ferritin

So what tests should we have for iron and how often? My surgeon has only requested serum iron in the past. Thanks, Pam

CBC
hemagram w/platelets
ferritin

at the very least

I am five years post-op RNY.  My Hematologist says that I cannot absorb enough iron orally (because of surgery) .  I get IV iron infusions whenever my ferritin drops below 100.  That averages about evry six months.  When I was at 10, I was barely functioning.  How are you feeling???

My labs greatly improved by switching form of iron.  I was put on Vitron C after WLS (2 per day which is 132 mg of elemental iron).  I saw my iron levels dropping each 3 months and wanted to stop that so I switched to the same iron that Michelle (Vitalady mentioned) wrote about the Tender Iron.  My labs made a great jump with that switch.  I was/am taking 200 mg elemental a day.  Then I had breast surgery for cancer and ended up having a bleeder and got anemic from that.  I was told to take 50% more iron so I took 300 mg for 4-6 weeks and my next labs were dead on again so I went back to my pre-bleeder iron levels of 200 mg.  I think some of the improved absorption on the Tender Iron versus the Vitron C is the form and some is that they can be chewed since they are soft enough.  Hubby's labs are better too on this form of iron.  He is also a post-op. Kathy

I don't know if you'll find info about this; I didn't before or after surgery.  If you are lucky supplemental oral iron will get your levels up.  Or, like many post WLS patients, you won't be able to absorb iron orally and need iron transfusions.  My hematologist is still trying to figure out how often I need them.  Right now we're trying every two months.  I go today and I can tell I need it. Torrey

I am almost 7 yrs post op, open distal RNY. I require frequent periodic infusions of ferrlecit to keep my ferritin levels at an acceptable range. The acceptable range may vary from hematologist to hematologist.  I do know that when my ferritin really gets low.. my lowest was 5, I have severe spasms and posturing in my feet and toes, crave ice, and salty foods. Currently, my ferritin is staying up better than before.. it has been almost 8 months since my last infusion, and I am tested with CBC and ferritin levels approximately every 4-6 weeks..  Take care

Oh this is interesting!! I have been experincing the spasms in my feet and legs and one time even into my stomach!  It was very scarey.  I went to the DR and he has me taking Ferrous Sulfate twice a day plus the requip for two weeks to get the level back up again.  I don't know what the reading actually was, (now I want to find that out).  I will have to try the other kind of Iron mentioned in other posts, I do know now that I'm taking this, I do feel much more energized, and the cramps have gone away. I am also curious since you are so long out now, what you take for vitamins?! Thanks much!

Dear naturefreak,   I take a ton of vitamins and supplements, being so distal. This is what I take daily vitamin A (dry form)      125,000 IU      daily Vitamin D3 ( dry form)    150,000 IU     daily Vitamin D  ( RX)             50,000 IU     daily Calcitriol   ( another D RX)        .5mg     BID Vitamin E  ( dry form)       400 IU         TID Vitamin C    ( chewable)      500 mg        2 tabs, TID Chelated Zinc                    50 mg        TID Hair, SKin , Nails                              TID Calcium Citrate                  500 mg        Five x day Protein shakes                    30 mg        min 5 per day Multivites.. chewables            2 tabs       BID B complex 100                     1 tab        daily B12 injections                     1 ml          IM weekly I think this is all the supplements and vitamins I take.. I also take some other rx meds for other things..  Take care

I am also around 9 or 10.. I take 60+ mg of Ferrous Glucinate every day. I do not store Iron, this was a problem I had before surgery, and they tried to get me to rethink surgery because of it..but I've found I do okay.. I actually had it almost back up to normal, but then had an IUD put in and bled for 3 months..consistently...so yeah... my doc was not reading me the riot act about that one. :) But, its creeping back up.. just keep on teh iron, and counteract w/ lots o' fiber..LOL Your doc might recommend iron transfusions too. :)

fe gluconate is not one of the well absorbed irons and 60mg would be abt 1/3 of a good starter dose, so a fixit dose would be more like 300mg.

You might want to shop different irons and try more mg and test at 3 month intervals til you find a good mate for you.

Living from infusion to infusion for life isn't much of a life, you know?