Question:
Is there anyother way to raise iron level?

All my blood work is fine except my iron level is very low. I eat all the meat I can stand and if I take a suppliment as my doctor recommended I get so constipated that I am in intense pain and have to resort to a laxative. Is there any thing else I can take beside's an iron suppliment?    — leeann N. (posted on February 14, 2003)

February 14, 2003
I have the same problem with the iron supplements....The only thing I can recommend is use a suppository instead of a laxative...Laxative are hard on the body and sometimes addictive. I don't know other than that, but I hope someone does, I'll be checking back!
   — thekatinthehat

February 14, 2003
Have you tried Carbonyl "Perfect" Iron? It is supposed to be less constipating, less stomach upset as well. Sundown Brand at Wal-Mart is cheap. Vitalady also sells the Carbonyl Iron. As for constipation, I have found tremendous relief using Benefiber. Good Luck - Anna LAP RNY 7/3/02 -113lbs.
   — Anna L.

February 14, 2003
Hi Leeann, I have an anemia problem too, I am 3 yrs out from and RNY and I can not take the iron supplements. I have my iron checked every other month and get iron infusion (via IV) This seems to be the only thing I can tolerate.
   — devine299

February 14, 2003
Is the iron you're taking ferrous SULFATE? That one almost always causes constipation. There are many other forms that are way better absorbed & not so hard on "either end", if you know what I mean.
   — vitalady

February 14, 2003
I have the same problem. My doctor put me on a prescription for pre-natal vitamins with iron that are chewable. They are not bad and seem to do the trick.
   — Susan B.

February 14, 2003
I take iron every other day just for this reason and have had no problems with constipation whatsoever!
   — thumpiez

February 15, 2003
I get my iron via an IV from a hematologist. My body just doesn't want to absorb it although I still take a daily prescription capsule just in case that is helping. It is not too bad; it takes half an hour for a bag of iron to drip in. The last time I went was 9 months ago and tests show my iron is still pretty high.
   — BJ M.

February 15, 2003
Try Ferrous Fumarate 27 mg. I have had no constipation, which I was prone to preop. It is made by Your Life and in the Pittsburgh area you can find it at Eckerd Drugs.
   — Dana S.

February 16, 2003
I was in your shoes a while back. My doctor recommended Natures Plus High potency hewable Iron. At my 3 month check up. My iron level was normal, I was no longer anemic. I take 2 a day and they are a yummy cherry flavor.
   — TEDDI T.

February 18, 2003
Have you tried NiFrex. It is a iron polysacaride that Dr. recommends It is very different from normal iron pills that you get. Can be a prescription, but some states it is not, but you may have to request it from the Pharmacist to order.
   — Dell H.

Click Here to Return