Successful Treatments? - Anemia Message Board

fjones1 · 09-14-2006, 08:05 AM

Hi. Has anybody had any actual success with any iron treatments? Has anybody tried any treatment that made them feel better after a while. I understand it takes a while to get iron built in the blood, so I'm trying to be patient. I have been taking Slow FE once a day with orange juice for about 6 weeks now. I have an appointment with the Hemotologist on 9/20. For a while I felt a little better, but recently I've been feeling worse than before I started taking the iron. The fatigue has lessened a little, but the eye problems have worsened. Very swollen and dizzy from puffy eyes. I was constipated at first after taking the iron, but recently started getting diarrhea, so I wonder if I'm actually absorbing the iron. I also have low thyroid, so I take Synthroid for that. My doctor wasn't much help the last time. She wasn't specific about how much iron to take, or what kind. Are there any natrual treatments for iron deficient anemia with less side effects? Is there anything that can help the dizziness and swollen eyes? Also, what brand of Iron is Ferrous Gluconate? I hear it has a better absorption rate.

Thanks.

emmy108 · 09-14-2006, 08:22 AM

I haven't done the IV iron yet and hope that I don't have to! I also have to go back next week for my 6 week check up! I am very anxious to see if it has come up at all. I am taking Floradix form of Ferrous Glucnate..I don't know if it works yet, but I have zero side effects fom this supplement, it is Plant based and a liquid..we will see. I am looking for all natural ways to treat this because I don't want any chemicals in my veins..etc.. but too soon to say.. I have only know about this anemia for 4 weeks now!

Good Luck

Shamrock · 09-14-2006, 08:56 AM

I took the Slo-Fe for almost 6 months but it didn't help. I also had alot of GI side effects from it that weren't pleasant. My primary care suggested the Ferrous Gluconate and I then took Fergon for about 6 months with no improvement. She just sent me to a hematologist on Tuesday and I had my first infusion of Venofer. I have to go every Tuesday for the next 8 weeks to get a bag and they will monitor all of my bloodwork to see if it improves. The hematologist said that I probably just don't absorb the oral iron enough because I ahve esopahagitis and take medication for other medical issues. Everyone is very different with this I'm finding out. The Ferrous Gluconate is much easier on your stomach so if you can tolerate that I'd go for it and see if the anemia gets better. If it doesn't then I'd ask the PCP if I could see a specialist. It's not fun feeling exhausted all te time and the hematologist told me that if you get too anemic it can lead to heart problems. Best of luck!