I had my baby back in 2021 September. From about November I started feeling really 'not myself'
I went to the doctors and was told I had iron deficiency. I was told to buy some ferrous sulfate, which i did. But they caused me to bleed from my bottom when going to the toilet. Now I am taking some vitamins from the supermarket but nothing seems to be working. I also have so much hair loss which is awful, and continuous ringing in my ears. I just don't know what else to do.
I've also tried to start adding iron foods into my diet! I feel awful honestly! And I feel my baby isn't getting the full me if that makes sense.
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks x
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Jaydee1995
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Hi there, the standard supplements won’t bring your iron levels back up properly. I was taking a standard tablet. You should push your gp for a prescription as this is best monitored over time, my levels have took over 8 months to get up, all be it slowly but then again mine are always dropping after they stop my prescription. I think I suffer from absorption issues as I have had this problem for over 30 years. Not that they take any notice. Did you have your b12 level tested too or a fbc done? Hope you get sorted soon.
Hiya! I've tried speaking to my Gp and they just say to take supplements. Yeah I had b12 done aswell, they were normal. I was taking the ferrous sulfate but they were making me bleed alot! When I had bowel movement. Im just so sick of feeling like i do. And my hair is just falling out like mad!
My partners sister is a nurse and she said to maybe take folic acid supplements?!
Jaydee1995 - although this forum has anaemia in its title it's a bit misleading - its actually about an auto-immune condition that leads to B12 deficiency and not about anaemia in general - although PA can also affect iron absorption.Did you mention the bleeding to your GP - I'm not a medic but I wouldn't have expected the ferrous sulphate to cause bleeding - which implies that you may actually have a bleed that is causing your iron deficiency. Your GP should probably be referring you to a gynaecological unit.
Can I just add, i was only bleeding from my bottom when I was taking the tablets. As soon as I stopped them the bleeding stopped. And I haven't seen anything since. That was about 2 months ago. 🤞
Did you actually see blood in the movement or was it that the movement was darker than normal - if it was darker than normal that would be iron that you hadn't absorbed.
It was blood in the toilet. Red fresh blood, and when i wiped. The gp at the time said they do not worry about fresh red blood, only dark blood. Also at the time of taking them my stool was dark green/black
the dark colour - was the iron passing through.If you had an internal bleed in the gut then that would come out as dark blood.
I guess that the supplementation could have resulted in the stool being a bit harder than normal which was irritating the end of the bowel and bursting some blood vessels near the surface and resulting in the fresh blood.
Classic constipation/hard stools with iron supplements. The bleeding sounds very much like a small tear caused by the hardened stools, which then heals up when you've stopped the iron. My GP back in the 80 used to prescribe the antenatal folic acid/iron tablets for up to a year after I had each baby especially as I breastfed both for 10 months.
Having what was described in my teens as pernicious anemia this was the practice way of keeping me healthy.
Your symptoms are classic post natal iron deficiency, chat to your local pharmacist to recommend a suitable supplement or if they are of the traditional sort they may make up a tonic for you.
That’s pretty shocking. My daughter had fresh blood, thought she just had piles, but turned out she had stage 2 rectal cancer. She now has a stoma. Any blood, fresh or otherwise should be taken seriously.
I bleed when taking iron tablets because it makes me constipated which causes my haemorrhoids to bleed when going to the toilet. But otherwise iron tablets shouldn’t really cause bowel bleeding. I can’t understand why your Gp isn’t giving you prescription iron tablets eg ferrous fumarate 210 mg and monitoring your iron/ferritin levels by blood test every three months. I would try and make an appointment with your Gp to discuss how much to take. Hope things improve soon.
