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Naturalmama
Love my boys!!
Member since 1/12 3548 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Iron deficient anemia
Went for my yearly physical, and my blood work came back with low red blood cells, low hemoglobin, & high platelets. These were low when my blood work was done last year, but this year they are considerably worse. My doctor told me to start iron pills & an iron rich diet right away- I am going to CVS for the pills, and to Stop & Shop, first thing tomorrow.
He recommended IV infusion therapy. Basically, I would have to go to an office and be hooked up to an IV for anywhere from 30 minutes- 4 hours- depending on the dosage I am given. It may just be once, it may be as many as 5 different times, once a week. I am flipping out. A part of me wants to try the pills & diet first, and see what my levels look like when I go back for my next blood test in November. We think it is a combo of heavy periods & a diet that includes no iron, that is causing the severe anemia. Has anyone had the IV therapy? What was it like? I am so upset & so nervous.
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Posted 8/1/18 9:30 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Never had the IV therapy, but supplemental iron can cause constipation.
Pick up a stool softener as well and take that with your iron pills.
Went thru it when I had to take supplemental iron before my surgery.
Don't be nervous.
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| Posted 8/2/18 9:55 AM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
iron deficient here!!
i take supplements.
take them with stool softener and with vitamin c.
stool softener for the possible constipation and the vitamin c for easier absorption.
i have seriously noticed a positive change since i started to take the supplements!
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| Posted 8/2/18 11:13 AM |
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Naturalmama
Love my boys!!
Member since 1/12 3548 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Iron deficient anemia
Thank you both. I went to CVS this morning and got the Nature Made 65 mg iron pills, which I will take twice a day, as well as Vitamin C supplements & stool softener. Tonight when DH gets home from work to stay with the kids, I am going to go to Stop & Shop and get a bunch of iron rich foods.
Hopefully when I go for my retest in November, it shows some improvement!
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| Posted 8/2/18 1:08 PM |
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jam11308
Member since 11/07 7273 total posts
Name:
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Iron deficient anemia
I have ferritin/iron deficient anemia. The supplements didn't work for me, so now I receive iron infusions via IV. I started the infusions last year. Basically, my hematologist had me go twice - once per week 2 weeks in a row. My levels remained good for about a year before the anemia came back and I had to repeat it again a few months ago; once again doing one session per week for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, my doc seems to think that I'll have to do it annually from now on...
Honestly, it's not too bad though! The IV itself is quick and easy...it takes 20-30 min and then they monitor me for another 30 min to make sure that I don't have an allergic reaction to the iron. Including the drive to/from, it takes me an hour max. I will say that both times that I had it done that I didn't feel better until a day or two after the second infusion. After the first infusion (both times) I also felt awful/sick the day after...to the point where I wound up calling in to work. I went back to work immediately after the IV, but couldn't do it the next day. By the second day I went back to feeling tired/anemic the rest of the week, as if I hadn't had a treatment. The second infusion is what seems to make the difference for me...a day or two later and suddenly I feel like a new woman. lol I don't know if it's the same with everyone, but I have a friend that gets them as well and she has pretty much the same experience. I hope that you feel better soon!
Message edited 8/2/2018 1:17:30 PM.
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| Posted 8/2/18 1:14 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
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| Posted 8/2/18 1:43 PM |
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addingonemore
My family is complete <3
Member since 11/10 2037 total posts
Name:
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
This was me in January! I have iron deficiency anemia and I am sure I have had it for a while. My #'s always come back low and my dr always told me to come in for the stool test before starting me on supplements. I never did he never followed up. Yes- my bad but, this past physical, he made me nuts that he called with my results and told me to make an appt with a gastro ASAP for a full work-up. I knew something was happening because I chewed ice and that is a sympton. My numbers were lower and I was pissed that he didn't stress the urgency more to me last year, but that is another story. My numbers went up with the supplements and diet.
I have very heavy periods and I am sure my numbers are related to that. Had a colonoscopy and all was fine. Before I put myself through a ton of tests, I saw my gyno and explained to her the story. She said my numbers weren't that bad and started me on the pill for 3 months to slow my period. I go back in a few weeks to my gyno for a blood check to see how my numbers are with the stopping of my periods.
They really make you crazy scared in that you are slowly dying. I just take it one step at a time with supplements and diet.
