Hello all I am new to the boards, this is my first post. I do not want to come off as a whiner, but...I am so tired of being tired. :yawn: I suffer (like most of you) from IDA and nothing seems to help. I take my iron pills twice a day with vitamin C. I eat red meat and all the other high iron foods. Have anyone found anything new that helps bring levels up, and quick? :eek:

I hear you and whining is good for you sometimes. IT relieves stress. Nothing but infusions bring up iron levels immediately, but the fatigue will linger for about 3 months after the iron is up to the right levels on testing. It has to do with the body using the iron to make healthier blood cells. Sometimes the iron infusions themselves cause fatigue. There are no simple short answers. Talk to your doctor.

I have been suffering from anemia for about 10 years. I take a ferrous sulfate (iron) tablet everyday and sometimes I take two. Each is 325 mg. Sounds like alot, but it has helped be become stable. I also take B12 in the form of sublingul tablet that is put under your tongue for better absorption. I believe that I became anemic do to long, heavy periods...I am not really sure.
Did your doctor test for what kind of iron would be best for you to take? There are a couple, ferrous and ferric. The ferrous one is better absorbed by your body.
I hope you also are eating more than the red meat. Here is what was on my list of things to do for it from my doctor:
Eat foods high in iron:
red meat
fish
chicken
liver o eggs
dried fruits, like apricots, prunes, and raisins
lentils and beans
green, leafy vegetables, like spinach and broccoli o tofu o cereal with iron in it (iron-fortified)
Eat/drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
Don't drink coffee or tea with meals. These drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
Calcium can hurt your absorption of iron. Make sure you get enough folic acid and vitamin B-12 in your diet.

Hope that will help you!
Wishing you well!