Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.

0 Online

mamak1118 04/19/2012

Has anybody ever had an IV iron infusion? My PCP told me that my iron is really low and offered the infusion as a faster way to get it back up. I've been so fatigued and have been blaming it on the MS, but now I know it was partly because of my iron deficiency. Having the infusion could be really good, except there are possible side effects, and I'm really scared about that. I've done iron pills before, and I know I could get my iron up that way, but the idea of a quick fix to this problem is enticing. Has anybody had an Iron infusion, and if so, did you have bad side effects? Is there a chance that the side effects could be much worse because of the MS?
Any ideas or advice would be welcome.
Thanks!
Kristi

EPagain 04/19/2012

I would want to know WHY you are so iron deficient. Getting an IV or taking slow release Fe (iron) WITH vitamin C and B complex vitamin will help you increase iron levels... for now. You need to address the root cause so this is not an ongoing problem as it can do major damage to body. Your body needs iron for hemoglobin (carries oxygen to cells so you can make ATP aka fuel).

Just make sure that you do NOT take it with calcium. Calcium and iron should be taken 2 hours apart so that they do not bind together and thus getting no benefit from either. Antacids meds will also decrease iron absorption. Reduction in absorption of iron can also be caused by celiacs disease (food sensitivity to wheat/rye-but you can eat rice/potatoes/corn/quinoa) or crohnes disease.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000584.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/vitamins/iron.html

Best wishes to you,
EP

EPagain 04/19/2012

So are you low in B vitamins, vitamin C or vitamin D3?
If you are low in D3 you may crave milk a lot (has D3) but all that calcium could block iron absorption.

Are you a vegetarian that is not getting enough iron? If this is the case maybe you need to look at diet to get the iron you need.

Do you have Celiacs? Try to convert to diet without gluten ie quinoa, rice, potatoes corn (corn chips).

Are you on anacids? Maybe talk to your doc about the Heidelberg test/capsule. You might have pH that is too high not too low.

Do you have un-dx Crohns?

Somethings to discuss with your doctor..or not.
Good luck,
EP

deleted_user 04/19/2012

Agree that it would be a good idea to find out why your iron is so low. There is a product called Floradix at most health food stores that is a liquid iron supplement that is quickly and easily absorbed. It's a little pricey but if you didn't want to do an infusion it might be a better alternative than pills.

mamak1118 04/19/2012

Thank you for your replies. Not sure why my iron is low, but it probably has to do with being on aspirin for a clotting disorder, and heavy periods. Also, I don't eat right, which is another discussion altogether! I do take Vitamin D, and my doc checks all of my levels, but iron was all that was off. I will discuss in greater detail with him when I see him on Monday. I went ahead and scheduled the infusion, as I'm sitting here at work with one eye open (can't focus with both because I'm so tired), and contemplating leaving 3 hours early to nap before kids get home. Saying a prayer that this works!!

Join the Conversation