I am going to do an experiment.......WARNING...Yuky subject

I am going to quit taking my iron for a month. I will give you a little history behind my experiment. I have low iron issues, some from a blood disorder I have and some from malabsorption. Well the last time I was in the hospital with a abdominal pain that they really didn't figure out, they blamed it on a blockage but I was very regular at the time. They blamed it on a blockage because they couldn't figure out what else it could be. I was very frustrated I am sure that is not what the problem was. Well when I was there my iron was EXTEMELY low it was around 6. They gave me a blood transfusion. and put me on a large dose of iron. Well within one month of being in the hospital, I gained 20lbs. and I have gained about ten more since then. I eat very healthy, I don't eat anything I shouldn't, I eat oatmeal with fiber sure in it and I eat lots of fruit and veggies everyday so I am getting plenty of fiber, the only thing I wasn't doing well was the exercise, but I have really picked-up the pace, but it hasn't made any difference really, I did drop eight lbs, but it found me again in a day or so. Well 2 days ago I took 3 laxatives and it did NOTHING. So yesterday I went an got some Chiro-klenz herbal tea. I drank a cup yesterday and I drank a cup this morning. It is starting to work, but not as much yet as should be. I am going to do a couple of more cups today. I think I may be bound up pretty high into my intestines. What is weird I am not having any pain as of yet, and I have been having a problem for a while now. I am sure my constipation problem is from my iron, What the experiment is is I want to see if I again become regualr and my weight drops. If my weight does drop it will explain alot, if not then I just don't know anymore. I am getting so aggrevated with this. Does anyone know if iron infusions cause constipation? If they don't maybe that is what I need to do instead of taking oral suppliments. Well thanks for listening and if you have any suggestions or comments on this subject please post what you do, think about this experiment. God Bless and thanks----Toni

Well good luck ....Keep us posted....

I take iron too and don't have a problem with constipation but I do notice when I don't take it that I "go" more frequently within a couple days. So maybe if you just went off for a week or so it would give you time to get regular without causing too much iron loss. Also maybe if you drank some apple juice that would help. From day 2 post-op I realized what effects apple juice could have on me lol. Maybe it will help you out. As far as the weight gain goes. I did notice a small weight gain since I am on iron although I don't know why. Mine is just 1.5 pounds and it may have to do with female issues/water retention for me. I also had the misdiagnoses of bowel obstruction and had my gallbladder removed and never found out what the pain really was but my mystery pain goes back pre-op so it's not wls related. I still get it occasionally maybe someday we will figure it out. Good luck, Holly W

Toni are you taking any omega 3 supplements? It has flax in it and fish oil and i forget what else LOL but it so takes care of the constipation thing. I get very bound up from iron, and after i started these i haven't had a problem. I don't really think you should stop the iron, but that's just my opinion. I hope you get some relief soon. Hugs Linda

I don't think the iron infusions cause constipation. I was taking iron for anemia and a low blood count, also. It was just to hard on my system. I tried several brands even the one my PCP and Dr. S recommended and still the upset stomach and constipation. So I finally told my PCP that I wasn't going to take them anymore and the reason why. He said we would keep track of my blood to see what happens and if it drops again he will just do iron infusions instead. Take care, Fran

Hi Toni, I have heard of Iron cause a lot of those problems for people; and I know when you give it to infants it definately causes constipation! When our daughter was an infant they had me give her formula with iron; and wow what a problems that caused we were all miserable! LOL.. Good luck with your experiment. I have also heard about fish oil and flax seed. These are both helpful in digestion; and flaxseed aids with the intestinal system. Take care. Sincerely, Judy R

I don't know what to say other than Good luck.. I hope you get the answers you are looking for... Shawn M.

Any comments??? Are you sure you want to leave that much open for me?? I'll forgo any of the usual and just wish you luck in your endeavor. Anything more that that will certainly get me banned. I am walking on a fine line right now and all I can do is offer support. (((((hugs))))) Please take the time and liberty to conjure up any comment you may think appropriate as if said by me to lighten your "load." kp 9:05

Just a thought, AFTER you are sure you are cleaned out, take two or three stool softeners (not laxatives, just softeners) a day to keep stuff sliding. I did that and then built the iron up to the suggested levels over a couple of weeks. It seems to have worked for at least two months now. I have been adding bulk and fiber to my diet as well, but the softener IMHO is what keeps things going. Don't do the softeners until you are cleaned out though, there can be messy results. Let us know about this, I think supplemental iron is going to be a part of my life and I want to follow your situation.

Milk of Magnesia. Usually produces a result within 5 or 6 hours. If that doesn't work, plain old mineral oil. A couple of tablespoons will make things a little slipperier. It worked for me, but my problem only lasted a week or 2 right after I went on solid food. Good Luck. KathyG