update on iron level

I went to the hemetologist today and he said that you can have low iron and not be anemic, I didn't know that.  He put me on an iron pill that I have to take three a day (an hour before I eat) for six weeks.  I am not looking forward to it at all.  I am going to take benefiber so I don't get constipated.  He said I might get neasues (can't spell) after taking it on an empty stomach but we will see.  If I don't see a result in six weeks I will have to take iron through an IV.  Aparantly there is a risk that can be fatal, from doing the IV way.  He said it was rare but it happens.  So, I guess I will be taking the pills.  I also have been taking B12 shots for three months now and my B12 is still low.  UGGGG!  Hopefully this will get taken care of.  God bless, Penni

I do hope those iron pills bring up your iron count. What is the name of the pills he is prescribing?

Wishing you all the best, keep us posted on your progress.

Sher

I woudln't worry about the IV infussion....lots of people on OH get them, and I've never read of a fatality.....the risk comes from having an allergic reaction, but they test you first...make sure you don't break out...and then give it to you.

3 pills a day!!!! I get so constipated on 1....i don't think i could do 2, let alone 3.

Scott

yep :) I have to take iron infusions every friday. B12 shots once a month. They run the iron really slow at first to make sure you are not allergic and then they speed that puppy up ; ) Mine take about 2 hrs on high speed drip..lol..
My hemoglobin was down to 6.7 put me in the hospital and had to have a blood transfusion so this is much better. I chat with a couple other gastric bypass patients and sometimes older ladies in there for chemotherapy but all in all a pretty relaxing couple of hrs where I cant do anything but kick back in a recliner watch a little price is right or day time talk television or read a few chapters of my book. It definitely works better for me than the 3x a day supplements. I took them, or i'd forget and my iron was staying the same or going down. Just had my fifth one today..