Hi all, I have just been given a new prescription of ferrous gluconate 300mg (3 tablets per day) and wondered if you knew how quickly I might see the effects? Bit of background info below.
Treated for anemia for 10+ years. Had a blood transfusion in 2009 (I had been taking ferrous sulphate for over a year and ferritin and Hb continued to drop - was at 2 (10-150) and 68 (>120) respectively by the time I got admitted and given transfusion).
After lots of tests to rule out internal bleeds etc one dr said I had issues absorbing iron from my diet and supplements. Introduced b12 injections every 12 weeks, depo injection which stopped my periods (though these have never been heavy) and occasionally I've had folic acid prescriptions.
In Jan 2017 a new dr at my gp's suggested stopping the b12 injections. She said from looking at all of my old blood results I have never been b12 deficient, I have had the intrinsic factor, coeliac, thyroid etc all tested and results were fine. She therefore believes I am iron deficient but not b12 deficient or have PA.
I tried taking over counter iron and folate supplements and increasing iron in my diet (even more). I returned to drs within a few months with symptoms, was prescribed ferrous sulphate 200mg 3x a day (ferritin 5, hb 117).
3 months after I was switched to ferrous fumarate 210mg 3x a day as levels had dropped (ferritin 4, hb 115).
This week I have been changed to ferrous gluconate 300mg 3x a day. Current levels are ferritin 4, iron serum 3.6 and hb 112. Dr now thinks I may have an absorption issue and need iron infusions instead but we are trying the gluconate first. Has anyone had any success with this when ferrous sulphate and fumarate have not helped?
If so how soon after taking did it relieve symptoms?
Any help/advice much appreciated.
How often should I self-inject?
Feeling tired, bloated and uncomfortable.
Am I still not absorbing iron?
