Iron Labs??????

Recently I was told that my iron labs were low and to start taking iron supplements three times a day (yes, TID!) and to return in 3 months.  I have had a low hemoglobin in the past (10-11), most of my life.  The iron supplements made me extremely sick and very constipated. (I took stool softeners and laxatives without results and quit taking the supplements) I went back after 3 months and was told that they are starting to improve and to return in another 3 months.  This time I asked for the results and here they are: Hgb: 12, Hematocrit: 36.8, Iron: 41, TIBC: 462, and Sat: 9.  I am having difficulty understanding what this means? Why is my TIBC Hi and my Saturation low, while my H&H WNL?  Any advice on this and on how to take supplements without all the GI affects would be greatly appreciated.  I do have symptoms of tiredness etc, but find it easier to live with then the constipation and nausea?  Thank you!

[remar]

Taking iron supplements 3 times a day seems excessive. No wonder you were having constipation and nausea. Have you tried taking them once a day?  Remar

[rtjrevie]

Yes, I thought so too.  I cut back to one a day and same side affects.  I  know this is a common problem, just wondering how people get around it.  Someone mention Vitron-C, but I have never heard of it.  Ive tried Slow-Fe but same problem.  Same thing happened with prenatal vits.

[Londres70]

Iron ordered three times/day is NOT excessive.  As an RN, I have administered these tablets quite a bit and the iron was usually ordered that frequent.  

Are you taking the iron with a meal and/or a full glass of water?  

You can have anemia without a low hgb and low hct.  

The tibc is elevated because the liver produces more transferrin thus increasing the tibc attempting to maximize use of the little iron that is available.  

[remar]

A high fiber diet with lots of fruits and vegetables might help. Drinking plenty of water like the above poster mentioned should help too. As far as the nausea, I'm not sure what to do about that. You can always call your Dr and ask what he/she recommends.  Remar

[rtjrevie]

thanks

[remar]

Your welcome. Keep us up to date on how your doing.  Remar