Question:
Does any post op's take liquid iron (elixor) and how does it affect your pouch, etc?

I have just been placed on liquid (elixor) iron, 1 t. 3 times a day. My dietician says I need it post op even though my PCP says my blood work does not show low iron. So, I am now starting to take it today. I am afraid though, cause my pharmacist says that it can cause stomach irritation, nausea, and yellow teeth. It is suggested that it be diluted and taken thru a straw. Please, if you have anything info on this or experiences w/ it, let me know as I am very apprehensive about taking it. I can't take iron pills as they have to be crushed and it is not good to do that w/ iron (according to my pharmacist). My hole from my pouch to my intestine is only the size of a DIME and I can not take whole pills at all, ever unless they are the size of a baby aspirin. I also have to take potassium supplements, now due to low potassium levels. I have gotten used to them w/ the help of Maalox, but the iron is another story!! Thanks in advance for your help!!Please reply ASAP as I am supposed to begin taking the iron now. Thanks.    — kathy S. (posted on September 22, 2000)

September 22, 2000
I take liquid iron it is called sss tonic. I take it three times a day. It hasn't affect my pouch nor made me sick. Although you haven't experience low blood now it could happen in the future. It is very easy to swallow and doesn't taste too bad. I start taking sss tonic because the pills wasn't doing anything for me. Good luck I hope this help.
   — Sharon T.

September 22, 2000
Perfect Iron are about 3-to-an-aspirin size. They are not ferrous sulfate, but are the correct iron for us. They are non-irritating and non-constipating. They do not block absorption of any other elemtns, unlike sulfate which blocks E. But the iron "rules" still apply. Not to be taken within an hour of: tums, antacids, ulcer meds, any form of calcium or other minerals, antipiotics or caffeine. Always taken with a vitamin C, which you can chew if you prefer.
   — vitalady

September 22, 2000
I tried iron elixir 7 days post-op. I brought the spoon toward my mouth and began to retch and gag. I was unable to even get it in my mouth - much less swallow it. I've tried other forms of iron and every single thing I have tried has given me extreme nausea for at least one day. I hope your experience is better than mine.
   — Cecilia M.