has posted a good deal on vitamins and iron. I bet you could search for some of her post and garner some good information or just post to her and maybe she could respond.

Good Luck.

Thank you, Carolyn. Kinda got me worried, so I'll head over there in the morning.

Gisela

I may be a bit weird, but I kinda 'enjoyed' my iron infusion, lol.  I'd been experiencing low iron for a while, and the iron pill didn't sit well with me.  I would get my level up, just to have it back down again at the next check.  Finally, I gave in and asked about the infusion.  I drove myself to the hospital (outpatient) then after they got me hooked up, I read, watched tv, napped and walked around the floor.  After the bag emptied, I drove myself home, feeling MUCH MUCH better. 

That is the way I feel about it. A few hours twice a year and no having to take a handful of pills daily. I do take the repliva in between infusions. BUT I only take it every third day. I literaly enjoyed the DOWN time!