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Posted 12/22/2008 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Do most people with UC & Chrons deal with Anemia? My GI said I have to start taking irons pills everyday. I am worried.
Posted 12/22/2008 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
I was, and still am if I don't take iron pills. I don't think it is really anything to worry about as long as your are treating it, just keep popping those pills and be amazed by your poo when it turns green or black!
Posted 12/22/2008 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
haha. You make me feel better. I hope my fatigue improves.

Posted 12/22/2008 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
I have to say that the effect on my fatigue wasn't all that great... you have to remember that if you are anything like me, your body is working overtime to fight colitis (even if it is fighting for no reason) and so this saps a lot of your energy.

for example, when I was told to go into hospital to go on a steroid drip a couple of months ago because my colitis wasn't improving with medication, I was horrified to find out that I had a slight temperature (which they said I had probably had for months) and a resting pulse of 120!!!

I used to have a resting pulse of 42 before I got sick, as I was a very sporty, fit early 20's yr old. so was a bit of a shock to hear my resting pulse rate was almost 3 times as high as it used to be a few years ago.

so just remember, that by your immune system fighting with your colon, you are expending a lot of energy due to potentially higher pulse rate, inflamation, temperature, and not to mention you might not be absorbing nearly as many neutrients as you used to... it all adds up and wears you out. I have been tired now for almost 3 years and I am so sick of it, that I'm contemplating surgery now.

Hopefully the iron supplements will help you, they certainly shouldn't do any harm!
Posted 12/22/2008 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have a high heart rate too. I am exhausted today and I have female issues that are going to drain me even more. Just in time for the holidays! Lucky me. devil

I hope you see some improvement soon. I know how frustrating and draining this is.

Even my dog is suffering from GI issues. I hope he doesn't end up with the craps too...

Posted 12/22/2008 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
Oh oh, the dreaded house of POOOOO!
Posted 12/22/2008 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I know when I'm feeling cold all the time then I probably need iron.
Slow-FE is time-release iron and easier on your gut, but it seems some doctors don't know about it so don't suggest it (no Rx needed).

That's how I found my Naturopath, a homepathic vet gave my cat accupuncture and probiotics for a "hot gut" that was causing her to pull her hair out and it worked so well I asked for a referral. I know my other cat gets a little colitis once in a while, too. Go figure.
Posted 12/23/2008 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
I just came up anemic again on my most recent blood work. Not sure why, since I've seen no bleeding and hemoccult tests were negative. Anyway, my GI started me on Tandem as an iron supplement. It isn't bothering my system as much as most iron supplements do; I'll see in January if it's helping with the anemia.
Posted 12/23/2008 8:00 PM (GMT 0)
Anemia is very common with IBDers and women are even more likely to have it because of blood loss through menstruation. If it's bad enough, ask your doc about I.V. iron infusions. You avoid the digestive upset some get with oral iron and it can really help the fatigue.
Posted 12/23/2008 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
The type of anemia that UCers most commonly get is "chronic illness anemia" which doesn't necessitate blood loss, I believe. I think it's related to fight the body has undertaken with the UC. I had to take iron when I was diagnosed and honestly didn't notice one way or another whether it helped or not.

Sue
Posted 12/24/2008 5:57 AM (GMT 0)
Im also anemic because of my UC. Im taking Iron supplement, When i started taking it, my bowel movement got worst. I go to the bathroom more often, and i experience stomach cramps and heart burn.. IS THIS NORMAL?
Posted 12/24/2008 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
I'm anemic too. It's one of the worst things I hate about having Colitis. Normally, I have tons of energy, but I loose so much blood when I have a flareup that I'm huffing and puffing in my dance, aerobics, ... classes. It makes me feel old.

It usually takes about a year to recover from the loss of blood, and then who knows I might get another flareup by then.
Posted 12/24/2008 12:59 PM (GMT 0)

I just started taking the iron but mine have been worse too. I purchased a different type of Iron online called "ultimate iron". People say it isn't as harsh on the stomach and it is better absorbed. I hope it helps.

Joy - I am exactly the same way. Short of breath and I feel incapable. I am not in remission so I don't know how much improvement I will see...

Yujin said...
Im also anemic because of my UC. Im taking Iron supplement, When i started taking it, my bowel movement got worst. I go to the bathroom more often, and i experience stomach cramps and heart burn.. IS THIS NORMAL?

Posted 12/24/2008 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi sicklygirl,

Thanks for the advise. I'll see if I can find some ultimate iron.
Posted 12/24/2008 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
     I'm not anemic.  My RBC is normal, however, my WBC is WAY too low.  This, I believe, is causing my fatigue.  Iron always constipated me.
Posted 12/25/2008 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
If your anemia is stubborn and the supps don't help, ask your GI about Venofer, it's an iron injection. Sometimes oral supplements don't get absorbed by our ulcerated colons. I had a series of five Venofer injections over five weeks this time last year and it worked wonders. I am in remission now so the iron in my multivitamin has been sufficient.

Meesh
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