ice chewing = pica = iron deficiency anemia

Wondering if those of you who have ice-chewing-cravings have eventually been diagnosed and treated for iron deficiency anemia -- and what that treatment involves?

I'm without insurance right now so would like to pick your brains -- I'm positive that I am now iron-deficient and wondering if just supplementing with daily pills (and vitamin C for absorption of these?) would do the trick or if your doctors are recommending other measures like IV supplementation, etc.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience with this issue.

-BJ

I think things start with an Iron supplement and if that doesn't work then infusions are called for.

Ice Chewing is a habit, however, and could be unrelated to an iron deficiency (cross addiction?).  To be sure, you'd need a blood test to get some iron numbers.

 I have never been an ice chewer, but I have been significantly iron deficient at times since my surgery.  My doctor discussed the option of iron infusions with me and also prescription iron for 6 months with follow-up labs.  I opted for the prescription iron.  It worked like a charm.  I have had the prescription iron a couple of times over the past six years.  For me it is the way to go.  Over the counter with C doesn't do the trick...

yes

and if you have had WLS and have not taken iron, that's another indicator

with no insurance, you can start an aggressive iron regimen. i have some ideas if you'd prefer to email me privately. not PM. I'm living at my husband's side in the hospital mostly.

[email protected]

I love me my ice!!!!  Yes for me it is a Pica, Im super anemic, But it has to be ice where i can taste the minereals in it, Our Sonic has the perfect ice!!! just had surgery to see if we couldnt help with it.  My doctor put me on a Iron Plan. I didnt want a blood tranfussion to get my iron up so i didnt go that route. I had surgery on the 14th for a Hole in my pouch and at the same time got me an updated transected pouch :-) Doctor thinks that now that my pouch and body will be working normal my iron will start to be normal also. It is so important to take your vitamins for LIFE.

Tara

 The ice chewing is what triggered my a-ha to get my blood work done since it had been a while.  Sure enough, am quite anemic.  The doctor explained that it takes 3 months to rebuild my iron levels so, be sure to be consistent  with supplements.  Also, you do need to include a Vit C supplement to have better absorption.  I did buy over the counter supplements.  Check out:  Vitron C.  I did get this at Rite Aid.  My doctor did run an additional test for blood amount but that came back in the normal range.  If this was lower, the results would have triggered IV supplementation.  She said that she has found that recently with patients that are a few years out and have not regularly taken supplements.  Good luck!
Good iron rich foods:  red meat, beans, & Total or Smart Start cereal.  

Vitron-C is the best!  I get it at CVS.  For years, I've been low on iron.  I've taken many kinds of supplements and even considered gnawing on an iron skillet.  Then, when I decided to have RNY they told me to take Vitron-C.  It brought my level up and kept it there. 

At first, they told me to take 2 a day at separate times because of the RNY malabsorption.  But don't take iron with any thyroid meds or calcium.  My levels have been normal for nearly 3 years.

Good luck to you.

 I was told to take it at night right before bed...Seem to miss the upset stomach others may experience.  Take care.

I'm 7 yrs out.  I've been taking Bariatric Advantage multi vitamins since.  I assumed there was iron in this MULTI vitamin.  Not so.  Last year found out I was severly anemic.  Started taking whatever Wal-mart's brand is can't remember right now and D3 and C for absorption.  All better.  I have switched to Journey multi's  It does have iron, I looked.

My ice cravings were unreal.  I ate ice all day until bedtime.  It even got in the way of eating properly.  I would forget to eat.  Several teeth broken from the crunching so I bought a Ninja because the commercial shows it making snow.  I had a  pin and spring meat tenderizer that I used as an ice crusher in my big cup at work. I don't crave ice any longer, but I still prefer my water ice cold.

Yes, isn't the ice chewing thing funny?? I started having ravenous cravings for crushed ice, I was having at least 2 huge cups of it a day, kind of out of nowhere. Then found out I was super anemic. My doctor told me to buy Vitron C at any pharmacy.