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Posted 6/7/2008 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
Who has taken any form of iron due to low blood counts?  I have had anemia for awhile and  have a hard time tolerating iron.  Since I have now started radiation, it seems that  the radiation is affectng my blood levels and the radiation oncologist wants me on an iron supplement ( ferrous sulfate) he wants me on 2 a day ( will KILL my gut and make me constipated which affects my prolapse) and 2 colace a day  ( which in turn can give me the runs!)

Has anyone  used this????

I need help... I just started radiation and have  6 weeks to go... Do i need to call me GI...  I hate the complications of this.. to cure one disease I have to deal with side effects that effect the other disease...

URG!!!!!!

Any advice??? 

Prof

Posted 6/7/2008 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
I've had the same issues with the iron sulfate. It stops things just like I ate cement.

I was at a point a few years back where I needed to bring my iron levels up, I tried the iron supplements, but was having a lot of problems. I tried some version that was supposed to be safer for your gut, but I can't remember what it was.

I do remember talking to the GI doc about my options, and one of them was an IV iron supplement. You might want to check with your doctors about that, see if it is an option.
Posted 6/7/2008 4:02 AM (GMT 0)
Those pills kill my stomach, so I can't take them. Even one a day w/food is not do-able.
Posted 6/7/2008 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
I am taking ferrous sulfate right now too. 2-3 times per day. (Doc said 3, but I am working my way up to that...) So far I don't notice any complications, but I do notice a difference in energy levels and the ache that was in my leg is gone. I don't notice any "stopping up" action from it but this is my only iron experience (ferrous sulfate).
Posted 6/7/2008 10:49 AM (GMT 0)
i was also constipated by the ferrous sulphate

my gi gave me a liquid alternative which i tolerate really well, ferrous fumarate

it has little effect on my bm, i would reccomend giving this a try if you can't tolerate sulphate :-)

Posted 6/7/2008 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi . . . . I had to take HUGE quantities of iron for a while. I found that "Slow-Fe" was way easier on my gut. Somehow it releases slowly. Hope this helps! Blessings!
Posted 6/7/2008 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
I like vitron C-it is ferrous fumerate with vitamin C (which makes you better able to absorb iron) also something called Gentle iron (have to go to a specialty vitamin shop for it) its iron bisglycinate.
Sj
Posted 6/8/2008 2:00 AM (GMT 0)

I took Fergon and vitamin C.  The Fergon was much easier on my system than Slow FE.

Posted 6/8/2008 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
I couldn't even have iron in a multi-vitamin until i was diagnosed with crohn's and anemia. I had too high of an iron count before Crohn's. Now I'm on ferrous sulphate and it doesn't bother me. You have to take it with food, definitely. I have also been on colase, following surgery. It didn't make me have to go more, just produced softer stools. Good luck!
Posted 6/8/2008 9:34 PM (GMT 0)

I gave up after Ferrous Sulfate kept givng me diarrhea. I went to a good hematologist and he put me on Infed infusions.

It takes all afternoon but after about three days, I am ready to for the dance.

Dave D 

Posted 6/8/2008 10:25 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having low iron issues also. But my dr. absolutely refuses to let me take iron by mouth. They are going to start me on Iron infusions. I heard people can also do blood transfusions if the iron is low enough? Do you think you could do the infusion or a transfusion? Does anyone know about transfusions?
Posted 6/9/2008 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Some supplements that are far easier to digest and will actually be absorbed: iron glycinate, or Floradix Iron & Herbs (liquid, very easy to digest, and tasty). Iron should also be taken with C and Bs, as this helps absorption. Better with food, too.

I think it's unfortunate that doctors know NOTHING about nutrition. They are always prescribing crap like ferrous sulfate (causes constipation), magnesium oxide (acts as a laxative) and calcium carbonate (turns poop white because it's not absorbed at all).
Posted 6/9/2008 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Yes and if you have constipation, calcium carbonate will make it much worse!

