[*cough*]

So I've been anemic for years. Have seen specialist in both public and private hospitals - lots of treatment, tried all the old wives tales etc, the only thing that really works is iron transfusions.
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This post has been edited by *cough*: 29/01/2013, 10:42 AM

[*cough*]

and yes I do eat meat and take regular iron supplements.

[JustBeige]

I cant comment on the causes, but just wanted to share a tip I was given years ago. (I get anemic after every period)

The tip I was given is to not have caffiene within at least 1hr each side of taking your iron and to take Vit C with it as it helps absorbtion.

I never knew either of these until my sons therapist mentioned it!

I do hope you find some answers soon.

[PrincessPeach]

Given my iron overload is caused by genetics, to me it seems a reasonable conclusion that your anemia is possibly caused by gentics.

As for help - supplements such as zinc & calcium prevent your body from absorbing iron (although you've probably been told this), so make sure you read the ingredients of all your vitamin supplements.

[*cough*]

The tip I was given is to not have caffiene within at least 1hr each side of taking your iron and to take Vit C with it as it helps absorbtion.

Thanks - I do this and take 6 vitamin C per day, 2 at each meal.

As for help - supplements such as zinc & calcium prevent your body from absorbing iron (although you've probably been told this), so make sure you read the ingredients of all your vitamin supplements.

Thanks - I am also low in Vit D so I take 2 per day but not the calcium ones. Doc knows I am on those so hopefully there should be no interaction.

I know it could be something more serious but feeling exhausted all the time is not fun. I am too busy for this caper!

[MarsBarSlice]

Sorry to interrupt this topic but something Princess Peach said has got my attention. I am hypocalciumic and take a lot of extra calcium to try and fix it but am still always low. I am now being tested for low iron as my symptoms are pointing in that direction. If calcium prevents the body from absorbing iron, I'm in a bit of trouble.

[PrincessPeach]

Sorry to interrupt this topic but something Princess Peach said has got my attention. I am hypocalciumic and take a lot of extra calcium to try and fix it but am still always low. I am now being tested for low iron as my symptoms are pointing in that direction. If calcium prevents the body from absorbing iron, I'm in a bit of trouble.

Sorry badly worded, if the supplements are taken together, if they are spaced out then it is fine.

Basically if you eat a steak for dinner & then take your calcium tablets shortly after, the calcium tablets will not allow your body to effectively absorb the iron in the steak. Great for me when i have too much of it floating around my body, not so good for anyone who is iron deficient.

[Genabee]

Coeliac Disease? Often coeliac's have low iron and low vit. D....

[*cough*]

Coeliac Disease? Often coeliac's have low iron and low vit. D....

Nope not that either. Though I was initially diagnosed as coeliac. After many investigations it has been ruled out.

I thought I'd 'grown' out of it so was pretty shocked when he told me yesterday that my ferritin was down to 4. I am scared the specialist will want to do further investigations. However, having said that, this has been going on for 10 years - someone needs to work it out already!

[SplashingRainbow...]

I was thinking coeliac disease too - although that should have been picked up on an endoscopy.

Have you seen a Gastroenterologist or did someone else do you endoscopy? If you have one can you ask about trialling a gluten free diet? Can't hurt really if you've exhausted many other options.


Sorry if you've been there done that...