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| Posted 8/2/18 4:35 PM |
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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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Iron deficient anemia
I get iron infusions. And I will say they have come a long way since when I first started getting them. Used to be once a week for 10 weeks twice a year. Now it is once a week for 2 weeks and I can sometimes get a year between infusions. It's not that bad. I've been doing it for 10 years. And will have to continue to do it for life. I also know when I need to go by how I feel.
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| Posted 8/3/18 9:50 AM |
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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
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| Posted 8/3/18 9:51 AM |
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Naturalmama
Love my boys!!
Member since 1/12 3548 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by jamnmore
I get iron infusions. And I will say they have come a long way since when I first started getting them. Used to be once a week for 10 weeks twice a year. Now it is once a week for 2 weeks and I can sometimes get a year between infusions. It's not that bad. I've been doing it for 10 years. And will have to continue to do it for life. I also know when I need to go by how I feel.
Can I ask why you get the infusions? Was your body not able to absorb the oral iron? I am trying to remain hopeful that my body will respond to the pills, I may also try the liquid. My iron levels are 26, hemoglobin 9.2.
Message edited 8/3/2018 9:56:45 AM.
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| Posted 8/3/18 9:55 AM |
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jamnmore
LIF Adult
Member since 6/16 989 total posts
Name:
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by Naturalmama
Posted by jamnmore
I get iron infusions. And I will say they have come a long way since when I first started getting them. Used to be once a week for 10 weeks twice a year. Now it is once a week for 2 weeks and I can sometimes get a year between infusions. It's not that bad. I've been doing it for 10 years. And will have to continue to do it for life. I also know when I need to go by how I feel.
Can I ask why you get the infusions? Was your body not able to absorb the oral iron? I am trying to remain hopeful that my body will respond to the pills, I may also try the liquid. My iron levels are 26, hemoglobin 9.2.
I had gastric bypass 15 years ago. Poor iron absorption is a by-product for some. Supplements are too "hard" for my body to process, so they come out the same way they went it in, KWIM. It's something I will most likely have to do for the rest of my life. But I personally don't manage it well, so when I go back to the dr, they wonder how I am actually walking and talking because my levels are so low. They have at times wanted to skip the iron infusions and go to blood transfusions because my levels are so low. But as I get older, I feel the affects more, so I am getting better at managing it.
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| Posted 8/3/18 10:18 AM |
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jam11308
Member since 11/07 7273 total posts
Name:
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by Naturalmama
Posted by jamnmore
I get iron infusions. And I will say they have come a long way since when I first started getting them. Used to be once a week for 10 weeks twice a year. Now it is once a week for 2 weeks and I can sometimes get a year between infusions. It's not that bad. I've been doing it for 10 years. And will have to continue to do it for life. I also know when I need to go by how I feel.
Can I ask why you get the infusions? Was your body not able to absorb the oral iron? I am trying to remain hopeful that my body will respond to the pills, I may also try the liquid. My iron levels are 26, hemoglobin 9.2.
I had gastric bypass 15 years ago. Poor iron absorption is a by-product for some. Supplements are too "hard" for my body to process, so they come out the same way they went it in, KWIM. It's something I will most likely have to do for the rest of my life. But I personally don't manage it well, so when I go back to the dr, they wonder how I am actually walking and talking because my levels are so low. They have at times wanted to skip the iron infusions and go to blood transfusions because my levels are so low. But as I get older, I feel the affects more, so I am getting better at managing it.
I had bariatric surgery too, but I had the sleeve done 4 years ago, not a bypass. Malabsorption isn't usually a result of the sleeve, but my GERD/digestive issues have gotten WAY worse since the surgery and I don't seem to be absorbing the nutrients that I need any more...which is why the doc feels I'll also need infusions indefinitely.
My ferritin, iron & hemoglobin are fine now since my last infusion, but my folic acid levels were pretty low at my last follow up, so I'm on a supplement for that now. I don't think that the supps are working, though...I'm experiencing the same symptoms that I get when I'm anemic. I'll find out for sure in 2 weeks when I go back, I guess.
To the OP, I hope that the supps & diet changes alone work for you! 
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| Posted 8/3/18 10:35 AM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out 
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| Posted 8/3/18 1:51 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11486 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
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| Posted 8/3/18 8:25 PM |
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Naturalmama
Love my boys!!
Member since 1/12 3548 total posts
Name:
Christine
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by klingklang77
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thank you. I will try this too, I am willing to try anything! I am on day 3 of one iron pill when I first wake up in the morning- which stinks because I can't have any coffee for 2 hours after. That should be interesting in a few weeks when the school year starts and I am back at work.  If my stomach tolerates the pills well, I will be upped to twice a day after a week. Fingers crossed.