Hiya I suffered from Anaemia for many years, these are the things that helped. Firstly ferrous sulphate is too harsh on the body and difficult to absorb. Ask your GP to prescribe ferrous fumerate instead. Is there any reason you have to see the same one that isn't being helpful? in my practice, I can ask to see any GP on the team. I was able to take ferrous fumerate more consistently, which brought my haemoglobin level up, but my ferritin levels still stayed chronically low (7 to 11, normal range varies according to where you look, but around 15-250 some people say it needs to be 50+ to feel well, regardless of the set 'normal range' which is so vast). Someone on this group suggested taking this ferritin specific supplement: Buy Ecological Formulas - Ferritin Bioavailable Iron 5 mg. - 60 Capsules (Formerly Cardiovascular Research) at LuckyVitamin.comluckyvitamin.com/p-582852-e...
After many years of low ferritin, the levels gave finally come up. I still continue to take a daily ferrous fumerate which keeps my levels stable. It might be worth searching the group for the word ferritin specifically, as there have been some very helpful discussions on this over the years. Good luck
My ferratin levels have gone down even with taking over the counter tablets. My gp said they do not contain enough. I'm now prescribed high dose ferrous fumerate. Definitely go back to your gp
Just thinking over here hence the burning smell …. Your health visitor? Baby is how old? But they are for the health of mother and baby so if your so called Heath provider 😠 is not playing ball ( and getting paid for the privilege) then I would go through your Heath visitor and have her write a strong letter or something of the sort to the practice manager and subsequently get yourself another appointment with a different doctor, this other doctor is leaving people with potentially life threatening conditions…
The health visitor will kick their behinds because you know they are all for the mummy and babe…. It’s really out of order isn’t it, every good doctor should know it’s a common occurrence that pre pregnancy and post pregnancy… women will most definitely be iron deficient and to be so blatantly ignorant is a disgrace…. Having said that, women in general, us having periods we need more iron on a daily basis … more than men …. And post menopause it’s the same as a man ….
I am currently struggling myself with low iron, I was at 7 near 12 months back, then after 6 months of thanking ferrous fumerate my levels were up to 17.5 so they stopped them 🙄 then here we are again back at 8, I’ve been on the ferrous fumerate for a month now and feel absolutely no benefit whatsoever although I don’t get any adverse gastric affects like you and so many unfortunate people have and do, the ferrous fumerate is a lot better accepted by your body though….. ask your Heath visitor about this….
Sorry I’m not sure if I you have already mentioned but what did the doc say your level actually was?
Just thinking that you could take floradix for a couple of years? That’s apparently very well accepted by the body.
I take Spatone iron water which has caused no bowel/stomach problems... it's very gentle. I was advised to take it with orange juice as this aids absorption.
Hi, Did the GP check full hormone bloods? It’s the Gynaecologist/ Endocrinologist s that can do fuller, better hormone bloods. Gp’s are the basic ones.Ringing in ears, tinnitus can be from low folate and/or B12 I was told.
Was your folate low? If so GP should give you prescription folate for 3 months, then monitor. But if your B12 is off don’t take folate as it will mask any Bqp12 issues.
Post giving birth can mess up your b12.
If you need to go back to your GP try another GP at the surgery and explain again from the start, clear, short & precise. As they are always in such a flipping hurry grrrr.
Thankyou. My folate was normal (6.64) and then my ferritin was 7.3 and then my b12 was normal! I'm getting a phone call today so fingers crossed. (Different doctor)
I hope they help you Jaydee1995. There has to be a reason for your symptoms. Be clear with the GP, insistent if you feel fobbed off. Unfortunately when it comes to NHS GP’s hormonal issues can be a nightmare for patients. They tend to just go in blood results, not symptoms ☹️. At very least request repeat full bloods, not just hormone and push for a Consultant referral from there. X
My ferritin level dropped to the bottom of the scale. The way I got it back up was to take iron bisglycinate tablets. They are available on amazon under the name Nuravita and aren't too expensive. I was hesitant to take iron supplements because of the side effects, but research said to try these, they work really well and I haven't had any stomach problems. My wife has an iron defficiency as well, the doctor gave her tablets with horrible side effects, she now takes the same tablets as me and she is fine with them.
