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Hello, a few months ago i was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, I was told just to take iron pills, I started taking them which caused my stomach to hurt as well as painful butt burn, I started to eat alot of cooked spinach and red meats but also i still have the chronic diarrhea so everything I eat comes right out even if i take over the counter imodium. my anemia symptoms have gotten worse I am exhausted my hands and legs cramp alot, i have constant head aches muscle weakness fatigue etc. any of you with the same problems, what have you done to help this? has anything helped you? I have two kids so these symptoms are so hard to deal with, I was told im deficient in vitamin D as well but the dr didn't really seem like that mattered as much as iron. Any advise is greatly appreciated!

(j-pouch surgery 2013)

 

Last edited by Marybeth6207
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If your anemia has gotten worse, then obviously, the treatment plan is not effective. Many people cannot tolerate ferrous sulfate supplements. At this point it makes sense to seek a hematologist consult to find out the reason for the defiency, so treatment can be more targeted. It could be as simple as going on birth control pills to stop or reduce your periods. You may need iron infusions. You may have chronic pouchitis that has not been treated.

 

As for diet, animal sources of iron (heme iron) are better absorbed and more bioavailable than plant sources. Spinach always stimulates my gut, and it does for many here. 

 

I am also vitamin D deficient and have to take high does of D3 to stay within normal levels. It would not hurt to start taking some. Not much point in testing vitamin D levels, then not treating the deficiency. You can treat both the vitamin D deficiency and the anemia at the same time.

 

Jan

 

I am also iron & D deficient, I could not take iron pills, so I did research online to find out what else had iron that I would be able to tolerate. I found out the hard way that doctors only know about pills and not about food or nutrition.
I take chia seeds for the iron, calcium and it also helps to absorb water. I also take vitamin Calcium + D supplements that are gluten free and black strap molasses which has iron in it.
I hope you find what works for you.

I get an IV push of Feraheme when my ferritin levels get low. Usually every 4 or 5 months. I see a hematologist regularly for this. (I recommend seeing one if you cannot get a handle on this)  I've  been dealing with iron deficiency anemia for a while now. Oral iron and iron from foods do not help me. I am learning that this is quite common with j pouchers. 

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