Results of Blood Tests

I just got a call from my Internist. I had bloodwork done on Tuesday. Everything is fine except for my Iron levels are really low. Maybe that's why I have been so tired. I have to start taking iron supplements. She also wants me to see this other doctor and get a colonoscopy (dont know if I spelled that right) {yuck}....boy I've had enough of doctors for awhile It really sucks to get old

Ronna, Ohhhh sorry about your labs coming back and showing low in iron. Though, like you said...maybe that's why you have been tired. What type of iron supplements will you take? Chewable, liquid, pills? Just curious. Sorry also about the colonoscopy. That is something I have never endured. I wish you lots of luck!! Hugs, Chele

Thanks Chele, Not sure what type I will take. I'm trying to find out what's out there. Would prefer a chewable if there is such a thing. Regards and hugs, Ronna

Hi Ronna, I went to Suburban Surgical as well. Dr. Kane did my surgery on 1/31/06. Since surgery, I have been taking a chewable vitamin everyday. Its from bariatric advantage. It was one of the brands suggested by the nutritionists. Each pill has 29mg of iron and 60mg of vitamin C. I think for better absorption? It only comes in passion fruit flavor. It's not bad at all. At least in my opinion. It's the only one I've ever tried. Good luck. I hope your energy picks up soon. Dana

Clarification. I take 1 chewable iron everyday. I also take 2 multi-vitamins in tropical fruit flavor from bariatric advantage, and 2 chocolate calcium lozenges as well. Dana

There's Iron in my chewable multi but I guess that's not enough. I got a recommendation to look for the GNC Woman's Complete Iron and I'll take a look tomorrow. Apparently it's not to harsh on the tummy.

Hi Ronna, Sorry to hear of the low iron and impending colonoscopy. Google 'iron rich foods' for some ideas of what to put in your diet to help get your levels back up naturally. Spices contain really high iron, especially cinnamon. And I have heard that chewable iron tabs are no good, they rot your teeth so check that out... Like the endo the colonoscopy will be over before you know it. I had it back in January 1987 when I was in college. In those days they had you awake with lots of demerol and vicadon. They made the horrible mistake of asking me if I wanted to see my colon and the two polyps about to be removed (now you all understand why I am committed to a veg/high fiber diet). I would not give them back the scope. I said some really vulgar things to the doctor. It was an experience I'll never forget. But painless. Today they give you better drugs and are faster. So know if anyone asks if you want to watch, the answer is NO - although I will say it was really cool to see the inside of my body. Beans are the natural solution to high iron and fiber! Ole! Seriously, I hope it all goes well and we'll be thinking of you. ~Tiffany

Thanks Tiffany, I like Cinnamon. Will have to pick some up this week end. And thanks for the info on the colonoscopy. Good to know it doesn't hurt. I'm a big baby. Regards and hugs, Ronna

Hi, Ronna. I'm 5 weeks out and just had my first labs done and I was extremely low on iron as well. I'm to stop taking the multi vitamins and start taking prenatal vitamins. I did this immediately. I will have my blood tested in a few weeks at my primary doctor since I don't see the surgeon again for two months. Kim

Ronna, I am so sorry to hear that your labs show the low iron.... I hope that they put you on some vitamins to get that up.... we don't want you feeling sluggish and tired forever!! I also hope that everything goes ok with the colonoscopy.... I know you're tired of doctors, but hopefully you can knock this out of the way and move on to enjoy spring and walks and getting out there.... Please keep us updated.... You're in my thoughts! Best wishes for a bright day -- ~amber~