Hi Jaydee1995 I am not sure where you live in UK, I am a different age group to you and I asked in Jan 2021 to have my annual review early because of shortness of breath and not feeling right.
My haemoglobin was very low, they redid a week or so later and still low so they checked B12, ferritin and found my ferritin was low.
I had to go through cancer investigations (colonoscopy and endoscopy camera's both ends) to investigate whether there was bleeding anywhere. All was clear so was prescribed and started on the ferrous sulphate for a timescale after that time scale my bloods were checked and my haemoglabin and ferritin had returned to normal so I was told to stop taking the iron tablets. I have been off them about 6 months and Annual Review at end of next month will be checking again.
I am surprised your Dr just told you to buy iron tablets. I mean my age (peri/menopausal) but your age could be heavy period related or the body change following pregnancy.
I would recommend seeing a different GP in your surgery and explain what side effects (the bleeding in your stools) you had from the iron tablets. Shouldn't really have over the counter as shouldn't have long term unless prescribed. With prescription they can adjust dosages which might not give you the same side effects and your bloods should be monitored as a short course might be enough to right the problems.
Please read this site below - some of the main points then rebook with a DIFFERENT GP.
The aim of treatment is to restore haemoglobin levels and red cell indices to normal, and to replenish iron stores.
A dose of 65 mg elemental iron (ferrous sulfate 200 mg) once daily (on an empty stomach) is needed to treat iron deficiency anaemia. Dose-related adverse effects (gastrointestinal disturbance) from taking an iron supplement are commonly experienced.
For people with significant intolerance to oral iron replacement therapy options include: alternate day dosing, oral ferric maltol, or parenteral iron preparations.
Note: switching to an alternate oral iron salt is not supported by evidence.
What information and advice should I give people taking iron supplements?
Advise people taking iron supplements that:
They may experience adverse effects but these usually settle down with time — stress the importance of compliance with treatment.
If they do experience gastrointestinal adverse effects, discomfort may be minimized by taking the iron supplement with or after food, or reducing the dose to alternate days.
If these measures fail they should return to discuss other treatment options.
Explain the monitoring requirements.
Advise people (especially the parents of young children) about the safe storage of iron supplements, as accidental overdose can be fatal.
Basis for recommendation
Alternatively, if ferrous sulfate is not tolerated then the person may prefer taking a different iron preparation. Ferrous gluconate 300 mg tablets may be better tolerated than ferrous sulfate as there is less elemental iron content per tablet than ferrous sulfate.
MONITORING
What monitoring is recommended for someone being treated for iron deficiency anaemia?
Recheck haemoglobin levels (full blood count) within the first 4 weeks of iron supplement treatment to assess the person's response. The haemoglobin concentration should rise by about 20 g/L over 3–4 weeks.
If there is a lack of response, see the section on Inadequate benefit from initial iron treatment.
If there is a response, check the full blood count at 2–4 months to ensure that the haemoglobin level has returned to normal.
Once haemoglobin concentration and red cell indices are normal:
Continue iron treatment for 3 months to aid replenishment of iron stores, and then stop.
Then monitor the person's full blood count periodically — for example, 3-monthly for 12 months and then 6-monthly for 2–3 years.
If haemoglobin or red cell indices drop below normal, prescribe iron supplements.
Further investigation is only necessary if haemoglobin or red cell indices cannot be maintained this way or if there is any evidence of an active undiagnosed pathology (for example, ongoing weight loss or chronic unexplained diarrhoea, persistently elevated inflammatory markers and the persistence or recurrence of IDA.
Consider an ongoing prophylactic dose in people who are at particular risk of iron deficiency anaemia.
Hi. I struggled with anaemia for many years after having my children. I too would recommend ferrous fumarate - it was prescribed for me but is often cheaper to buy. After online research I now take it with high-dose Vit C (950mg) which helps absorption.I also experienced bleeding and it was due to tearing due to hard (black) stools. I make sure I have lots and lots of fibre now! It was frightening at the time. Absorption is better if you don’t eat at the same time - but I always do as it makes me feel sick otherwise. Also remember to avoid coffee, tea and dairy a couple of hours either side as they affect absorption.
