Rx iron supplements

[Christine]

A little background: I give blood generously (Gallon Club member), even though it takes a few tries each time as the hemocrit level always comes up short. Minimum is 12.5 or so; I'm hovering anywhere b/w 10 and 12.4 most of the time. Never had problems, though- could even go to the gym the same day if I want.

Went to the doctor for a routine physical. The last time I had a physical was about eight years ago, when I was contemplating the marathon. The doctor practically laughed me out of the room- "What do you need a physical for? You're young, healthy, normal weight. Nothing to worry about."

This time, new doctor took blood. Called me at home, seemed shocked: "You told me you give blood, but your iron is 11.4. You're anemic." Guess I take it so much for granted that I didn't mention the low iron. Never thought I was "officially" anemic- that seemed like a term for people who were at much lower levels.

Then the "eureka!" moment came: "You must be tired all the time." I told her it was getting to the point where I suspected narcolepsy, as I was dragging all day, but figured it was the insomnia She said she could relate, used to have the same problem, "waking up in the morning feeling just as tired as when I went to bed." Doesn't everybody?! You mean that's not normal?? Getting iron/blood pressure levels up would give me my energy back. Meaning, get me out of my current riding slump!

She prescribed Niferex b/c it has fewer side effects than OTC iron supplements. BUT, it's not covered by insurance, which means $60/month for life WTF? Why wouldn't insurance cover it? Or is it some kind of scam where the doctor gets kickbacks?

So it's a long boring story but am soliciting feedback. Do supplements help with energy levels? Must I spend a small fortune on the Rx or will OTC do? Because I'm anxious to get started on treatment now that I've got a diagnosis for all this vague yet debilitating "fatigue."

[iopturbo]

eat more liverz.

[lot8con8]

Originally Posted by iopturbo

eat more liverz.

Liver = bad kid memories. Never eatin' since.

[Henry Porter]

Originally Posted by Christine

Why wouldn't insurance cover it? Or is it some kind of scam where the doctor gets kickbacks?

Hopefully physasst stops in to help with the medical portion but I had to respond to this. The insurance company spends tons of money on getting out of paying for whatever they can. I'm just floored that you would blame the physician rather than the insurance company. Having worked in insurance, I can tell you that they are dirty, dirty, dirty people at the top.

[lets_ride]

Medications are expensive. Ask your doc if there is a lower-cost alternative you can try. The pharmacist can also be a good reference.

As for ways to increase iron naturally, look for a list of iron rich foods on the internets and try to increase your intake. Cooking in cast iron cookware will also increase the iron levels of anything cooked in it, as the iron leaches out into the food during cooking.

You might need to stop donating blood for a while until you start getting consistently normal blood levels for a few months...ask your doctor to clarify for you.

[prschatt]

Not sure I understand, normal Hematocrit is > ~%40, if you has a crit of 12.5 they wold be putting blood in you. Did you mean hemoglobin?.
Also when they did the diagnose of Iron deficiency Anemia, was the reason frequent blood donations? (assuming you're not pregnant or heavily menstruating) . If not ,that's what I would be pressing for, causation.

[Henry Porter]

Normal values: Hemocrit 34.4-43.2% for females
Hemoglobin: 11.8-15.0 g/dL

[Val_Garou]

1. She likes the Rx because it has fewer side-effects than the OTCs. You can always try the OTC to see if the side effects apply to you. Side-effects are not guarantees, they're just things that some (usually quite small) portion of users experience. You may not be in that portion.

2. Why supplements for life?

[Chain]

A co-workers infant had low iron levels. Kid looked like a zombie everytime she brought her into the office. Scary. Never would say anything and would just stare at everyone. Absolutely no energy like normal little kids. Everyone could tell something was wrong except the mother. Fast forward a year and after a exam the Dr said the kid had low levels of iron. Started supplements and the kid came to life. Amazing turnaround.

I'd say give the scripts a $60 shot and see if they improve your energy. Then once you know what it should be like then try some OTC. Maybe the difference will be worth the $60. If not then go OTC.

[Christine]

ooops, I meant hemoglobin, not crit.

Doctor told me it would be "for life," although I've read that it should be stopped once levels are restored.

She didn't give a reason for the anemia, and ran a second blood test to make sure it isn't being caused by internal bleeding or something similar. I don't give blood more often than allowed, and will eat extra iron (Smart Start cereal, black beans etc.) the days leading up to the blood drive. Don't think that affects it, but she did say I'd have to stop donating for 6 months or so. Which sucks, but whatever.

Have tried OTC iron pills, they never seemed to help. Yeah it's worth $60/month to stop feeling like a zombie, hell it's worth $1 million/month, but steep considering I have insurance now. And I don't blame the doctor- she explained how frustrated SHE was with insurance companies- but I believe some doctors will push a particular brand for selfish reasons.

If I seem a tad obsessed with the subject, it's b/c I am desperate to stop feeling like a perpetually-sleep-deprived zombie. All the feedback is appreciated.

[Val_Garou]

I don't think you sound obsessed at all. But I would do two things:

1. Push your doctor for an explanation of what's going on with you, as it doesn't seem like you feel you have a real understanding of your condition.

2. Listen to lets ride and buy some cast-iron cookware. It's the best, anyway, and now you have a good excuse to spend the (relatively little) money it takes to get some.

[hfc]

Regular iron supplements are cheap, they just cause "GI upset" in some people. Ask the pharmacist at the LDS (local drug store) what the best iron supplement is from the side effect standpoint, otherwise iron is iron, and then make your decision what to use based on cost and side effect profile. Work closely with your doc and if after a few months you still have energy problems and your hgb looks OK then you need to find another cause.

It's very commendable in you that you donate blood so regularly but if it's causing problems you need to cut back on the frequency, like once a year or stop entirely.

[Christine]

Okay, so I went with some OTC FeSol for $10. Took one tonight with lime juice in seltzer for the turbo boost along with a piece of leftover steak (that my uncle insisted I take home after dinner the other night.) It's got something like 327% the daily RDA. So far no GI issues.....it's only been a couple of hours though!

[prschatt]

Break out the prune juice, Iron supplements may cause constipation. Also push for a diagnosis, not to stress you anymore but bone marrow sample, clotting profiles may be the next steps.

[Christine]

Marrow? Samples?? Is 11.4 really that low?