Anaemia

[GlitchStitch]

Hi I have just been diagnosed with anaemia, apparently my iron is very low. I've been prescribed 600mg of ferrous sulphate daily. I'm just wondering how long it has taken others to feel better with the iron tablets. I have no energy, really short of breath, restless legs and just want to sleep all the time. I'm lucky I had leave booked from work already but I'm due back next week and can't see how I can if I'm still feeling like this.

Any advice or experiences anyone could share would be great.

Hi, hope you will feel better soon. I have low ferritin level (6) and doctor prescribed me ferrous sulphate. I really feel awful on this :( makes me feel sick. Doctor told me I should feel better after 3 weeks of taking this medicine. I also feel tired and short of breath. Fingers cross for you hun ❤️❤️😊

@LillyEmma

Hi, hope you will feel better soon. I have low ferritin level (6) and doctor prescribed me ferrous sulphate. I really feel awful on this :( makes me feel sick. Doctor told me I should feel better after 3 weeks of taking this medicine. I also feel tired and short of breath. Fingers cross for you hun ❤️❤️😊

Hey, I was the same on these! Maybe ask to see a different doctor as I was told it was the mixing agent that causes the sickness rather than the iron itself. I was moved from ferrous sulphate to ferrous fumarate (I think) and problem solved!!! I now keep my iron levels taking spatone with OJ everyday.

Thanks both, yes my ferritin is also 6. I'm not sure what it should be, I was given a rather rushed phone call thanks to Covid. I'm not feeling sick so far, still just exhausted and breathless. Plus the restless legs are awful! I hope I can see an improvement sooner than 3 weeks, really can't afford to be off work

I noticed a difference within 2 weeks..not sure how low my iron was to begin with though. I think tea and diary can stop absorption whilst vit c will help.

Yes def minimise tea and coffee and if you can, take the iron tablet with some fresh Orange as it helps your body absorb it

Your GP should investigate what is causing the anaemia if it carries on for a while. I had it after 3 kids and it just never went away. Was only ever borderline low but was consistently so. GP (family friend of my parents and their siblings) sent me to a gastroenterologist and I was very quickly diagnosed with coeliacs. I think GP knew as it's hereditary and in my family and his instinct was right. It causes anaemia because it prevents proper absorption of nutrients from your food due to damage to stomach lining. I never had the more typical symptoms of coeliacs until much later after diagnosis.

Have been ill with anemia and had two iron transfusion. The difference in energy is amazing. I’d ask for an infusion. My haemotologist said it would take too long with tablets to get iron up as well side effects.

Mine has been caused by very heavy periods, which they are trying to sort out. I like the idea of an infusion, not sure if this would be an option for me. I think I will mention it if I'm not feeling any better soon.

Thanks for the advice about taking it with orange juice too. Anything that will increase absorption I'm willing to try!