Why did iron go low? (Full Version)

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lightshineon -> Why did iron go low? (4/21/2008 12:05:58 PM)

Hi, my doctor called and said my iron was 8.1, they give blood tarnsfusions 8. Whew, glad for the.1. Six months ago it was normal. It has been low before, and I had a colonoscapy(sp) two years ago almost to this date. Everything was fine, they want me to have another now. I do not know why. They did a down the throat thing then also, do not remember the name. Does anyone know why iron levels drop? In six months? I do not want another colonoscapy? What are some reasons that this could happen. I know you cannot tell me excatly why, nor will I get upset, at what you say, just looking for what could be some general causes? Taking me personaly out of the equation any of you had iron problems What was the causeThank You.[:)]



vvmyrss -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/21/2008 12:12:18 PM)

I have had low iron at about the same levels you have. Mine was due to fibroids which was causing excessive bleeding. I had to have a hysterectomy because they couldn't stop the bleeding. Low iron could be for any number of reasons. Do they not know why your iron is low?



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/21/2008 12:22:01 PM)

Hey I have a fibriod, which was very small that has grown. I hope I do not have to have surgery. Thank you.[:)] No they do not know yet.
quote:

ORIGINAL: vvmyrss

I have had low iron at about the same levels you have. Mine was due to fibroids which was causing excessive bleeding. I had to have a hysterectomy because they couldn't stop the bleeding. Low iron could be for any number of reasons. Do they not know why your iron is low?



vvmyrss -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/21/2008 12:25:16 PM)

They don't always require surgery, there are other ways they can treat them. It's just that my fibroid had grown to the size of a cantaloupe and that was the only way to stop the bleeding. They tried treating them with everything else first, and that may not be what is causing your low iron.



Kat_D -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/21/2008 12:38:13 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lightshineon

Hi, my doctor called and said my iron was 8.1, they give blood tarnsfusions 8. Whew, glad for the.1. Six months ago it was normal. It has been low before, and I had a colonoscapy(sp) two years ago almost to this date. Everything was fine, they want me to have another now. I do not know why. They did a down the throat thing then also, do not remember the name. Does anyone know why iron levels drop? In six months? I do not want another colonoscapy? What are some reasons that this could happen. I know you cannot tell me excatly why, nor will I get upset, at what you say, just looking for what could be some general causes? Taking me personaly out of the equation any of you had iron problems What was the causeThank You.[:)]


Blood loss is often the cause of this kind of drop in your iron levels. Have the colonoscopy. They are likely attempting to rule out that you are bleeding in your lower intestinal tract, a common hidden source of bleeding. If it was your fibroid, you'd likely be experiencing very heavy periods.

Other causes could be a lack of iron in your diet or an intestinal disorder resulting in the inability to absorb iron.



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/21/2008 1:26:36 PM)

quote:

they want me to have another now. I do not know why.
Then make an appointment to speak with your doctor and find out why they want you to have another one. It's no crime to not to ask questions about what a doctor wants to do and why ~ it's your body and you have a right to ask why they want to do something (even a simple blood test!). The majority of doctors won't mind responding to your questions.

Fibroids can affect your iron levels if they cause you to bleed heavily (but so can heavy periods), as can a diet poor in iron. If the doc has prescribed iron tablets, take them and make sure you have a follow-up blood test when the docs told you to.

Iron levels can and do fluctuate in our systems though ~ as can levels of other vitamins and minerals.



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/22/2008 7:59:47 PM)

Found out today binding numbers are low, I do not understand, I read wikipedia, and still do not understand.



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/23/2008 7:40:16 AM)

My understanding...

To make iron water soluble (and so that it can be used by our body) it needs to be bound to something called ferritin. It's possible that where you've been told you have low binding numbers it means that you have low levels of ferritin in your system ~ which means you won't be able to store as much iron as needed.

If the doctor is worried, they should prescribe iron tablets for you. Ensure you take them as instructed (iron can be toxic to the body so make sure you don't take other supplements containing iron) and have a follow up blood test.



