Iron Count--Great news!!!!

I just got a call from my hemotologist's office.  I had my blood drawn the other day to check my iron and CBC, which he does every three months.
 My Ferretin is up to 194!!!  This is GREAT NEWS!

My 6 month labs (April ,07) showed my Ferretin down to 20.  That is the low end of "normal", indicating iron anemia and in August of '07 I received my first iron infusion.  After that first infusion, my ferretin went up over 100 and the docotr said that we would see how it held, but that taking iron by mouth was a waste of money.  He thought that my new system would not absorb it.  He said I should look forward to an infusion probably twice a year.

I just had to try it because I had a bunch at home that I could not bring myself to throw away.  SOOOOO, I kept taking the chewable ones with vitamin C each morning.  3 months later, my ferretin was still holding steady.  3 months after that, it was up a bit, but I was still very tired so I upped the dosage from 2 to 3 chewable tablets of 25 mg each (75 mg total).  6 months ago, it was up to 178, and 3 months ago it was around 190 and today, it is 194!!!!

This is great news for not just me, but all of my surgeon's patients who were told that oral iron would not help.

I am getting ready to change from the chewables to a chealated iron in capsule form, but still 25 mg each (due to the possibility of tooth decay with chewables sitting on my teeth for a couple of hours each morning.)  I will see in 3 month if it changes at all.

Just wanted to share my story to let you all know that it IS possible to absorb iron orally!

Dawn that is great news! Glad the iron levels are going in the right direction for ya!
I bet ya feel much better too!

Karen

So happy for you Dawn!
Really is good new to hear this from you. 
What's kind of funny is I am taking my iron for first time as I read your post.
Dr has me on 300mg daily for 4 weeks,
Do you notice a big difference in your energy level?
Cathy

Yes, my energy level is definately better than it was.  I still like to take a short nap at lunch sometimes, but it is no longer required.  I'm almost "normal"! 

Make sure that the iron you are taking is chealated, or "gentle" iron.  The Ferrous Sulfate that most doctors tell us to get is too harsh on our systems and we do not absorb that very well.

Hi Dawn. I am so happy for you that you found a solution and your iron levels are up. I can tell how happy you are. It shows in this post.

YEAH!!!! GO DAWN!!

Hugs,
Lucy

Thank you for the encouragment Lucy!

Hopefully, you will be feeling "normal" again soon.

I take a chealated iron, it is easier on the stomach without those pesky side effects.

Have a spectacular day!

Dawn that is great news! Glad you share your info with the rest of us.

Dawn that is great news I a so glad you found something that works well for you,
I will see next month how I am doing as it will be my one year labs,
See you Sat.