Low iron levels + reaction to iron

[luna moth]

Not all iron supplements constipate. If you own any ferrograd, throw it, aggressively, out the nearest window. Spatone or Floradix are good liquid supplements. Use them in conjunction with a chelated iron supplement, like Fefol or Fabfol. Every day, eat 6 dried apricots and dates - these are high in iron, and definitely do not constipate. Every second day, I also take spirulina tabs, 6 in the morning and 6 at night. If all that doesn't work, I'd say that yes, maybe it is something you have to live with. And you clearly are, and doing fairly well. But give it a try.

The 4 and 97 is your ferritin and haemoglobin levels, and both are really low.

[Alan]

Hi Kazbah

Iron infusions can be quite nasty and a lot of people react to it. The staining caused by the iron injections is not an allergic reaction. It is just staining and usually caused by a poor technique, however if you had a few injections then it would be very difficult to prevent some staining.
My suggestion would be for you to take a liquid iron supplement such as Floradix or Spatone. They are more expensive than the tablets but are absorbed better and do not cause constipation like the tablets do. If you also take vitamin C this will help your body absorb the iron.

[Kazbah]

I'm just scared to take anything - I have been forcing the tabs down. Have an appt with the FBC GP on Friday to discuss - hope all's OK. Will try the spatone - I was taking it with Pip and it really didn't do much for me, and any OJ has been giving me really bad reflux

[Alan]

If you are having trouble with OJ then take Vit C tablets

[dusty]

I'm taking Flurodix in liquid form. I have to avoid constipation right now (due to anal tear) so I make sure I'm on high fibre diet and the flurodix works really well. Audax's additional suggestion of apricots and dates is good, and I recommend prunes, prune juice and pysllium husks on your cereal are fantastic (cheap version of Metamucil) to keep you regular. I had them every day I was pregnant.

I really hope they allow you to stay on in the BC!

[Rivlas]

Liquid iron works alot better & quicker than tablets and usually without the sife effects. Kiwi fruit is very high in vit c. The ones we have used are Floradix and the Booth brand.

Hope the FBC staff help, they are really good and the DR is also able to help with some ideas

[Alan]

MG

perhaps I should not have said a lot of people. I have also done a few iron infusions and seen a couple of reactions to it. (mild thankfully). I don't think I would want to be present for a push

[Mother Goose]

Iron infusions can be quite nasty and a lot of people react to it.

I'm sorry Alan, I just want to actually say that the chances of someone reacting to an Iron Infusion is actually relatively low. I do A LOT of these at work and am yet to have anyone react to it. The chances of a reaction are so low that in some countries, it is given as a push in stead of infusion.

Kaz, did they give you anything prior to the infusion? I'm sorry you've had a reaction to the infusion and glad they stopped it quickly. I hope you can still have your birth centre birth.