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/23/2008 10:22:26 AM)

Thank You, I understand. My doctor has,and she wants to see why this occuring.
quote:

ORIGINAL: agapetos

My understanding...

To make iron water soluble (and so that it can be used by our body) it needs to be bound to something called ferritin. It's possible that where you've been told you have low binding numbers it means that you have low levels of ferritin in your system ~ which means you won't be able to store as much iron as needed.

If the doctor is worried, they should prescribe iron tablets for you. Ensure you take them as instructed (iron can be toxic to the body so make sure you don't take other supplements containing iron) and have a follow up blood test.



Kat_D -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/23/2008 10:39:13 AM)

How much protein do you eat, Light?



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/23/2008 10:17:52 PM)

Not enough, trying to eat better though now. I am very strange, I like one food at time only. Rice Cakes, all the time, replaces meals.I know I have to change this food behavior to be healthy, and to serve God with all my, heart, soul, strength and mind. Please pray for me in this, these cravings are like someone with tabbacco, I have cut down to usually one package of rice cakes a day. I know this is so strange and wierd, have always been this way, but it was a different food. my mom talks about me doing this as a baby, so it is a deep ingrained, unhealthy behavior. Thank You.[:)]
quote:

ORIGINAL: Kat_D

How much protein do you eat, Light?



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/24/2008 6:08:59 PM)

quote:

I am very strange, I like one food at time only.
I can go through phases with different foods, but not to the extremes that you seem to go to...

Just a thought, but have you thought about some CBT to help you retrain your mind ~ sometimes an 'outside' view can help you to sort things out very simply...



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/25/2008 3:17:23 PM)

CBT, what is that?I am willing to try.
quote:

ORIGINAL: agapetos

quote:

I am very strange, I like one food at time only.
I can go through phases with different foods, but not to the extremes that you seem to go to...

Just a thought, but have you thought about some CBT to help you retrain your mind ~ sometimes an 'outside' view can help you to sort things out very simply...



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/25/2008 3:56:12 PM)

Sorry, it's cognitive behaviour therapy. There are probably heaps of books on the topic in your local library (for self-help) and local colleges may offer short courses ~ it's not necessarily one2one therapy.

It just looks at the way you think about whatever (covers many aspects of life) and you can learn ways to rethink about things. Many people find that they can change their thinking patterns in 6 sessions or so.

I've not had CBT but I'd consider it. I know that seeing a psychologist for other problems, it's been really useful to have someone suggest the obvious to me! I thought for some time I wasn't getting any benefit, but when the changes began to happen, they happened quickly!



DenimDiva -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/25/2008 4:14:55 PM)

I've always been very anemic so I'm finding this thread interesting.



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/25/2008 5:29:45 PM)

Really, I am sorry, what do you take for it?



DenimDiva -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/25/2008 5:33:02 PM)

Right now, nothing.



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/25/2008 7:21:08 PM)

Oh no, maybe you should have it checked out. I am in pretty bad shape, because I ignored it. Two RN's who did not know, have commented on how bad I look. I feel really bad, want to sleep all day, and going to the store puts me out of breath. I am an avid housekeeper, forget that, except for a little at a time. I have much endurance usually on the tredmill, or walking dogs, now I sound like an old lady breathing. I am old enough but not that old. One more thing my memory has gone, before I found out about 8.1 iron, I ask husband did he think someone my age could have alzhimers (sp). Please get it checked out. I will pray for you.
quote:

ORIGINAL: DenimDiva

Right now, nothing.



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/26/2008 6:04:13 PM)

quote:

I feel really bad, want to sleep all day, and going to the store puts me out of breath.
That could be from having a low iron count. Did your doc check for any other probs ~ like hypothyroidism, which can also cause tiredness...

Roberta, I agree that if you can, you should get it checked out and see what the doc suggests...



