Still wonder about anemia?

[newbie56]

Learned a bit about anemia... just basic

Moderate anemia corresponds to a level of 7.0-9.9 g/dl,

Severe anemia corresponds to a level less than 7.0 g/dl.

Seems mine is moderate & I'm working on that

Anyone use FERGON iron?

[Bet117]

Hi Newbie,

Moderate? My thoughts are to see your doctor before taking any over the counter supplements.

I would add the Cream of Wheat and Grape Nuts first.

Your doctor may put you on an iron - short term to get your levels to a better place.

Give him/ her a call and let me know the outcome!

B

[rabbit01]

I am with Bet117 and would suggest you discuss with your doc before taking anything. In case you were not aware you may have excellent iron stores in your body and still have anemia. Iron is just the raw material. It is as much about how your body uses the iron as it is the actual iron level. With CKD the kidneys ability to communicate with the bone marrow to ask it to produce red blood cells is reduced leading to low haemoglobin and therefore anemia.

[newbie56 in reply to rabbit01]

Bet117, rabbit01, fellow sufferers & wise people,

My neph actually approved taking iron, because I pretty much insisted, but you've made me think twice. I've added those iron rich foods & will hold off on the supplement until my next lab.

Btw, I'm also now using blackstrap molasses & raisins in my cream of wheat

and washing it down with Orange juice (first time in 2 years) Also added B12

to my regiment & these simple changes seem to be giving me energy

Grape Nuts, here I come.

Thanks. Sincerely.

[Bassetmommer in reply to newbie56]

Hi Newbie,

Just for information; orange juice and molasses are loaded (almost 700 mg in one ounce of molasses) with potassium. I am not sure if that is an issue for you but it might be for others.

[newbie56 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks Bassetmommer...my potassium has been low, so i feel it's a win-win situation. But i'll be careful

[Bet117 in reply to newbie56]

Hi Newbie,

Sounds good to me. My doctors and I are believers in the fewest medications possible.

Actually, the renal dietician that I am in touch with suggested the molasses to me as well. I don't have a potassium issue but didn't use it as it is also high in sugar, which my weight didn't need .

I can honestly say that the Cream of Wheat, Grapenuts and Spinach every now an then has helped me.

Please let me know how you are doing and if you come up with any other foods and I will do the same.

[newbie56 in reply to Bet117]

And anemia isn't the end of the world right

[orangecity41 in reply to newbie56]

This is true. Something we can adjust to.

[orangecity41 in reply to rabbit01]

Good reply as this is basically what my Doctor told me in my situation. So no iron supplement was prescribed.

[WYOAnne]

Also, are you sure that your moderate anemia is caused by an iron deficiency? When I was in CKD I was anemic but was not due to a lack of iron. When you have CKD, your bone marrow isn't producing enough red blood cells & you are anemic. That is why many of us have taken "Epogen" (Procrit) injections. Make sure your nephrologist has done all the blood work to determine the cause of your anemia. Could be a vitamin B-12 deficiency too.

[newbie56 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thanks, WYOAnne... i appreciate your input

[Bet117 in reply to WYOAnne]

True. I recently had to cut back on the B12 as it was too high. My doctors check my D3, B12 and CBC at every visit.

[siouxbee19]

I am 56, have had history of anemia since I was 4! I think I have taken almost every type/brand of iron supplements (joking), including Fergon. If I remember, it worked for me back when. However, I am currently anemic again as of 2017, and supplements don't work for me anymore. I just received my 2nd round of iron infusions in May 2019. My Hg has risen a bit, and my insurance won't pay for infusions if it's a certain level, but my iron, ferritin are still low, and TIBC is high. Platelets have gone down to normal.

The last supplement brand I took in 2017 was Feosol Bifera, feosol.com/, they are easier on the stomach and for a bit I was able to absorb them.

Having said all that, I had ultrasounds on my kidneys due to continued symptoms. They found enlargement and cysts. Verdict was to wait and watch because there was no change.

Flash forward to July 2019, my CMP & CBC blood tests showed concerning results. My GFR is what concerns me the most, I am very worried about it. I will see my primary doctor in 2 weeks, so maybe he can shed some light on this. I wish all the doctors would take all my health conditions in to account and give me some sort of answer. As serious as kidney disease is, they seem to be dragging their feet. Or maybe I am just being overly cautious due to family history and a brother that had to be on dialysis.

Sorry for the long health history, but wanted to explain my situation in hopes it would help someone else. Perhaps you should talk to your doctor first, especially with CKD. Best of health to you!

[newbie56]

WOW

I appreciate your experience & will be following.

[Bet117 in reply to newbie56]

Never simple. but have faith that you and your medical team will straighten this out. I promise.

😊🙏