Iron supplements and constipation?

Hi friends I am taking an iron supplement (ferrous fumarate liquid) as my labs for iron are constantly low. I have horrible constipation and hard stools that really hurt and make me cry and bleed when I have to go to the bathroom. Is this from the iron? I eat mostly a high protein low carb diet but do eat a bowl of high fibre bran cereal each morning and have starting taking colace, a stool softener, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I have tried to eat prunes but dumped on them. I can't stop taking the iron either, and don't know what to do. Also, does iron make your stools green or black? Any suggestions on what I can do to help this painful and uncomfortable situation? Hugs, Kim S. Open RNY Nov.4/02 (-163 lbs.)

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