Flare up for weeks

[Booth29]

was given iron tablets 6 weeks ago for anaemia, dose was 1, 3 times a day. For 2 weeks managed 1 twice a day, then ibs flare up started. Lots of bloating, wind and pain. Dropped down to 1 a day. Then had a week of antibiotics for toothache. Since then everyday is awful. Barely been out the house. Watching what I eat and drinking lots of water, stopped the iron tab 3 days ago to try soothe things down. So far not much if any improvement. Got a doc app next week, but just feel totally fed up and anxiety through the roof. Don’t know if there’s an alternative to the iron tab that I’ll be able to tolerate, but obviously I’m going to have to take something to get my levels up. Will this flare up ever settle down, I’ve got no life at the moment😩. Just needed a moan !

[Luisa22]

I think iron tablets can sometimes slightly upset the tummy. I don't know enough about it really and am no expert, but I heard somewhere it can cause constipation? However it could do either most likely. I am not sure though. You could do with talking to your doctor if you can.

It's bad luck about the antibiotics. Have you tried a probiotic to counter the effects? I have heard that Alflorex is very good. And there are others such as Symprove etc. I imagine it's about finding one that suits you.

Antibiotics just kill off everything, good and bad bugs all together and leave your gut out of balance. Eating very bland foods til you get that sorted might help an upset gut.

[Meleber]

There are a lot of questions on iron supplements. This one for examle

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

You can search for "iron" on HealthUnlocked, plenty more questions and answers can be found.

I can't tolerate iron as supplement in tablet form either, it just makes my functional bowel problems worse. I have chronic mild anemia, probably an effect of my chronic bowel problems (cause still unknown).

Maybe better to stop with the tablets for now and discuss it with your medical doctor.

[Alanis4000]

I was ok taking iron until a course of antibiotics, after which they gave me chronic diarrhoea (took me a month to realise that was the cause!)

Now I take over-the-counter/gentle iron supplements which I tolerate ok. They aren’t cheap but it’s worth it not to be anaemic! They are sold in Tesco etc, recommend trying that x

[Booth29 in reply to Alanis4000]

yes I think it was the antibiotics that made me worse. I’m seeing GP in a couple of days, and will ask about more tolerable supplements, but if no joy will look at buying them myself, thanks x

[Evonne02]

Sorry to read about your issues. You're Gp is supposed to prescribe you laxatives when prescribing iron tablets as it affects your bowels and stomach. I found out to my detriment as my stomach is very sensitive. Please demand this at your bext appointment. If you're already taking laxatives you need to increase the dosage/frequency too. All the best 😍

[Booth29 in reply to Evonne02]

I don’t have constipation, it’s more bloating and wind and general discomfort. I’m more ibsd and thought they might help with that at least, but it hasn’t. But like you I have a very sensitive stomach, it doesn’t take much to set it off!

[Evonne02 in reply to Booth29]

Trapped wind and bloating are part of Ibs. Laxatives are what I use do help with this. I use Macrogol sachets which alleviates this around 99% of the time. When I miss taking them I do get the bloating and trapped wind. As soon as I start taking it again it stops. Hope you find a suitable source to help you. Have you tried Peppetmint Oil Capsules? Or Gaviscon Advanced.. Aniseed flavour, to see if these help? Either or both in combination can ease your symptoms too. They can be bought over the counter if youre able to do do. Please let us know how you get on. All the best 😍

[Pat9]

I was the same I do sympathise, I buy Gentle Iron tablets from Holland and Barret and have been taking the mor many months now and have been OK