I'm tempted to try Floradix, but I'm very afraid that it will hurt my stomach. My stomach wasn't doing well, and when I started taking ferrous sulphate it put me into a full flare with bleeding, which made my anemia even worse. So I'm holding off for now and hoping to get an infusion. But if I do try a supplement again, it will be the Floradix.
Posted 6/9/2008 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
I think the least expensive bottle of it is $15 or so, so it's not a fortune if you don't like it.  It's absolutely not constipating.  I personally got good results with iron glycinate (didn't really know I was anemic, tests were "borderlilne" acc. to my indifferent GP, until I felt tons better after taking it).

Posted 6/9/2008 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
In 2004 (before I was dx with crohn's) my hemaglobin was at 6.5 after months of trying oral iron supplements that my body couldn't/wouldn't absorb enough of to help. I had a 5 hour infusion by IV which helped wonders!! It brought my level up and it never went back that low again. Obviously now we know where the problem is and it's kept under control, but if needed I would absolutely do it again. GOODLUCK!
Posted 6/9/2008 10:11 PM (GMT 0)

Illy said...
I think the least expensive bottle of it is $15 or so, so it's not a fortune if you don't like it.  It's absolutely not constipating.  I personally got good results with iron glycinate (didn't really know I was anemic, tests were "borderlilne" acc. to my indifferent GP, until I felt tons better after taking it).


The thing is, iron doesn't make me constipated.  Last time I tried it, I was constipated to start with and the iron gave me unbelievable cramping, D and gas.

RF

Posted 6/9/2008 10:38 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Prof,

I've done a lot of researching on reliable websites, and a form of iron called Ferrous Gluconate (brand name Fergon) is supposed to be easier on the stomach.  I take it with Vitamin C for better absorption.  I have a sensitive digestive tract, yet I generally don't have any problems with the Fergon (no cramping or indigestion).  If you experience constipation problems, a stool softener like Colace (or its generic equivalent) is helpful.  Maybe try taking one Colace, instead of two, since it sounds like two gives you problems.


Posted 6/10/2008 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
I am NOT a happy camper. The iron is constipating and I have taken colace ( per docs orders) and the combo is giving me gas. haven;t spoken to my GI...It was the radiation doc who wants me me on it. but my Gi is OK with me at a hemoglobin of 10.6 I think I may take it every other day and see.... Also.. the iron is also killing my prolapse..the harder it is for me to GO.. the worse the prolapse gets. Between that..the Cd and now the cancer.. SUCKS...... PRof
Posted 6/10/2008 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with AlwaysRosie,,,Slow-Fe was the best for me. So sorry you are going through this. Hopes and prayers for better times soon.
Posted 6/11/2008 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Prof.... I can't offer any advice on the iron supplements ....but I would like to tell you that you are in my prayers. I pray that the next 6 weeks will go by quickly although I can't see how that would be possible with all that you have to deal with. I pray that you have some respite from all these problems, that you are able to get a full, restfull night's sleep from time to time, that you have some respite from your pain and worry.... that you find some comfort in knowing that you are thought of, prayed for and held in all our hearts!
Keep us posted....
Love,
Mary
Posted 6/13/2008 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Prof...the first iron supplement I took made my "droppings" dark green and it was painful to be constipated for the first time in over a decade. I just bought a store brand version of "Slow Fe". Slow Fe is a brand name and is more expensive. When i get home, I'll check the package and let you know what I bought.
It does not have the coloring and it has not constipated me. It is a small so easier to swallow. The biggest problem is getting them out of that darn peel package--I pulled them all out and put them in a tupperware container so I don't have the box here today!

Take care of yourself...I am hoping things get better quickly!
Posted 6/13/2008 12:43 PM (GMT 0)
I can't take this stuff!!!! My stomach is killng me and the colace which helps with the constiaption does NOT help with my prolapse. I feel like I have to go... and that aggrevates the prolapse which makes it worse. I don't know what I am going to do. i get blood again this week so will see. Prof
Posted 6/13/2008 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
Take SloFe!! It's a slow release one that really helps with the bowel probs associated with iron. I've always gotten it at Target.
Posted 6/13/2008 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
SloFe's still gave me incredible cramps and D.
Posted 6/13/2008 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
If its the sulfer that bothers you (it is with me) slofe won't help at all you need a non sulfate iron suppliment many have already been mentioned.
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