Iron tablets and messed up system!

[LittleMissK84]

Hi everyone. I have had stomach/digestive issues all my life and was finally diagnosed with IBS some 7 years ago. I’ve had numerous stool tests, scans and an endoscopy over the years but had kind of managed to find medication that would ease stomach cramps and bloating etc. I always used to veer towards constipation, but following an illness over Christmas and me starting a running programme, I found that I was having periods of diarrhoea. My doctor has done a blood test and another stool test which I’m waiting results for, but it turns out I’m very anaemic (we think this is linked to very heavy periods - I’ve never had any sign of blood when going to the toilet, nor dark stools etc and have been found to be anaemic in the past, about 10 years ago, which resolved after a course of tablets which I was fine with at the time).

When I stopped running, the loose stools stopped entirely and I had two weeks of peace, cue iron tablets! I took these one evening, and over the course of the next 3 days, started to get diarrhoea which just got worse. I’ve stopped taking them at the moment and have been using Imodium to try to get my system back under control, but MAN have they upset my system...I know I need the iron, but I can’t face the stomach trouble it’s giving me. I’ve got a liquid form to try now, but am terrified to start it whilst my stomach is still so upset. Has anyone else found this with iron tablets?

[Jackie1612]

Yes definitely. I am anaemic too and was recently prescribed iron tablets and they also upset my system. I had stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation and eventually I felt as if I was being poisoned. So I stopped taking them and bought some Spatone on line, as this had been recommended by friends.

I waited until I felt a lot better until I started it and one sachet had no adverse effects. There is not as much iron in this in comparison with the tablets so I decided to take 2 sachets. 2 gave me terrible diarrhoea so I stopped and waited a few days before trying half a sachet. I find I can tolerate one sachet.

Good luck.

[Andann in reply to Jackie1612]

Any idea why all of you are anaemic?

[Jackie1612 in reply to Andann]

I had post operative anaemia following hip replacement surgery

[Batteria in reply to Jackie1612]

You seem sensible. Good luck. Bx

[Meleber]

Can't say that I have. I'm taking 'gentle iron' from the Solgar brand (iron bisglycinate, non-constipating).

[Smeese in reply to Meleber]

I found the Solgar Gentle Iron okay too. I don't need it now but used to get nauseous when I tried the iron pills prescribed by the doctor.

[Hidden]

You could try Spatone liquid iron sachets they are gentle on the digestive system. I’m sensitive and didn’t have any problems with them. I managed to get my iron levels back up with this and a diet high in iron. Hope this helps.

[Superzob]

Same here. I take half a multi-vitamin every other day, and seem to be able to tolerate that. Over the years, I've become less anaemic (despite IBS-D), and no longer am.

[Jumpey]

If your liquid iron doesn't work you could try iron bigycinate which is easier on the digestive system. Good luck.x

[JulieB5200]

Hi I too had issues with taking iron tablets.I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia about 8 years ago.After attempting to take iron tablets which really upset my digestive system I was referred for an iron infusion.I now have one every 6 to 12 months depending when my iron level drops. It is a very speedy process with no side effects and within 2 weeks I feel 💯 better. I recommend asking about this because taking iron upsets a lot of people but especially if you have ibs .Can I just add I believe my anaemia is due to my gut not absorbing iron.I have had every test possible and they can’t give a reason to why I’m anaemic.

[Batteria]

Yes. Years ago. I should be very reluctant to take them now. I know others who have had the same problem with iron tablets. They don’t seem to agree with you. Back to your medic. Con amore Bx