Iron

**theworm**[$] · #1 06-21-2007, 10:27 PM

I seem to need more of it.
Doc wants to put me on RX iron which is easy enough, but doesn't it play havoc on the belly.

I'm a vegetarian, but should be able to get enough iron from eggs, leafies and beans. Any brilliant ideas, because what I'm doing isn't working.

**amykhar** · #2 06-21-2007, 10:45 PM

Iron fortified cereal?

**hadassahchana**[$] · #3 06-22-2007, 12:01 AM

Floridix. I'm telling you, it works really well, works fast and it doesn't bother your stomach at all. No side effects. I promise - so does my OB, who began prescribing it for his patients after watching my hemoglobin rise so quickly.

**jgibson2**[$] · #4 06-22-2007, 12:45 AM

I took Gentle Iron (by Solgar -- it's vegan) when I was on chemo. My oncologist was so impressed by the rise in my blood counts he wanted details so he could recommend it.

Also does not upset the tummy.

**Helen_B**[$] · #5 06-22-2007, 02:00 AM

Floradix, that's the stuff. Not the tablets, the liquid. If you don't want to invest in several weeks worth without tasting it first, buy a single serving bottle to try it. The great thing is one dose has only 10mg of iron, which is so bioavailable that it is absorbed easily and well. Darned prescriptions are often ferrous fumerate, which is about as easy to digest as iron filings.
Floradix Iron + Herbs Liquid Extract Formula - Flora Health USA
Don't get the yeast free; it doesn't taste as good as the original.

**pippadaisy**[$] · #6 06-22-2007, 09:02 AM

Wormie, also watch what you are eating/drinking/supplementing with. For a lot of folks, it isn't total iron that's the problem, it's absorption. Fiber, calcium, and zinc can "bind" iron and prevent your body from accessing it.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #7 06-22-2007, 09:16 AM

Wormie--I was anemic, severly for many years before my surgery. I was on those crappy iron tablets that destroyed my stomach. I finally refused to take them. They weren't prescription, so maybe the prescription stuff will work.

I did some research on combining foods for maximum effect. I don't remember it all now, but I do remember separating iron sources--meat and veggies. The meat won't be a problem for you so you should be ok. Dark green leafy veggies, strawberries, tomatoes, eggs, tuna, (probably any seafoods).
I googled "iron rich foods" and got a lot of reading materials and ideas.

**theworm**[$] · #8 06-22-2007, 08:19 PM

she is sending me an RX for iron w/ Vitamin C which is supposed to help absorbtion, but it seems extreme to need a prescription for this. It's not extreme. And she is sending me for a colonoscopy and endoscopy - seems extreme to me.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #9 06-22-2007, 08:39 PM

Friend of mine has iron deficiency because of his hemrroids, which he won't get fixed, if'n you're talking "extreme." The tests make sense if she thinks the anemia is from internal bleeding somewhere.

**theworm**[$] · #10 06-22-2007, 08:41 PM

yes, but they do those blood in places it doesn't belong tests so wouldn't that rule that out...

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #11 06-22-2007, 08:42 PM

um, either I've had too much to drink or you have, I have no idea what you're trying to say in that sentance!

**theworm**[$] · #12 06-22-2007, 08:44 PM

You know...those tests where they look for blood in.... you know...poop.

*emeleel* · #13 06-22-2007, 10:09 PM

I think she was trying to say:

Quote:

yes, but they do those "blood in places it doesn't belong" tests so wouldn't that rule that out...

Right?

**theworm**[$] · #14 06-22-2007, 10:20 PM

yes

I was puncuation challenged

**thinkerlady**[$] · #15 06-22-2007, 10:37 PM

Good call on the tests. The colonoscopy is a good call to see if anything is happening that shouldn't be happening in your intestines.

My friend was anemic. She always had stomach issues. The doc sent her for an endoscopy. She has celiac spru (spelling????) She has been following the no gluten diet, blood count is better, got herself preggos and had a baby. A beautiful baby!! No more anemia, no more issues.

Not saying that you have the same Wormie, but it is a good idea to have the tests to make sure nothing is cooking where it shouldn't be.

Take the prescription iron + C. It sure beats the old OTC stuff.

**theworm**[$] · #16 06-22-2007, 10:39 PM

SO IF I HAVE A COLONOSCOPY I'LL HAVE A BABY!!!!

**thinkerlady**[$] · #17 06-22-2007, 10:40 PM

NONONONONONONONO

It was the endoscopy!!!

But it took nearly 2 years.

**theworm**[$] · #18 06-22-2007, 10:46 PM

in two years I'll be way too old to have a baby!!!

**thinkerlady**[$] · #19 06-22-2007, 11:54 PM

Well, at the rate I am going, I am willing to share my youngest with anyone!!

He took me out to Target tonight, and drove like he had never been taught. I was so annoyed with him. I did "speak" my mind on his driving, and he listened, but I know he didn't appreciate my comments. He drives with his fingertips!! Dammit he has only been driving not quite 3 years. He is far from experienced. So when we got home, he complained to his dad and sister that I was criticizing him. This summer I will "correct" his bad driving habits or he isn't taking the car back to school.

So, would you like to share him Momma Worm???

**theworm**[$] · #20 06-23-2007, 02:31 PM

You're offering me a started kid his age?

Even I know that you can't "correct" him at his age!

**thinkerlady**[$] · #21 06-23-2007, 03:33 PM

He is driving me nuts Wormie. Today he is headed to a pool party. It is a high school graduation party of his former roommates ex girlfriend. The roommant is going too. It is up by his school, and he is presently enroute. He drives me nuts with the driving--it is about an hour or so from home. His last words--I might stay over, don't wait up for me. Ugh.

frazzledspice · #22 06-23-2007, 11:02 PM

All I can think of is the prenatal vitamins (aka constipation pills....)

If you took iron supplements and Alli at the same time, you shouldn't have to worry about loose bowels...they might just balance one another out

**theworm**[$] · #23 06-23-2007, 11:04 PM