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Anemia only or something else?

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
Total iron serum level is 26 (range 60-170)

CBC: RBC 3.82 (3.8-5.10)

Hemoglobin 9.8 (11.7-15.5)
Hematocrit 31.8% (35-45%)
MCH 25.7 (27-33)
MCHC 30.8 (32-36)

Any info would be appreciated!
 

Seven7

Seven
Messages
3,444
Location
USA
I was just given iron too. My ferritin was low they put me on floradix and feel great on it.
By the way my sisters suffers of anemia due to her b12 issues. So she never coudl raise the iron until she was put on shots for b12.
This is my first time on iron, but apparently going the same way (besides having to supplement the b12).
 

CFS_for_19_years

Hoarder of biscuits
Messages
2,396
Location
USA
Thanks, just started floradix too! Hope it works. Says it doesn't constipate, but does it?
I've taken Floradix iron several times, both the liquid and tablets and I've never had a problem with it constipating me. Be sure to take it between meals (2 hours after last meal or at least 30 minutes before next meal). I take 500mg of Vitamin C at the same time since Vitamin C will help with iron absorption.

Floradix did increase my ferritin levels.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
One of my CFS specialists told me that low ferritin is very common issue he sees in his ME/CFS patients. He believed it was cause our body is using more iron to try to repair our cells which are being damaged. My ferritin was very low.
 

Kati

Patient in training
Messages
5,497
Hi @Clerner

Your anemia is undisputed: you have low hemoglobin and low hematocrit amongst other things which tells the story.

What remains to be seen is why you are anemic, and how long you have been this way. Some of the reasons common with anemia would be heavy periods, decreased intake of iron-containing and absorbable food, and once in a while, gastro-intestinal bleed could be a reason as well.

Having a long history with anemia, it is my experience that iron supplements need to be taken for a long time and progress can be slow. Considering that iron supplementation usually comes with constipation, it is best to continue them for a long while, not intermittent use because this will cause the bowel issues to be quite bothersome.

After a couple of weeks of getting started on iron (and perhaps drinking lots, making sure you eat a lot of fiber) your body will adjust and get used to it.

I am hoping that your physician will follow up with you, to make sure you are headed in the right direction, blood wise.

Best wishes.
 

CFS_for_19_years

Hoarder of biscuits
Messages
2,396
Location
USA
Considering that iron supplementation usually comes with constipation, it is best to continue them for a long while, not intermittent use because this will cause the bowel issues to be quite bothersome.
Floradix does not have the usual side effect of constipation. It is true that the supplements should be taken for several months, and the doctor should recheck the CBC and iron levels after 2-3 months have passed.
 

Seven7

Seven
Messages
3,444
Location
USA
Thanks, just started floradix too! Hope it works. Says it doesn't constipate, but does it?
I can't get constipated even trying !!! I took the other kind hoping to get a bit harder. But I am so liquid normally, that nothing will ever constipat me.
 

Clerner

Senior Member
Messages
249
Location
Sarasota Florida
took Floradix for almost one year many years ago but it did not raise my ferritin levels very much.
Hum... Wonder why. Might be B12 anemia instead. I'm learning difference between iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia. You can have both leading to anemia.
 

Mij

Messages
2,353
Hum... Wonder why. Might be B12 anemia instead. I'm learning difference between iron deficiency anemia and pernicious anemia. You can have both leading to anemia.

My B12 levels were on the lower side at that time so it is possible. Have you tried digestive enzymes? I had issues absorbing iron, B12 from foods.