Low Iron/Anemia?

OIBGal2010 · January 2010

Hi Ladies!

A question for you all from a big-time lurker! Smile I got a letter in the mail from my doctor's office saying that I had passed my 1 hr glucose test (woo hoo!) but they found I had low iron/anemia. They enclosed a post card saying to just pick some iron supplement pills up from the pharmacy and call the OB nurse if I had any questions. They suggested a brand called "Slow Fe" iron tablets.

Has anyone had to take these? If so, did they make you nauseous? I've been feeling SO tired and run down the last few weeks and am guessing this is why. How long does it take before the pills take effect and you start to feel better?

Thanks so much for your help!

Erin0922 · January 2010

I don't take Slow Fe, but I had the exact same convo with my docs - passed the GD test, but definitely anemic. One told me to take iron supplements, the other told me "it didn't matter."

I have taken iron supplements for years though (just a no-name walmart brand) and they really do boost your energy/etc. It should only take a few days to a week to really notice a big difference!

BabyLove987 · January 2010

I found out after my GD test that I was anemic, too. I take iron and have had no problems with nausea. You should take it at a different time than your prenatal and don't take it with milk (calcium blocks iron absorption). It only took a few days on iron for my energy level to go up.

OIBGal2010 · January 2010

Thanks so much ladies! Glad to know I'm not the only one. Do they make you as constipated as everyone says?

mattmac · January 2010

I began taking a kind with vitamin C and started feeling dramatically better within about a week. My energy came back a little more every day.

kitty36 · January 2010

I tried regular iron supplements but had problems with nausea, switched to the slow fe and had no more problems. I've been pretty lucky as far as constipation goes.

BottomStar · January 2010

i just started on the Slo FE this week. My doc said to make sure I take it separate from my prenatals, preferably on an empty stomach and with something acidic. i've taken it every morning with orange juice and not had any problems. the Slo FE is designed to not upset your stomach like other forms of iron.

I can't tell you much about whether or not it's kicking in yet, I did take a 3 hour nap today, so who knows?!

Good luck!

passaskat · January 2010

I had a horrible case of Mono in College which left me very low on iron. SO I was not surprised when I got the same postcard you did from my test. I can always tell I am low on iron when I get sleepy and my eyes look like racoon's!

Anyways, as suggested by PP, take it with vitamin C. It helps it absorb. And with all these colds and stuff going around, Vitamin C can;t hurt anyway.

Some of them will cause constipation. So, you may want to up the fiber just in case too. I have always just used store brands.

OIBGal2010 · January 2010

Thanks so much ladies!

kimandjared · January 2010

BottomStar:
i just started on the Slo FE this week. My doc said to make sure I take it separate from my prenatals, preferably on an empty stomach and with something acidic. i've taken it every morning with orange juice and not had any problems. the Slo FE is designed to not upset your stomach like other forms of iron.

I can't tell you much about whether or not it's kicking in yet, I did take a 3 hour nap today, so who knows?!

Good luck!

I was told I had low iron and. I just take flintstones with extra iron. I still can't take prenatals bc they make me sick. But be careful bc I was told specifically NOT to take it with orange juice!

mbgreenwalt · January 2010

I was extremely anemic. I was told to take ferrous sulfate iron 325 mg tablets. I use a generic brand from Target. I didn't have any nausea, but I don't typically get nausous with medications/supplemets. It took about 2 weeks for me to feel more energized. I am still not able to walk up a hill or the stairs without losing my breath, but it is improved.

Boizmom · January 2010

I take the Slow Fe and I do fine with them. Pick up a stool softener while you're at the pharmacy. Iron supplements, no matter the brand, tend to make you constipated. Plus, it's wise to start taking stool softeners now before you give birth, it will make things easier after delivery. As for the Slow Fe, I don't get nauseated from them. They are a slow release pill and I think that's why I do well with them. GL!!

Ago · January 2010

Actually, you might find that the Iron helps with nausea, rather than making it worse. That was my case anyway when I had to start taking it last week. I didn't take the Slow FE, just the regular Iron supplement

Lulu80301 · January 2010

I take Slow Fe and have had no constipation problems (yet, lol- knock on wood) or nausea and was told to take it with orange juice, and not at the same time as my PNV. I started feeling better after about a week.

katester72904 · January 2010

The same thing happened to me. I just went to the sttore and bought the CVS brand iron pills. I have been horrible taking them though Embarrassed So I really cant tell any difference from how I was feeling before wich was not too tired and run down. I had the same thing happen with DD too. I know it is because I am so bad about taking my prenatals. I get soooo constipated with the prenatals, and the iron just kills me.

theloveangel · January 2010

i took Slow Fe back in 2007-2008 pre pregnancy for low iron. while pregnant, i knew i would have to continue to take iron. the drs put me on Corvite. i'm honestly not sure if i actually feel a change, i have always been a tired, sleepy person. being pregnant, i cant tell if the iron actually helps, but my iron levels have been good since i've been on the pills so...

i do notice when i skip a few days, i do feel a lot more tired than usual though, so i'm guessing they have helped me in that department.

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