Severe iron deficiency

After months of feeling like total **** and barely having the energy to get out of bed on most days, I finally got some blood work done and was diagnosed with severe iron deficiency.

Now that I know that i'm not 100% crazy...

My doc wants me to take 325mg iron x 3 day for 6 months. Is this enough? I dont know much about iron or how long it will take to get my levels up - but I want to know when I might start feeling better??

Any suggestions for iron that won't increase my already ****ty (no pun intended...really :-p) problems with constipation. There are different brands/types but my doc didnt specify anything specific.

I also get to start physical therapy next week, so hopefully I'll start getting all my issues resolved and feel normal again soon.

I am so glad to hear that you have an answer! I don't have any answers to your questions, but I hope that you are feeling better soon. I'm sure it will make a big difference!

Thanks girl - im sure hoping so. 

No suggestions, but sending you big hugs! hope you feel better soon! 

I second the Slow FE suggestion - my daughter was anemic and she is a tough health person (sensitive liver, chronic constipation, you name it...) and regular iron was a no go but slow FE worked well without tearing up her super sensitive digestive tract.

Iron can be very toxic. I would ask for clarification because over 45 mg a day is considered toxic. 975 mg might hurt you. I'm not a doctor but anyone can google that.

Yes, my understanding is that "Slow-Fe" is nonconstipating, available at most pharmacies.

I am taking the Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites -- no constipation thus far. I am taking a small dose because I am postmenopausal -- 30 mg per day.

My friend, I hope hope hope that you will be feeling very much better soon! The world needs YOU to be feeling energetic and happy...!

I send you hugs!!

Love, Swizzlequeen

ps. a pharmacist or dietician might have some answers to your questions about how the iron works, how long it takes to get the levels up, etc.

Thanks for the info - Ive been taking a multi with 36 mg total per day. I'm hoping I dont have any other issues with absorption but I'm going to do everything I can. I need to be energized and happy again. 

I order this Iron from http://www.vitalady.com This particular one http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&k ey=1330X400 I don't know how many you'd need to take.  It's 62mg of elemental carbonal which is MUCH stronger then the normal iron.  I only take one a day but I'm sure you would only need maybe 3 (definitely NOT up to 325mg because from MY research this one is more potent.

Vitalady is an RnYer and she knows her vitamins especially Iron.  I'd ask on the main board about iron and also I will PM you the name of the chick I know on FB that is also an RnYer who knows her vitamins, she's the one I got the charting my labs idea and booklet from.

Ms Shell