Question:
I need help about low iron levels

I just got my bloodwork back from the dr. my hematocrit levels were low. I have been noticing lately that I have been so tired and feel sleepy . I also feel a little dizzy and a confused feeling sometimes. Can low iron levels make you feel these things? I have no energy. my dr. worte on the page of the results to take 325 mg per day of iron. any help or suggestions from anyone that have had any of these things happening to them would be greatly appreciated. melinda    — taterbug898 (posted on February 23, 2006)

February 23, 2006
The answer to your question is yes. Did your doctor check your B-12 level, give you a three hour glucose test and check your thyroid? I was misdiagnosed for 18 months as having major depressive disorder with general anxiety. After three doctors I finally found one that was willing to dig deep into my blood history. By the time the results were in, my body was almost completely out of iron and B-12. I had low blood sugar (dropped to a 47 during my three hour test) and a huge benign mass on my thyroid. I suffered from fatigue, sleeping during the day, but tremoring through the night, confusion, dizziness, rapid heart beat, faintness upon standing, etc.. My condition had progressed to the point that I was confined to my home for nearly six months. I was terrified to leave the house in fear that I would have an "episode". After the culprit was discovered, I was immediately put on monthly B-12 shot and prescribed Chromagen FA 3 times daily (which has Iron, Vitamin C, Folic Acid and B-12) and given a glucometer to check my blood sugar levels. Within one month I was feeling relatively better. After two months I was no longer seeing my psychologist or psychiatrist. They both thought that the root of my problem was not a brain chemical imbalance, but something medical. Hope this helps.
   — nettles69

February 23, 2006
Melinda, it is common to have dizziness and extreme fatigue with anemia. When the blood levels are low, you do not have the parts of the blood to aid with carrying oxygen, nutrients and fluids throughout your body. My levels were low as well so I had to start taking iron for the anemia. I take Vitron C 1 tablet 2 times a day and have for about 2 months now and feel so much better. My levels have improved. The Vitron C has not only iron, but Vitamin C, which aids with asorption of the iron. You can take plain iron, but keep in mind with any iron, caffeine, milk products and calcium supplements will interfere with the absorption, so take iron at least 2 hours separate from these things. Also, iron will cause constipation so you may need a stool softner in addition to the iron. Good luck with everything. Drink lots of fluids and rest when you can. Shelly
   — scharlier

February 23, 2006
Be very careful about your Iron levels. It is better to take Iron with Vitamin C, as it helps the Iron absorb better. I had Gastric Bypass a few years ago and used this site for advice. I found out about Vitron C, which is a high potency Iron supplement bound with Vitamin C. I have been taking it since. My sister had the surgery about a year after me, and did not take her supplements properly. She began to have problem including the ones you mentions. After much effort, they discovered she had a severe Iron deficency and will need blood transfusions several times a year for the rest of her life. Now she is having new problems and they think she has a B12 deficency. Be careful and don't be afraid to push your doctor if you don't think something is right...
   — bcknblck

February 23, 2006
do not drink ice tea as this effects the absorption of iron. take the iron supplements and monitor the levels. for a quick iron fix see if the dr will let you have an iron infusion. this is wonderful and it takes place almost immediately. you can e-mail me for more info. tammi [email protected]
   — tjjjx6

February 23, 2006
Just thought I would share that you can get an alternative to the b12 shot by using sublingual b12 from www.trivita.com Dr. Libbys formula is great and its less painful and time consuming. It's good too it dissolves under the tounge. This can help keep your iron levels up. Also I suggest vit c and foradix. Ive tried them all and they work well. I also have done iron shots but they arent fun to get!
   — spykitty

February 23, 2006
I have low iron levels as well.. (have since surgery).. I have to take 325 mg of iron twice a day. Lap RNY: 6/17/05. 283 then/150 now
   — mzb2u

February 23, 2006
Are you post-op? Your surgeon should have told you to take iron from day one if you are. Having a low hematocrit on its own doesn't necessarily mean iron deficiency anemia. They have to do seperate iron studies or if other things in your blood count the MCV and MCH are low that means you probably have iron deficiency. If the MCV/MCH are high you may have b12 or folate deficiency. Good luck to you!
   — SteffieBear15

February 24, 2006
Melinda- Those feelings you are having are more than likely from low iron levels. I am 1 yr 4mos post op and because of complications after my first rny I developed anemia. I still get dizzy, light headed, and feel tired and sleepy sometimes. On occassion I have passed out. All of these things happen when I don't take my iron regularly. You need to make sure your are taking your iron with vitamin C or orange juice so your body will absorb the iron better. Do not take your iron with Tea, coffee, chocolate, or other foods or liquids high in caffeine. Don't take your iron with milk and or calcium-rich foods or supplements or with high-fiber foods, like bran, whole grains, nuts, and raw green vegetables, or within 2 hours of taking antacids. If you take it with any of those things it can be counterproductive. Hope this helps and best of luck. Leslie 419/233/165 lap rny 10/21/04 revisional open rny 12/13/04 tt, bl, arm lift 04/24/06
   — chasegrl65

February 24, 2006
Yes, low iron will make you feel all of these things. I have been enemic all of my adult life and can tell when my iron levels are down. But there are other medical problems that can make you feel this way. Depression, low B-12, thyroid; I would suggest talking with your PCP and continue scheduling appointments with him until you are feeling normal again. Also eat meats and vegetables that are high in iron and B-12 (liver, fish, spinach, brussel sprouts, leafy green vegetables; anything except iceburg lettuce, this really has no nutritional value.)
   — Juju B

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