told to TAKE iron on Tx

[albany]

a few weeks back i got a call from nurse, who said blood is very low, and although iron is high, that i needed to be TAKING iron- she suggested Palafer with folic acid.  WHen i asked WHY- she explained that although my body is holding onto the iron, it is not using it, so therefore we need to introduce some.  I got no name iron (same as palafer) and shorlty thereafter ALSO ended up on the Eprex (in USA procrit) as Hemoglobin low (97).  
My Question  is - does or did anyone else have this expereince, of having high enough iron but having to TAKE iron on Tx, even though we read that we should NOT be taking iron??


thanks all
you rock!
Albany from Ontario
in week 37 of 48 ( yay- i so counted)
for G 1a on Pegetron

[albany]

this is even more confuusing, sorry.  i think i need to learn more about iron / low and high, and see my labs...thanks for providing direction though.
ttyl
Albany

[CockSparrow]

Yes iron B12 and folic acid will help with the anemia but only if you are low on them.
In the Lyndal High Dose Riba study the gave iron with the EPO.

Not sure what use it would be if your serum iron is high.
CS

[albany]

they did not reduce my riba, still at 5 pills a day = 1000 ? but thought it was VERY strange to be told to take iron.
anyone else?

[jackib4]

I just had my doctor prescribe Chromogen. My hemoglobins are at 10.6 and I am feeling TERRIBLE at week 24 of tx. Also just got biopsy at dermatologist and she said it looks like panniculitis caused by interferon on my shins and calves. My doctor had never seen anything like what was on my legs, and since I was so weak, he reduced my ribavirin from 1000 mg to 600 mg until we find out what is going on. I begged him for Procrit to help me feel better and he said 10.6 is not low enough for Procrit and had his nurse call me to tell me she was calling in the Chromogen which is nothing but Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Iron. Everything I have read has stated that Iron and Vitamin B12 will not help hemalytic anemia which is caused by the Ribavirin. I go back in a couple of weeks for my post 24 week blood work. I just hope the Iron doesn't mess me up worse than I already am....Anyone else have any ideas about this? I was worried about the things on my legs, but now am concerned about trying to get back up to my full dose of Ribavirin and be able to get out of bed!