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Nausea (...and a little iron talk as well)

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Posted 6/8/2013 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Dealing with intense bouts of nausea of recent. Looking for preventative measures or any advice... Here's the scoop:

Just had my third loading dose of Remicade (Thursday, May 30)... Taking iron supplements between breakfast and lunch, and then another after dinner... 20mg Prednisone, Vitamin D, and 4.8g Mezavant w/ breakfast... Probiotic supplement between lunch and dinner... Hypothyroid pill before bed (unrelated to UC)... Did a few days of Metamucil (1 capsule) w/ supper... but have cut that out while I narrow down the variable that is causing the nausea...

Started to reintroduce whole wheat since being on a low-residual diet the last couple months, but that hasn't really caused me any issues...

Again, anything that you guys can see or have experienced that may help give me some relief would be immensely appreciated. Thanks.
Posted 6/8/2013 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
I would think that tapering the pred will cause you nausea as well as the Remi.

The psyllium won't cause the nausea, but if the whole wheat is fine for you, then stick with that for a while. I'd get excessive gas from it...each is different.

Flaring in general causes nausea. You should call the doc to see if he would prescribe you another med for the nausea. There are patches if yours is unbearable.

I get nausea a lot....too much fat/oil is a huge culprit, but I do have other vestibular and sense of smell/headaches...so it's a multifasceted issue.

I do find that Gravol ginger in conjunction with Gravol antinausea pills work for me. Bentylol is also another med I take.

The patch is Transdermal V if I remember correctly.

What about starting rectal meds while you're tapering the pred.

Also to add that there is also antinausea medication that quickens transport of food through the stomach..can't remember the name of it, however.  Another option for you could be to change your PPI med maybe to Pariet?

q

Posted 6/8/2013 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!
Posted 6/8/2013 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Let me know how you're doing.
q
Posted 6/8/2013 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
It's strange because the biggest variables have been whole wheat bread, added fibre from Metamucil, and then the third loading dose of Remicade. Everything else has remained pretty consistent the last month or so... I did however increase my iron supplement dosage, and I've heard that can be kind of hard on your system.
Posted 6/8/2013 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Wait - that's not 100% accurate, I've also tapered my Pred over the last week. Only by 5mg... and I have yet to have any adverse affects from tapering or any great affects from the steroids at all... but maybe that is the magic number.
Posted 6/9/2013 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
Are you taking iron because your levels are low...or on your own?

I sincerely doubt it's the psyllium of one capsule a day with food.

Hope the nausea eases for you.

q
Posted 6/9/2013 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Because my levels are low. Somehow got lower even while taking the supplement - no bleeding, or minimal if any.

Thanks Q
Posted 6/9/2013 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Have you had B12 checked as well?

What iron supplement are you taking (what kind).

q
Posted 6/9/2013 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'm taking an oral iron supplement, twice per day, called 'PALAFER' -- doctor prescribed.
Posted 6/9/2013 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
I see it has different forms of iron...hopefully that's helpful to you. If not, consider to ask your doc to change it to another...

I think you should ask for further testing for low iron...there might be other reasons.

Found this....do a read, make questions for your doctor.  Enquire about further testing.

Make sure you get and keep all copies of blood tests and c-scope biopsies results. 
q

Posted 6/9/2013 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
Appreciate the support. He suggested doing and IV iron infusion if this keeps up... I'm going to stick with these supplements a little while longer. I'd rather not have to go to the hospital if it's not necessary. Seeing the doc in about ten days for follow up to all of this.

Keeping detailed logs in the meantime. Fingers crossed everything settles a bit in the coming weeks.
Posted 6/9/2013 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Also for the record, I have been relatively nausea-free today! I front-loaded my meds this morning instead of spreading them out so much...

...and don't want to jinx it!
Posted 6/9/2013 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
good you're feeling better.

q
Posted 6/10/2013 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Excess iron (even when anemic) can be somewhat toxic (causing nausea).

I've had it happen to me on multiple occasions (and I was only taking OTC pills - the Dr. supplied stuff can have even higher dosages).

Ask your doc if you can ramp up the iron more gradually (take fewer pills initially, shift to lower dosage OTC pills, only take one pill a day, only take a pill every other day, etc.).

For *me*, I had been anemic (low iron) for a long time - I didn't see the medical point in making myself sick (nausea) trying to correct iron levels in 3 weeks vs. 6 weeks.

Gotta be honest, not sure why a Dr. prescribed iron pill is required when OTC options are everywhere in a variety of dosages.

Perhaps it is something new and special.
Posted 6/10/2013 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
They are OTC pills, just as recommended by.

Also, if I could get a prescribed pill for this, I would prefer it, as then my drug coverage would take care of it instead of paying out of pocket.

Good to know though about the connection between iron and nausea... I guess it would be a trade off of wanting to improve energy and hemoglobin levels sooner and rough it with some nausea or ramping that energy up much slower but without the side effect.
Posted 6/11/2013 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
I tanked last night - jinxed it. Oh well. Today has been good though. Only had one iron supplement instead of two... debating taking the second or not. That has been the only difference in medication today and I have yet to want to throw up!
Posted 6/11/2013 7:23 AM (GMT 0)
Have you talked with your GI about it? because he should know.

Definitely push for other tests regarding low iron.

q
Posted 6/15/2013 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
Don't think it's the iron sups causing my nausea... Didn't take one today... kinda forgot. And still threw up. In fact, I didn't take a lot of my usual meds/supplements today and it happened. GI on Monday... is it sad that I get excited about talking to him?
Posted 6/15/2013 4:30 AM (GMT 0)
Nope, not sad...it's a relief you have an appointment soon.

Make the list of questions. Keep us updated how it goes.

q
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