You do right taking this further - you’ll feel so much better when sorted. Hope you’re soon feeling stronger.
You could try gentle iron (from Holland and Barrett or online). I don't know if you got an upset stomach from the iron you took, but I can't take ferrous sulphate or fumarate due to an extremely delicate tummy, however gentle iron caused me no problems.
It's worth a try! I was able to raise my haemoglobin very quickly. My ferritin was really low (3) but I don't know what it is now because they didn't re-test. I'm going to do a private test to check it again (this is a reply to my previous comment, regarding gentle iron). I hope you feel better soon!
Wow 3! They should have had you in for an infusion and sent you straight to the hospital…. That’s a disgrace…And then to not even follow it up….words fail me.
But I guess as long as they get paid 🤷♀️ all is well….. makes me sick it does.
Well, although my ferritin was very low, my haemoglobin wasn't so low (108) and I think they go more off of that. I'm sure the threshold for a transfusion is 80-90 or thereabouts, and to be honest I wasn't feeling that bad.
Hi, what was the outcome of the doctors call? Did they bother to call? I hope so!!!
My doc rang me, one problem I told her about was the fact I felt no better at all having been on the iron tablets, I have no gastro issues at all with these so tolerate them very well….. she basically said double it and stay on them for life, you should never come off them, so now I take 2x325mg a day….. the next bloods will be interesting won’t they 🤔
Ahhh ohh you mean jaydee, sorry it looked as though you were replying to me…. No it is amazing how doctors don’t follow anything up and will just collect their $200 and pass GO ….. yes one big board game because the nhs is now becoming unfit for purpose….. it’s a sinking ship. Iron and ferritin values are no secret and if they are low and are not managed the health issues can be really dangerous and damaging…… it’s so negligent that a doctor can just ignore this.
Yeah they called.. got more bloods on Thursday this week. Then when I get the result I'll be demanding them to prescribe something easier on my stomach. What tablets are you on? Yes they will be interesting! X
Morning sweet cheeks….sorry for the late reply I’ve only just checked back, glad they called, I expect now they will be checking u for other things just to cover themselves but really I think you just need a more easier iron to absorb…. I have ibs also but some have it alot worse than others so yours could affect you monotonously each day with no let up compared to mine … I take ferrous fumarate …. It’s a lot easier on the body than ferrous sulfate which is what they almost always give anyone when they need iron supplementation…. I think it’s just the cheapest thing to give really and that’s why they do it… My doctor also started me on 1 325g daily first for a month to get my body used to it and then she has now doubled it and told me to stay on this for life and never to stop.
So FERROUS FUMARATE is what you should request from your doctor NOT sulfate …. Have a check just to be on the safe side to see if that’s what your doctor gave you that gave problems.
Hiya! I will speak to them. They have just called me to cancel my appointment for next week but I've managed to get into another surgery for bloods. So annoying! X
That surgery sounds like such fun! You need to stand you ground with them every time otherwise they will have you like a puppet on a string, my surgery tried to have me go an extra month for my b12 so I blasted the receptionist and told the doctor what they were trying to do, they quickly and somehow found an appointment and a nurse? Funny that?! You would think they would have a locum nurse to fill in for illness just like doctors….. stick to your guns they are like bullies. X
Im like a walking disaster. Lol, got tonsilitus got given anti biotics. Been taking them a while, now I'm getting a temp of 38! And I'm not sure if it's from having my baby but my ribs chest and back hurt.. like a pulled muscle. She's a heavy girl but I dunno just feel poo! Z
Something really sounds off, maybe your body is just run down but I would definitely request to speak to a different doctor if your regular one is not listening…. Did you get your bloods taken? X
Yes I did. I'll wait for results. I did send an email to the doctors about this pain and tempreture but not reply. So ill see what the bloods say. They done FBC - Iron culture and crp. X
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