Do you know the cause of your iron-deficiency? - Anemia Message Board

littlebunnyfoo · 08-02-2006, 09:16 PM

Just wondering for those of you who are iron deficient...do you know what the cause is...heavy periods, GI issues...???

Shamrock · 08-03-2006, 06:20 PM

I went through an endoscopy and colonoscopy only to be told I had no active bleeding or ulceers,etc. I'm glad about that but after a year they still haven't figured out what's causing it. I think it must be because of occasionally heavy periods,although my doctor says no because that doesn't happen every month. It also could be because of other medications I have to take for RA that could be causing absorption issues. Who knows? I do take the iron supplements but I haven't seen my Hct go to 30 in 2 years.

Good luck!

setsail · 08-07-2006, 02:42 PM

Mine is attributed to chronic malabsorption problem, linked to stomache surgery many years ago.

I've had InFed treatment 3 times in the last decade, with a 4th coming up later this month. I get monthly B12 injections as well.

grandkidsrg8 · 08-07-2006, 06:59 PM

Hi! I'm new to this board but I'd love if any of you might have any answers for me. my hemoglobin dropped to 5-yeah you read it right-no typo at the end of dec 2005. Since Jan 2006 I have been on Iron Therapy-IV. I began with infed but on the 4th treatment (my dr's only allow 250 mg at a time) I had a very bad almost anaphalactic allergic reaction. Now they switched me to Venofer-which they use normally for dialysis patients- and I have to pre med with mega doses of Prednisone and benadryl before they can give the iron. I am desparate to get off the prednisone due to the various side effects and it raises the blood sugar...but I cannot tolerate taking Iron orally! I have tried Slo FE and Solgars Iron Biscalyne, Flintstones vitamins with Iron (I"m desperate!)everything leaves a terrible Iron shavings taste in my mouth that just won't go away. We are still searching for the cause of my deficinecy..I did the full GI workup-I'm so frustrated-and with all this they still haven't been able to get me past a 10 and maintain it! The hematologist himself is frustrated and says all we're doing is treading water- anyone with any clues I would appreciate hearing from you! thank you!

Shamrock · 08-07-2006, 09:28 PM

Grandkids,you should ask your doctor about taking the oral Ferrous Gluconate instead of the Ferrous Sulfate. I had terrible problems taking iron because of reflux,nausea,etc. and told my doctor about it. She told me to try the ferrous Gluconate instead since it's alot easier on the stomach. She's right! Other than a little metallic taste when you first put it in your mouth,I've had no stomach problems with it. My last Hct was only 28 and my Hgb was 7. The have no idea why I'm anemic. I have an appt. coming up with my doctor at the end of August and I'm sure I'll be sent off to the hematologist. Good Luck!