Low iron - did you know this?

I'm a supplement dummy- but I have been so tired and worn out.  I assumed it was from this pregnancy being so close to my first and just having so much on my plate (stress, a baby, two teens, etc).  I had my labs checked and they told they were normal. I was taking b12 shots every two weeks since 2006 at my Dr's recommendation, never because I was low.  So my script ran out, got my new script picked up the needles and they were HUGE.  So I stopped the shots and changed to regular sublingual b12.  Then during the pregnancy I was going to start the shots again to see if it helped with engery, but had to do progesterone injections and felt like that was enough needles.  Anyways- went to my new Dr's they pulled the labs that were done and said my Iron was a little low.  I didn't get details, so I should take iron supplement everyother day so I wouldnt get to constipated..but once she said that I knew she didnt understand my absorbtion issues...so I left because I knew I wouldnt get proper information.  I am trying to get a copy of my labs so I know what was tested, what low was, and to get someone to look at them that understands my RNY, like my surgeon and to have them repeated since it's been months.  Anyways- I need to figure out a routine to take all of these supplements I have been reading I should take.  I was just taking b12 and multivit before my pregnancies.  Now I am being told I must add Calcium (citrate), iron  and some need to be spaed from others...OMG!  I'm very frustrated and but I want to do it right. I guess looking back the iron level should have been something I kept on because of some of the symptoms you listed. 

Jen,

I completely understand how you are feeling.  Right now I am so overwhelmed with all of these supplements.  I read these posts and am in awe of the knowledge that everyone has regarding supplements and I believe some people on here know more about infertility than a good portion of doctors out there. 

Anyways, before surgery I was so prepared and I was gonna be the one that kept up on everything and did everything right.  Of course, a year out of surgery I thought that I was eating enough and stopped my protein and all supplements.  I know, I know.... However, that isn't the cause of this particular case of low iron because I stayed on top of getting my labs done and my iron was usually slightly elevated without additional iron. 

My "surgiversary" was Friday (2 years) and since I've been feeling this way it's a good reminder of what I need to do to take care of this new body.  It can't do it all on it's own and it's my responsibility to stay on top of the supplements and also get my butt back in gear and excercise.

It's hard!!!  I've never heard anyone say that I've taken the easy way out but I can guarantee the easy way was never this difficult. 

Good luck to you!

Kelly, my iron is low, as well.  Make sure you do NOT take ferrus sulfate.  Any other kind of iron is fine.  I  prefer carbonyl.  Good luck!

Laurie

Whew - I got the Carbonyl one.  What's the difference?

Sulfate requires stomach acid, which we have very little of.  Also it is very irritating and hard on the pouch.  Carbonyl is the gentlest and I wasn't constipated by it in the past, although I am taking more now than I was then.  I will let you know if I get constipated. 

Laurie

Ok Laurie, fill us in on what the difference is.   Do we not absorb the sulfate as well?   Just wondering because I'm low on iron as well and have been for quite sometime and it never seems to get better.   My Dr has had me on the sulfate...hmmm maybe i should change?

Ferrous sulfate can be quite constipating, and I think it is not absorbed as well.

Carbonyl iron, from what I understand is the gentlest. Then ferrous fumarate or gluconate. Make sure you are taking Vitamin C with it or that the pill has C in it.  Vitron C is available in stores. VitaLady online sells the caronyl iron, called "Tender Iron"

The drs really dont know much. At least not mine. None of them knew about the different kind of iron, I end up having to teach them, it's frustrating.

HTH!!

Lisa

Lisa's right.  Also, the sulfate needs stomach acid, which is greatly reduced or nil in our pouches.

Laurie

One quick side note - my iron tested at 9 this last time (which was very low for me)...   When I talked with the nutritionist, she asked about my caffine intake.  Ironically, that day I had a large glass of Iced Tea (unsweet) from  Chick-fil-A just before heading in for the test.  She told me that caffine blocks iron from being absorbed which will interfere with a test.  Also suggested I should never drink a caffinated beverage when I eat.

Just something to be aware of....

My hemotologist told me I could take a whole bottle of ferrous sulfate and not absorb hardly any of it. He recommends the gluconate. But I am not sure if the Carbonyl is ferrous gluconate.

I know I have seen Andrea post many times about iron, you would think I would remember by now......but there are absorption issues with the sulfate. There are also absorption issues with taking iron within a few hours of calcium.