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/26/2008 11:33:17 PM)

Yes, it the iron, given but feel a bit better today, after high doses of iron.[:)]
quote:

ORIGINAL: agapetos

quote:

I feel really bad, want to sleep all day, and going to the store puts me out of breath.
That could be from having a low iron count. Did your doc check for any other probs ~ like hypothyroidism, which can also cause tiredness...

Roberta, I agree that if you can, you should get it checked out and see what the doc suggests...



Cloak -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/27/2008 9:05:01 AM)

I've had similar problem like that once. Praise God it disappeared within a short period!!!

Here is what my book says:

Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Meat- especially kidney and liver-and all dairy produce, are rich in iron and vitamin B12; folic acid is found in green vegetables, but be careful not to overcook them because this can destroy the vitamin content. If you have any "high risk factor (heavy periods, for example, or a strict vegetarian diet), be especially careful to ensure that you get enough of the right kinds of food.

Curing iron deficiency may just mean adjusting your diet and eating more meat (especially offal), eggs and cereals, all of which are rich in iron. You can also suffer from an iron deficiency even if your diet supplies plenty of iron as some people cannot absorb it properly. Sometimes this is caused by an inflammation of the bowels, sometimes it is due to an allergy, which can be corrected. If, however, you suspect that you are anaemic, it's advisable to see a doctor. Vitamin-deficiency anaemia and pernicious anaemia cab be cured very simply by injections of vitamin B12. Folic acid deficiency, on the other hand, is a problem of diet. Sufferers should try to eat the foods that are good sources - particularly green, leafy vegetables and liver.



Light & Rob~ I will keep you {{{both}}} in my prayers!!! [sm=heart.gif]



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/27/2008 10:27:12 AM)

I had low ferritin levels a couple of years back and the doc prescribed iron tablets for me. I was also seeing a dietitian at the same time. She mentioned that we absorb iron better from meat source than vegetable souce (though this is by no means reducing the benefits of using veggies as a source of iron) and we don't need a great deal at a time ~ a small piece of steak a couple of times a week will be beneficial ~ though this is for maintaining iron levels, not restoring them!



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/27/2008 6:55:30 PM)

Thank You, I am still tired but better, my body does not hold on to the iorn, I am on medication. I am eating better also, trying things, and eating things I would not usually eat. I want endurance back, I love to walk, and exercise on treadmill. I love to clean as strange as that is (LOL). I thank you all for the advice on diet, I am sort of an unhealty eater. Junk food is not my problem, it can be healthy (rice cakes), but that is all I will eat, or crave. I read something interesting foods high in fiber, and sugar block iron absortion. I cut down to one pgk a day rice cakes ( boy I sound nutty). And the medicine is helping with that craving also. Another lady a RN, at chuch said her iron was low, and she craves ice, and ricecrispy treats. Kind of like my rice cakes, I wonder what is in ice ( I eat a bag a day) and rice that people with anemia crave it? It is interesting, it is two things that deleate iorn absortion. Anyone know the reason? Just for curiousity sake.



agapetos -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/27/2008 7:29:17 PM)

I just took a book out of the library yesterday (Food for Life, Michael van Straten) and looked up iron. It doesn't mention ice being a problem with regard to absorbing iron, but mentions that some foods have high levels of phytates which combine with the iron so reduces the amount you get.

Something else the book mentions is that Vit C helps the body to absorb iron.



lightshineon -> RE: Why did iron go low? (4/27/2008 8:12:21 PM)

Thank You, I will go to the librart and get the book. I have not heard about vitiman C. I want everything I do eating, drinking to be to God's glory. I cannot remember the scripture, I think in 1 corinthians. I understand I have to get it right, no matter my personal preferances. I see this as Spiritual somewhat also.
quote:

ORIGINAL: agapetos

I just took a book out of the library yesterday (Food for Life, Michael van Straten) and looked up iron. It doesn't mention ice being a problem with regard to absorbing iron, but mentions that some foods have high levels of phytates which combine with the iron so reduces the amount you get.

Something else the book mentions is that Vit C helps the body to absorb iron.



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