Iron deficiency

[jay2908]

Hi,

I've had a recent blood test that shows very low iron levels. Anyone else have the same issue? If so, can anyone recommend options as my stomac cannot tolerate iron tablets.

Thanks,

Jay

[strangetimes]

amazon.co.uk/Solgar-Gentle-...

and

boots.com/en/Spatone-100-Na...

are both supposed to be well tolerated . And it's suggested that you combine iron tablets with Vit C to aid absorption ( Vit C might be in the spatone already ) and don't take with tea as that lessens body's ability to absorb .

BUT... I think very hard and slow to raise iron levels with supplements and that you should be considered ( because of your compromised digestive system ,assuming you've had an oesphagectomy ) for a transfusion or infusion .

HTH

[jay2908 in reply to strangetimes]

Thanks for the info Violet, going to hopefully get an IV infusion as some others have mentioned. In the mean time my GP has put me on another type of iron tablet...I doubt they'll be absorbed. spatone sounds promising.

Thanks,

Jay

[AndrewB]

I am prescribed "Pregaday" and take that every other day with the between days a multivitamin pill. Pregaday is a very low dose iron and folic acid for pregnant women but it works!

[jay2908 in reply to AndrewB]

Thanks Andrew, that's a new one for me. I'll ask my GI doctor about them.

[chrisrob]

You can have iron injections.

[jay2908 in reply to chrisrob]

Thanks Chris, I'm going to ask for them also

[Hidden]

Hi, I have an injection every three months, seems to work well for me. Hope this helps

[jay2908 in reply to Hidden]

Yes that does help, IV once every 3 months is much better than taking 6 iron tablets a day and associated side effects.

Many thanks

Jay

[guzzirob]

My 2 wk post op checkup showed low iron levels and I was referred back to my HODU unit for an Iron Infusion. As you have the results why did your Doctor not offer/discuss options when you received them?

[jay2908 in reply to guzzirob]

I'll be honest, that particular GP in hindsight hadn't taken into account the operation and thought I needed a full endoscopy to look for a bleed.

My GI doctor recommended the infusion.

Many thanks,

Jay

[spike3]

Hi Jay

I am post 8yrs from an Ivor Lewis procedure and it took me a long time to convince my Dr that i was suffering from iron deficiency. the trouble is there is quite a range between the low and high points that they register. I was lucky that i knew my normal range before the op so that i had something to compare with. Anyway to cut a long story short i like you couldn't get on with iron tablets and managed to get my Dr to prescribe iron in liquid form. (Syrton) which i take 5ml three times a day and have no side effects. Hope this helps.

[jay2908]

Thanks Spike, I'm going to push for an iv infusion. My level is 5, which is much below the recommended minimum.

[bertel]

Hi Jay,

I've had low iron levels for many years and dreaded the side effects of the iron tablets that were available but am now prescribed the following which has very little downside for me :- SYTRON made by Archimedes Pharma UK Ltd Reading. Apparently best taken together with a vitamin C tablet or some fruit juice.

Regards

Bertel

[david001]

Hi Jay

A problem a lot of our patients seem to getting and is due to the fact that the stomach is shortened and upended/pulled up or even removed completely so that iron/B12 is not broken down and absorbed at an early stage in the digestion system.

The NHS usual remedy is ferrous sulphate or ferrous fumarate tablets but there are only so many the body will take before making you nauseous.

Next stage is a linctus which your GP could prescribe for you and if that fails you can get injections. If all that fails (and it did in my case), one heads for transfusions but this is only a temporary fix, giving you a short term boost.

Try looking at your diet. Foods containing iron like liver and certain green veg are useful and I take standard vitamin/iron tablets (OTC) which seem to be easier on the system

Ask your consultant to speak to a specialist dietician at you operating hospital as they are knowledgeable about this condition for our situation

Hope this helps

[jay2908]

Many thanks David. Iron tablets are not agreeing with my digestion. Going to see my specialist, who had mention iron transfusions quarterly.

My diet is appalling, but unfortunately the only way I can maintain my weight.

[david001 in reply to jay2908]

Good luck

Do try the linctus first

Get the specialist to monitor your Ferritin levels as well as the iron in your blood and they should be >25. Ferritin are the stores of iron in your system which the body switches to if you are anaemic.

[Hidden]

I have been trying spatone 100% natural iron supplement, it is a liquid which I take in half a cup of fruit juice, it seems to be ok for me, good luck

Bryan

[jay2908]

Thanks Bryan,

I'll mention that to my specialist