Iron issues

hi all, so I did my 3 month blood work and my iron is crazy low :( it is only 7. I am taking ferrimax but it doesn't seem to be helping. Anyone else struggle with iron levels? Also, what about iron injections?? Ever tried them? Any feedback appreciated. 

thanks!!!

I haven't had my surgery yet so I can speak from a post-op bariatric person but I have had 3 back surgeries in the last year and they left me anemic and my iron was really low. I was taking 900mg daily and it wasn't budging my iron so they doctor suggested an irn injection IM (intramuscular) it had to be deep in the muscle and I tell you it hurt like an SOB !!! I told her I wouldn't do it again and went back to taking iron pills and let it come up n it's own. I know you can get Iron infusions as well but the doctor didn't feel my iron was low enough to warrant an iron infusion.

I have chronic low iron since surgery 8.5 years ago. I too take Feramax but it always gets to a point where the supplementation is not enough and I am booked for iron infusions, which work perfectly and quickly. Many don't recommend iron injections as they don't work nearly as well as the infusions and (not that this is a huge deterrent) there is a chance that the iron will stain (permanently) your skin at the injection site.

As a post-op you will find that simply supplementing with pills at this point (your level is only 7!) will NOT work. My advice - see your doc ASAP to inquire about infusions.

K. 

So I had my 3 month follow up at TWH today. I was told I have to take 300 elemental iron daily. If my levels do not improve by February, I will be getting infusions. So my question is should I take 2 feramax or 3 palifer? I am trying to be cost effective. Do you think it makes a difference? I am down 72 pounds and all other levels are done.

If it was me, I would take Feramax. It is more easily absorbed and less likely to upset your gut in most cases.

Thanks Karen

I don't know the name of my iron pills, but I take three of them at bedtime.  In addition, I had a 200mg iron needle for once a week for 5 weeks.  Only now, after numerous years (way before surgery) has my iron finally climbed into the normal range.  Once I do my next bloodwork in 6 months I'll know whether I require additional iron shots.