Thursday, April 14, 2011

Low Iron

I have very low iron and hemoglobin. For the past 6 months or so I've been taking iron to try and raise my levels. I take double the amount of iron recommended a day. (Can you say hello bathroom problems?)

I saw my doctor the other day and my last blood work came back and no change. I mean how can that be possible?? No Change?? I take iron like it's my job, I eat as much meat and other foods high in iron as possible. Yet still no change? Ugh.

My doctor thinks that my body just doesn't absorb iron normally. Which means in another 6 weeks if my iron and hemoglobin don't rise, I have to see a hematologist and probably get IV iron. Which really scares me. I hate needles very very much and that just makes me nervous.

So I'm hoping that we'll see some change this month. My doctor told me to take my iron pills with OJ because it helps it absorb better. Maybe that will help!!

Keep your fingers crossed!

3 comments:

Karen said...

I get iron infusions every 2 weeks. They are no big deal. I don't absorb iron (and a bunch of other stuff) so I no matter how much I take orally, it doesn't work. I took liquid iron mixed with OJ twice a day for months and it didn't help one bit.

Good luck!

Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Carolyn, I had the same issue with magnesium. I had to get it through IV. It really isn't as bad as you'd think. And you'll feel so much better. Bring a book and don't look. hey I didn't mean to make a rhyme.

erin - heart in ireland said...

uugh :( hope the increased supplements help!