Question:
Does anyone take Iron in this form(ferrous sulfate) post op?

I have heard that Iron in the form of Ferrous sulfate is bad for your gi tract after surgery. Other Dr.'s want you to take Ferrous Furmarate. Has anyone taken either and had any good or bad experiences?    — lovemonterey (posted on July 24, 2002)

July 24, 2002
Hi Wendi. I had serious blood loss immediately after surgery, which caused me to require a blood transfusion. As a result, I developed anemia and was prescribed an iron elixir (ferrous sulfate) from about 2 to 5 months post-op. I can tell you that I was EXTREMELY nauseated for the first few weeks while on the elixir. I contacted my surgeon's office and they told me I was drinking it too fast, and that I should try and sip it slowly over a few minutes. Eventually I either got used to the nausea or learned to control it. It was absolutely disgusting. My PCP did some blood work on me a few weeks ago and I was told I am no longer considered anemic. As soon as I found that out, I dropped that elixir like a hot potato! I am now taking two chewables with iron a day...much better than the liquid supplement! I hope this helps you. Good luck!!
   — Christie S.

July 24, 2002
Wendi, My doc has me on 65mg iron (as 325mg Ferrous Sulfate) twice a day. I buy Spring Valley at Wal-Mart (box of 100). I can swallow them whole because they are tiny. I never take them on an empty stomach because all iron tends to irritate and cause nausea (at least to me). It has worked wonders in getting my Hemoglobin back up in just a few weeks. Do remember not to take it with your calcium supplement because calcium interferes with the absorption of your iron. I space it out at least 2 hours.
   — Tina B.

July 24, 2002
Fe sulfate is very irritating to the pouch & bowel. Since it is not well absorbed, there are many other choices which are easier to live with and yield faster results. I used to suggest ferrous fumarate, but we get much better results & even less irritaiton with carbonyl iron for maintenance (for life) doses) or polysaccharide forms for severe anemmia. Most report no discomfort & fast rising levels.
   — vitalady

July 24, 2002
I was told by my physician's office today to purchase Ferrous Furmarate and take no more than 50mg/day. It comes in a pill form....so I had to use a pill crusher to split it into two. I took the first half just a few hours ago...and feel o.k. so far. <br> <br> I have to take these until I am able to take Trinsicon (a prescription vitamin). Trinsicon comes in a capsule...so I can't swallow a capsule that big for another 3-4 weeks.
   — rhonda2u

July 25, 2002
Wendy, I take 325mgs per day of ferrous sulfate in pill form. Because my doctor prescribes them, my insurance company pays for them in full. I always make sure that I take iron after I eat--never on an empty stomach--and never with food that contains calcium because of possible malabsorption. I even took the pills as a new post-op. I don't have any problems with stomach upset by doing this. I've been taking them for about 2 years now. My physician seems pleased enough, and I can't complain. = }
   — CaseyinLA