Question:
Iron and Hair Loss, Fatigue, Headaches

This is not a question, but a contribution. I was feeling great at week 7 post-op, but by the middle of week 8, had no energy and was having lots of headaches. I also began losing my hair, which surprised me because I didn't expect it until month 3 or so. I was supposed to take iron, but hated the taste of the liquid, and even the pills made me feel like I was burping up gunpowder, so I stopped taking them. BIG MISTAKE! I looked up the symptoms of anemia yesterday, and the top three are: 1)lack of energy; 2) headaches; 3) hair loss. There are more, but reading this was enough to get me back on my iron pronto!    — lpsrabbit (posted on May 31, 2001)

May 31, 2001
I went to the doc for my 3 month check up yesterday. I am feeling VERY fatigued most of the time. I AM taking my vitamins and supplements. He said it had nothing to do with the surgery. NOW I must go find a doc and get blood work and go thru all that ,...for what? Because they do not care that's why. I am mad because I know it must be from that and they should take blood to see how our levels are doing after this surgery. In my opinion anyway. Good kuck to you I have lost faith in the 'after care' of my doctor.
   — Nancy Z.

May 31, 2001
What FORM is the liquid iron? If it is ferrous SULFATE, you may not get anything out of it. Also, iron needs to be taken with C (unless it has it already in it), but not with milk, caffeine, Tums or any other ulcer meds, not with any antibiotics or other meds. You didn't say how much protein supps you are taking?
   — vitalady

May 31, 2001
Hi Leigh, Sorry to hear so tired. I understand that. I have been fatigued since week 3 but it's getting better. My surgeon put me on Chromagen Forte with is 151 mg of elemental iron,maximum absorption and excellent GI tolerability. It's a liquid but in a soft gel capsule. I take 1 2x day. Not bad on the system either. Dsn't bind me up like the others can. Hope your feeling like your old self soon. Best wishes
   — Linda M.