(Almost) anaemic but iron makes me ill?

[xoguineas]

Since becoming pregnant my iron levels have gradually dropped to anaemic low levels. However, every iron supplement I've tried makes me unwell. The tablets (ferrous fumurate and sulphate) make me feel so nauseous. I've currently been prescribed a 3 month course of ff and for the past few days have been so nauseous I can barely eat.

I've also tried the liquid iron from my GP (not sure of the name) but this again made me nauseous and light headed. I also tried Spatone but this made me physically vomit.

I've been advised that my iron levels are low, almost anemic but not there yet. Has anyone else experienced this with iron medicine? I don't want to stop taking them as I do feel crappy (always tired) but honestly can't deal with the nausea/sickness they cause. What should I do?

Hiya I had this in my first pregnancy. The tablets are so heavy on your stomach!
Are you taking on a full stomach?

Yeah I take them with meals. Have been trying to get my iron up through food as well but hasn't made a difference either!

What about those spatone sachets? They are supposed to be gentle on the stomach.

Oops sorry missed you saying about the spatone.

Are you avoiding dairy when you have the iron? That made me ill years ago, having dairy at the same time as iron. Felt almost car sick!

@Craker20 I don't have much dairy anyway, so yeah I'm avoiding that. Honestly they just don't agree with me no matter what I do but I don't want to make myself ill by not taking them but honestly they make me feel crap.

Can’t you go back to the gp and ask if you can have injections or something?

@Dodie66 I didn't know you could ask for them! I've only known one person who had them years ago so wasn't sure if I'd be able to get them. I will ask my GP.

I've suffered with anaemia for years and have always struggled with medication. Tried tablets, then liquid from GP.
Just check the name of it OP.

Spa tone are liquid sachets and you pop it in a glass of fresh orange juice. The Vit C helps your body to absorb the iron, spa tone is more gentle on your tummy.

I now have regular blood tests and go in to hospital for an infusion every time I'm low. If the problem persists then there are always other options.

I meant to say, check the name of the one you tried, as spa tone is a really good option.

Maybe research chlorophyll supplements and seaweed called dulse/dillisk both very high in iron. I know of a lady having chemo who brought her iorn up by baking chopped up dulse into scones.

I gave up on iron tablets, they may me so constipated I felt horrendous.

I over hauled my diet and upped iron rich food, spinach and red peppers are good as the vitamin C in the pepper aids the absorption of iron into the body, just an example. I've also cut down on diary as a PP suggested.

I’m know you can get iron injections. I dont know if you can have them while pregnant. Like I said something to discuss with your gp

I'm the same, can't tolerate most iron supplements but I'm now on ferrous gluconate which I have an hour before food as soon as I wake up. I'm able to take it pretty much every other day without feeling too many side effects. Could you try that? I'm not pregnant however.

I had an infusion, but I'm not in the U.K. and I think the NHS don't give them often for financial reasons. You can definitely have them when pregnant though - my gynae said she gives them to most of her pregnant patients.

Do you know your numbers OP?

Is it your haemoglobin or ferritin levels as well?

Ferritin is the best indicator for anaemia as it shows your iron stores. If you have a good store but low on haemoglobin, then spa tone will help you up your levels. But if your stores are low, you will need some intervention to build them back before you give birth.