Low Iron......help needed

My Iron came back at a 12 and ferritin at a 6!! YIKES!!  I already take Vitron-c once a day, and am afraid to take any more  because of bathroom problems. I already take 2 stool softeners a day. My DR wants me to take 2 iron pills a day for the next month, then down to 1 a day like I take now. Honestly id rather get a shot and have it over with. I am tired but think ive gotten used to feeling like this, so its normal to me now.

Any advice or ideas??
THANKS!!

Kathy, My iron levels weren't down where yours are but I found that mine were dropping every 3 months while taking 2 Vitron C a day from early post-op on.  (I've found that calcium binds me up more than iron - especially those Twinlab chewable calcium). I switched to Vitalady's Tender Iron a while ago.  Switched to the equivalent to the 2 Vitron C (132 mg elemental iron) so I took 6 Tender Iron (150 mg).  I then raised it to 8 (200 mg) and my labs jumped by leaps and bounds.  My iron had gone down into the 40s (on a downward spiral) and then the next reading was up into the 90s-100. Also, I chew the Tender Iron.  They aren't marketed as chewable.  I take 'em with a chewable C to cover the taste (which isn't bad at all) and for absorption.  I swear these get absorbed much much better. Good luck, Kath! Kathy

I'm willing to try it!! TY Kathy!

I had been taking bariatric advantage chewable irons (2 per day) and had been doing that since my surgery and then recently found my ferritin at a 9 and my TIBC nearly 600!!  My hemoglobin and hemotocrit were within normal levels - but low-end; and even with that, I had a mild heart attack from being iron deficient!!!!    Please - do not mess around with low iron!!!  This is serious stuff folks.    I just had an infusion and that has really helped my energy levels and I feel 100% better.  I have switched to vitalady's Tender Iron.  So far, no constipation problems.  I also chew them.  I'm taking 12 Tender Iron's per day (6 at a time with one 500 mg Vit. C each time).  I'm going to do my best to avoid another infusion and another heart attack. 

Wow I didint even know that was a possibility. Like I said im willing to get an shot/infusion WHATEVER, Im just so afraid of the horrible bathroom problems I get from oral Iron.

You're too low.  You should be see by a Hematologist.  You cannot rebuild them orally when you're that low.  I am not able to absorb any oral irons. I have IV iron infusions of InFeD about every 6-8 months. Constipation can be relieved with Miralax.  It is not a stimulant laxative, so you can actually leave the house. Low iron like yours is serious.  See someone who knows how to treat it. I got low too and developed dizziness and shortness of breath.  I wasn't even as low as you.  HTH

I had seen it somewhere to see a hematologist. Ill have to ask the Dr for a referral......I just have the feeling he'll want me to up my oral iron before going that route. I dont have much energy but like I said I guess im used to it. Thanks

I also take 12 Tender Iron. Had severe bathroom issues previously, but the iron made no difference. My iron is 97, ferritin is at 160. And I'm a distal.

My formula thay ended 11 yrs of misery:
1. Miralax (safe, daily for life, according to my GI)
2. 1000mg magnesium oxide
3. 4 stool softeners each night
4. hot beverage before food every morning

Not sure which part is the magic part, but the last thing I added was the mag ox and then my issues resolved, so I suspect it is the combo of all of it.

Tender Iron works fairly slowly, as in, it won't change over night, but it seems to raise ferritin, which then overflows into iron. (backwards)

Where do we get this tender iron? My ferritin is back down to 10, I had it up to 27 6 months ago and switched to a different iron at the suggestion of our support groups nutritionist. My other labs are all perfect; except slightly low WBC. I am on miralax twice a day and 4 stool softeners and still not able to go without smooth move tea or something at least once a week. I looked for but did not find Magnesium oxide, I will have to look again. Mary

Since you are local to me, we have support groups here in Puyallup next week. Nvo 13 & 14, 7pm. You might meet some cool ppl with lots of good experience and ideas. There is also a meeting in Bremerton 3rd Tuesday, also 7pm, at Harrison hospital.