iron supplement problems - TMI

[docbree 199]

I have been on Iron supplements for several days because my hemoglobin is only 10.1, and it needs to be higher prior to surgery. The supplements are making me miserable. I have irritable bowel syndrome and they are giving me a lot of gas, gas pains and pretty bad diarrhea. Does anyone have any recommendations for a different brand or formulation? I am just taking vegetarian tablets from CVS.

[Chele H 427]

There is a brand of Iron called Slow FE that is supposed to be gentler on the stomach. I believe it is time released. I took it whil pregnant years ago. Good luck

[docbree 199]

There is a brand of Iron called Slow FE that is supposed to be gentler on the stomach. I believe it is time released. I took it whil pregnant years ago. Good luck

thanks, I will try that

[butterfly_gal 151]

I had a hmg of 9 before surgery. Slow fe killed my stomach. I ended up needed Iron infusions because supplements didn't work for me. I hope you find something that helps you.

[Ms.AntiBand 2,984]

If it comes down to it can you get an Iron infusion? Would hate to have you postpone your surgery

[skinnygirlin2013 11]

I had the same issue with Iron deficiency prior to surgery and my Doc prescribed 2 Iron infusions. I went to the hospitals infusion center and they give you an IV and it takes about 2 hours - i did that twice and numbers came back up to safe territory. My Doc said if i just did supplements it would take months. Not sure if the infusions will upset you as much as supplements but at least its quicker and possibley more effective. good luck.

[docbree 199]

Thank you all for the ideas. I will talk to my doctor about Iron infusions. I really need to find something that I can tolerate post-op because I know it will only get worse after the sleeve. If you can't tolerate the oral iron, can you get periodic iron infusions? If so, how often would you need them?

[butterfly_gal 151]

Thank you all for the ideas. I will talk to my doctor about Iron infusions. I really need to find something that I can tolerate post-op because I know it will only get worse after the sleeve. If you can't tolerate the oral iron' date=' can you get periodic Iron infusions? If so, how often would you need them?[/quote']

I was told I shouldn't put my stomach through the problems i had preop so early on (almost 3 months post op). I am in the middle of a series of 8 infusions. I had to go to a hematologist in order to get the infusions.