Thanks everyone for the advice!
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| Posted 8/4/18 8:13 AM |
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LiveandLearn
LIF Adult
Member since 4/10 1586 total posts
Name:
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
Yes hair loss can be a side affect of Anemia. My girlfriend literally lost a patch of hair and when she went to the doctor they discovered she was severely anemic. Once they got that under control her hair grew back.
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| Posted 8/4/18 3:07 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by addingonemore
They really make you crazy scared in that you are slowly dying. I just take it one step at a time with supplements and diet.
Not that I want to scare anyone - but a very good friend of mine ignored the doctor, and did in fact almost die. She wound up in the hospital for 3 weeks. She had multiple blood transfusions and IV iron infusions in those three weeks. Her iron stores were so low, that one or two more days and she would have died. Two years later and she is still having IV iron infusions.
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| Posted 8/4/18 4:07 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thankfully i don’t have to color my hair yet. So no color. And I also air dry it most of the time (maybe blow it out once a month or so) so no heat or excessive styling.
I guess I’ll have to go back to the dr again and have some more testing done.
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| Posted 8/4/18 4:10 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11486 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thankfully i don’t have to color my hair yet. So no color. And I also air dry it most of the time (maybe blow it out once a month or so) so no heat or excessive styling.
I guess I’ll have to go back to the dr again and have some more testing done.
Ugh the joys of being over 40...
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| Posted 8/4/18 6:02 PM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thankfully i don’t have to color my hair yet. So no color. And I also air dry it most of the time (maybe blow it out once a month or so) so no heat or excessive styling.
I guess I’ll have to go back to the dr again and have some more testing done.
Ugh the joys of being over 40...
Right? WTH. lol
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| Posted 8/6/18 9:55 AM |
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Yes thinning hair and brittle nails are associated with low iron
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| Posted 8/8/18 8:42 AM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11486 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thankfully i don’t have to color my hair yet. So no color. And I also air dry it most of the time (maybe blow it out once a month or so) so no heat or excessive styling.
I guess I’ll have to go back to the dr again and have some more testing done.
Ugh the joys of being over 40...
Right? WTH. lol
I hear you, sister!
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| Posted 8/8/18 10:22 AM |
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PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thankfully i don’t have to color my hair yet. So no color. And I also air dry it most of the time (maybe blow it out once a month or so) so no heat or excessive styling.
I guess I’ll have to go back to the dr again and have some more testing done.
Ugh the joys of being over 40...
Right? WTH. lol
I hear you, sister!
Had blood work done. Everything came back perfect. So who the hell knows. He said next step is dermatologist. Wonderful
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| Posted 8/8/18 12:49 PM |
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klingklang77
kraftwerk!
Member since 7/06 11486 total posts
Name:
Völlig losgelöst
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Re: Iron deficient anemia
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by klingklang77
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
Posted by jamnmore
Posted by PhyllisNJoe
My numbers were low and dr told me to take iron supplements and see how that goes. I of course have been slacking and I take it prob 4 out of 7 days a week (I have trouble with when to take it. Can’t take anything with or around my synthroid. Then i take other supplements w my vitamins. I try t remember it at bedtime)
Anyway ... Question for those w the low iron. Is your Hair thinning ? Like fall in out a LOT? Every time i wash my hair, I lose a ton of it. I always lost a decent amount but never this much. And now I feel like it’s getting noticeable.
Hair loss is generally related to thyroid issues. I would have that checked.
I just had that checked and it was fine. Around the same time I was told I was anemic and my hair is continuing to fall out
I have everything checked out and I probably need more iron because I don’t eat enough meat. Anyway, that being said, have you colored your hair recently? That could have something to do with it.
To the OP— a great thing for iron is spinach with OJ.
Thankfully i don’t have to color my hair yet. So no color. And I also air dry it most of the time (maybe blow it out once a month or so) so no heat or excessive styling.
I guess I’ll have to go back to the dr again and have some more testing done.
Ugh the joys of being over 40...
Right? WTH. lol
I hear you, sister!
Had blood work done. Everything came back perfect. So who the hell knows. He said next step is dermatologist. Wonderful
Ugh, another doctor appointment. I feel like I have one every week.
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| Posted 8/8/18 3:40 PM |
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