Question:
Has anyone had low iron?

I have had low iron levels on my monthly lab results for the last several months. I am 17 months post op. My PCP had me taking iron supplements for the low iron but they constipated me. I would rather deal with the low iron than the constipation. She then sent me to a "blood specialist" who I am seeing again tomorrow. He ran the usual tests to make sure I wasn't loosing blood in other places (stomach, stool etc)and now wants to discuss giving me IV iron. I have heard that there can be some serious side effects with this. I see the specialist again tomorrow afternoon and I was wondering if anyone has dealt with any of these issues and see if they can give me any more information. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!    — Cindy K. (posted on June 10, 2002)

June 10, 2002
I've had iron deficiency anemia for years, got worse after the surgery. Luckily, the supplements don't constipate me. My PCP has mentioned giving me the IV iron, like you I'm leary. Sister in law had severe reaction from an attempt at giving it to her, was in the hospital overnight. But, I do know how serious the iron deficiency is. I'm prone to fainting when my levels are really low, I'm irritable and just plain feel lousy. So, if the IV were the only way I could get it, I'd be inclined to give it a try. Good luck!
   — Lisa S.

June 10, 2002
Thanks Lisa. I guess I'm just plain scared of the side effects of the IV iron. I've heard about liquid iron, but is this the same as the IV? I want to cover all my bases before I just agree to this. Thanks again for your info- I really appreciate it!
   — Cindy K.

June 10, 2002
Which iron did you try orally? Ferrous sulfate can make you miserable and not be absorbed at all. Did you try irons that are NOT sulfate?
   — vitalady

June 10, 2002
I have struggled with the same problems as you are describing. I am also a nurse so I was able to do a little reasearch before I decided what to do. My surgeon referred me to a hematologist (blood dr) and he then recc IV iron. I was a little hesitant of it at first but I was feeling so lousy from the anemia I decided to try it. I found that 10% of patients have a reaction to the IV iron-- but that also means that 90% don't. I had no problems. The usual procedure is to give the patient a small test dose first then wait an hour and after no reaction occurs then the IV iron is started. The infusion does not hurt and the IV iron is not constipating like oral iron is. I could tell a difference in a few days and was feeling great in a few weeks. My lab values (RBC's, Hg, Hct) have been slowly increasing also. I have been taking Niferex Forte 150 mg BID orally also. It works so much better than ferrous sulfate. I also get a b12 shot each month ( was a little low on that too). The worst part about getting the IV was that it takes so long-- it has to flow slowly and took about 5 hrs to complete.
   — MELISSA M.

June 10, 2002
I had problems with low levels of iron and anemia soon after the surgery. It so happened that I was battling uterine fibroids and was having very heavy periods for several months at the same time as my bypass recovery. I began taking iron with folic acid in easy to swallow caplets once a day (Rx) along with stool softeners purchased over the counter. They seem to counterbalance each other so that I have a bowel movement just about every day. I just had a fibroid embolization last week to zap out the fibroids and I think it has worked without having a hysterectomy at 47. I didnt and don't want one of those. I continue to take the iron but my hgb is back up to lower normal levels now. Due to the fact that I am still not eating beef 7 months post RNY, I am going to stick with the iron for awhile longer. I did just try a scrambled egg today and it stayed down, so I think I may have found a new source of protein--hooray! I am down 85 lbs and right on target. I have not been exercising as I should, but I seem to be doing okay. Sagging and bagging a bit here and there, but it seems to be shaking out..
   — lacyadjuster

June 11, 2002
Just wondering if you have been on any protein supplements at all prior to your lab tests???
   — Barbara B.