Iron intake

[Skyehope]

Hi guys.

Hope you are all doing well at the moment. I have a quick question to ask anyone with PV please - have you reduced the amount of red meat and iron containing veggies since being diagnosed and has it helped at all?

Big thanks in advance for your experience xx

[looksouth]

Hmmm....husband is just borderline ET. Went for his 3 month checkup today, platelets were almost the same as 3 months ago. Hb and Ht up just a titch but not enough to cause worry. Potassium up a bit too.

Husband has been drinking more water, especially first thing in the morning. That's probably a good habit for anybody getting older anyway.

We don't eat big chunks of meat anyway, but I have definitely tried to serve smaller portions of animal proteins , increase fish and chicken, but since husband thinks that pork should fall from the sky onto our plates daily, it's a bit of an uphill battle.

Iron-containing veggies...I am really not so sure about this one. Iron from veggies and beans is apparently more difficult for the body to absorb anyway, and then there is the issue of general health and the rest of the family's needs too. Maybe just trying to have a wide variety is the best thing.

Husband's potassium levels just *might* be related to his love of bananas and a huge, huge, bag of kale that we were eating twice daily for a week...but I think it's more likely to be the effect of breaking down the excess platelets.

[Skyehope in reply to looksouth]

Thank you so much. Yes, I'm trying to drink more water although often its later in the day which means I'm up through the night!! I've been trying to eat more white meat and fish instead but I don't want to deprive my hubby and son of a good stew now and again ☺. Thanks again.

[Paul42]

Hi

I have been told a number of times that changing your diet to lower iron intake isnt really necessary.

You would have to eat copius amounts of iron rich foods to even make a dent in your iron levels.

Paul

[Skyehope in reply to Paul42]

Thanks Paul. You seem to have an excellent medical knowledge relating to MPN's (from what I've seen on posts ☺) so I'm grateful for your advice, thank you.

[piggie50]

Hi

I agree with Paul, my heam just told me to avoid black pudding which I don't eat anyway. He also advised that iron from veggies is absorbed and dealt with differently in the body than iron from meats. I have eaten what I want for the last 11 years, it all seems to balance out and not make any difference.

Judy

[Skyehope in reply to piggie50]

Thanks Judy. I don't think I could ever stomach black pudding anyway so now I have the perfect excuse!!

[Aime]

Hi, agree with Paul and Judy. Kind regards Aime xx😺😺

[Skyehope in reply to Aime]

Thanks Aime xx

[mark382]

My haematologist told me to eat as normal. I asked about red meat and she said it was ok as long as it wasn't excessive. I was also told to drink at least two to three litres of water everyday. I certainly know if I haven't as I'm motr tired and foggy brained. Down side is being near a loo.

I now know where every public convenience a suitable hedge is in the UK!!.

[Skyehope in reply to mark382]

Thanks Mark. I fully understand the toilet situation - I never like to be too far from one with my increased water intake 😂