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HELP! Iron Deficiency Anemia

Posted , 5 users are following.

HeatherP143
HeatherP143

Last year I was undergoing some blood test and I was told that I was iron deficient and got a prescription. I never ended up taking the prescription as I thought I felt fine.

Recently, I have been having frequent heart palpitations, dizzy spells, lightheadedness, and just feeling faint and overall unwell/ tired. After doing some searching on Google I figured my iron deficiency had caught up with me and I purchased some OTC iron pills. Initially I felt better, but a few days after taking them I began feeling all my symptoms again. 

This has gone on for about three weeks, and my symptoms come and go. While out this past weekend, I felt short of breath, and almost as if I was going to faint. I came home and rested, but I just haven't felt great. Yesterday I went to the ER as I felt as if I was going to pass out any minute.

After several blood tests, an EKG, and monitoring my heart and blood pressure for a few hours, all they could come up with is that I was slightly iron deficient, but not enough for a blood transfusion. They wrote me a higher dose prescription (325 MG 3 times a day) of ferrous sulfate and I started the prescription last night. 

The iron seems to be really upsetting my stomach, as every time I eat, before I even finish the meal my stomach is already hurting - is this normal? 

Also, I've noticed that during meals, I sometimes feel like I'm going to pass out. Breathless, and as if I'm going to faint while eating? Anyone experience this? 

I have a regular doctor appointment with my GPnon Thursday, but I'm feeling slightly hopeless after the slew of blood/other tests they ran with no answers at the ER. 

Anyone else with iron deficiency anemia feel faint while eating or sitting at a table? 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • jenny19687
    jenny19687 HeatherP143

    Posted

    No. But if you are not tolerating the iron well consider trying spatone it a lot a lesser amont of iron but is absorbed better. Remember to take orange juice something with vitamin c with your iron. 
  • Laura3333
    Laura3333 HeatherP143

    Posted

    Yes. You need to persevere withe the ferrous sulphate you were given. You have all the classic symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia. The dizziness and faintness you have will go, but it does take a few months. I was at your stage earlier this year and it took me three months. Also you need to find out why you are anaemic.

    Usually you get used to the iron tablets after a week or two, but apart from a transfusion it's the fastest way to feel better.

    Do you know your haemoglobin and ferritin levels?vMy Hg was 8.3.

  • maisie05
    maisie05 HeatherP143

    Posted

    Ferrous fumarate suit me better than other iron supplements. I can feel nauseous unless I take with a full meal. 

    I used to get palpitations when eating when I was anaemic and then need to sleep immediately after! That was a first sign of anaemia for me. 

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