Iron Deficient Anemia - Anemia Message Board

florrie · 05-07-2001, 04:03 AM

From blood tests last week (after 18 months) my iron level if 15mcg/dl (should be 40 - 150) my ferritina level is 3ng/ml (should be 10-291), my Haemoglobin level is 9.1g/dl, my Haemocrit is 28.5%, my VCM is 62.4fl, etc. etc. These volumes are all down on the results of 18 months ago. The blame was given to heavy periods and I underwent 5 months of hormones... net results periods reduced in heaviness but weight gain. I have tested normal for blood sugar levels - but what appears normal - makes me feel dreadful and ready to lie down and sleep.
I am depressed because of being so tired, gaining weight because of eating sugar etc., to have more energy. I cannot take iron in pill form due to intolerance. I cannot eat a high iron diet due to intolerance.
Anyone got any positive help for me? My info is given with European measures.

Thanks.
Florrie

verde · 05-29-2001, 11:53 AM

SUGAR is probably the worse thing you should eat for energy. It will actually make you feel worse... try steamed chicken,fish stuff like that. I know it will take some to adjust your diet. But after a week you will feel a difference. If you can not tolerate the iron pills....ask your doctor about injections he can give you. He will work with you but you need to tell him...... as soon as you giving your body what it needs you start feeling more energetic. I know its frustrating but you don't want to feel tired all the time do you? Go take care of business...

kia · 06-01-2001, 08:09 PM

Florrie
I have the exact same problem i have been taking iron for over a year now
and do not feel any better. I just sw a new doc today he thinks i may have fybromylgia i also have symtoms of lupus. please keep me updated on yor progress ad i will do the same. take cae i hope we both get some well deserved rest!!

plant · 06-09-2008, 06:33 AM

"I am depressed because of being so tired, gaining weight because of eating sugar etc., to have more energy."

Florrie,

I feel for you. I'm newly diagnosed, and exhausted, too. I had been eating more sugar recently, not realizing it was to try to increase energy. So now I'm gradually going back on the meal plan I keep returning to.

Therefore, re: eating sugar, to feel better, some healthier ways to address sugar cravings are to eat healthier carbs: grains, whole preferred; starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes, yams, or dried beans; fruits; milk. However, with anemia, the calcium in milk can make iron less available, so it would be best to stick to grains, starchy vegs, and fruit.

I aim for 4 servings of grains or starchy vegs per meal (sometimes 2 of each) (1/2 cup or 1 slice = 1 serving), three meals a day.

Plus a piece of fruit with every meal.

This keeps sugar cravings away, or minimal.

My meal plan (~1665 kcals/day)

Breakfast
2-3 c. water
1 fruit
1 veg
4 grains/starchy vegs
2 servings of protein

A total of 15 g of fat in the meal, max.

Then, the same for lunch and the same for dinner.

It's an easy to remember pattern.
When I eat this way, it keeps cravings for table sugar away.
This was ok'd by my nutritionist.
I try to have no more than 5 g of fat per meal from animal products, the rest from vegetable oils, nuts, nut butters, avocadoes, or soy products.
I hope you are feeling better since you posted this long ago!

-plant

aussiejono · 06-10-2008, 12:13 AM

Have you tried receiving iron via injection? Avoids the gastric side effects.

Sundown Perfect iron contains Carbonyl Iron, and is reputed to be extremely well tolorated, it might be worth a try.

A daily multivitamin, such as Centrum, with food would be a good idea, the levals in this shouldnt be high enough to cause problems, just make sure to take it with your main meal.