Need Iron Info Please

[PSP-n-Me]

37178.1  

I have been on Procrit for 5 weeks - My hemo went from 8.4 to 10 and now it is at 9.9 - My NP told me she thinks (in her opinion) that I need a building block - iron

She said what is happening is the Procrit is making baby red blood cells, but they are not maturing and that is why the hemo is not going up - She tested me to see if I had a iron deficiency - Will get results in a few days...her theory is this - If I am iron deficient she wants me to take iron supplements (another frigging shot)

My question to y'all - Anyone know why we are always told that we should not take iron, what is the reason?  I asked her about it and she said if iron deficient the body will use it up before it has a chance to store in the liver - I just feel a bit uncomfortable about this and wanted anyone that has had experience with this...

Please no personal opinions, ony those that have had experience

Thanks Beth

[PSP-n-Me]

thanks everyone for all your input - I am hoping I will get the results back by Monday, and I guess I will take it from there - Beth

[Electra56]

I guess I want to add...I took supplements only long enough to correct the "anemia"- I have had chronic iron-deficiency for something like 10 years and very low liver iron (related to poor absorption)...I also happen to have very little liver damage.  Could just be coincidence....but once my lab values were normal..I stopped taking supplements but continued to monitor my iron status.

[CockSparrow]

Thinks we must have similar sense of humour
CS

[jmjm530]

In respect of your 'moniker', I am careful to give enough clearance in choosing an injection site in the thigh :)

[CockSparrow]

Jim - (Thought I was going to hit bone with my first IM injection) :)
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I wont ask which one. LOL
CS

[jmjm530]

You may find Dr. Franscino's comments on this subject both helpful and reassuring:
http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Fatigue/Archive/Anemiatreatment/Q182117.html

Besides, checking iron stores, the other issue mentioned is proper dosing. I started at the usual 40,000 units/week, but ended up needing 60,000 units/week. To achieve this I injected the 40,000 units every five days, instead of every seven. Some here have gone up to 80,000 units/week. Beyond that, it's questionable how much additional benefit you may have. If your iron stores end up being adequate -- mine were -- then tweaking your Procrit dose should be considered. Some, including myself also took B12 injections, as well as Folic Acid supplements.

Not sure they worked, but the benefit of giving yourself IM B12 injections is that all of a sudden the Pegasys needles seems so very, very tiny. (Thought I was going to hit bone with my first IM injection) :)

Be well,

-- Jim