Iron level 10, ferritin 3 (not pregnant)

[GloveFromAbove]

The dr called the other day to say my bloods results were as above (and since I had them done I have had a really heavy period).

He’s given me iron tablets, tranexamic acid and laxatives. Even with the laxatives and bran/dried apricots/chia/spinach/water every day, I still haven’t been to the loo. Last time I had iron tablets, I didn’t properly poo the entire time I was on them, gave up after six weeks, just so I could have a proper poo!
I have been feeling rubbish so I really would like to persevere with these. He won’t even entertain the idea of iron infusion. The dr says the levels are too low for eg Floradix/spatone/gentle iron.
Additionally, when I take the tablets I feel a bit ill, sort of faint and sicky? Is this normal?

Give me some tips please for a) increasing iron (my diet is good really) and b) pooing!
I need to have some sort of predictable poo as I work in an environment where I can’t just nip off for a poo at a moment’s notice.
Thank you!

Mine isn't quite as low but had ferritin of 13 at my last check. I've been on ferrous fumurate tablets but my levels are still dropping so not sure what will happen at my next check.

The tablets make me feel so sick unless I eat something at the same time so make sure you do that. Also make sure you take them with something high in vitamin C like OJ and avoid dairy when taking them as vitamin C helps the iron absorb and dairy can inhibit it apparently!

Hope it works for you soon. I feel horrendous at my level so can't imagine how you must be feeling. I would question why infusions aren't being discussed though??

Thank you. The sicky feeling does go if I eat so I’ll have to do that even though it’s supposed to be on an empty stomach.
Hopefully this will pick up quickly!