Low Iron?

I went to the doctor 2 weeks ago because while my hands and feet always seem to be cold, my hands started turning blue on days when my office was chillier than normal. Scary! They did some lab work but I never heard back (grumble grumble)... I just spoke on the phone to a receptionist who read me my results. She told me my iron levels were "a little low" and that was probably why I'm so cold, and the doctor recommend taking something like iron gluconate 325mg. 

Does anyone else take this or know anything about it to explain it a little more to me? She is going to mail me the results but I'm very curious as to what this means..

yes, i've been on that on and off since i was about 11 since i have iron deficiency anemia. did she tell you a number when she said "a little low"? either way, one thing you should know when taking iron is that it may constipate you...i know...gross. but most people i've encountered who take an iron supplement complain about this. so what i do is make sure i get at least 30g of fiber a day. it definitely helps.

Ahh haha good to know! She didn't mention a number but I'm hoping the paperwork they mail me has more details. Thanks for the tip!

I'm iron deficient anemic. Take a B complex too. Being low on B vitamins can cause anemia.

And if you take a vitamin C when you take the iron it helps absorption.

I find that the SlowFe iron vitamins are a little easier on the bowels. =D

also eat iron rich food. check out the nutrition info for clams. :)) so rich in iron.

That's an appallingly poor way to diagnose a patient and prescribe treatment... .  casually over the phone via a receptionist?   If you're anaemic and need iron supplements the doctor should be giving you some appropriate advice about dosage, how to take them, side-effects.

Obviously, you could start by increasing your intake of iron-rich foods.... That would be things like red meats, dark green vegetables, beans, whole eggs, liver, dried apricots.   And team them up with vitamin-C rich foods such as kiwifruit, citrus fruit, berries, fruit juices... so that your body can absorb the iron.  Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and cola drinks as these are believe to limt absorption.

If you're taking a 325mg iron supplement then wash it down with some orange juice for the same reason.  As others have stated, since iron supplements can often lead to constipation, make sure you're eating plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables and drinking plenty of fluids to reduce the possibility.

I would call back and request to speak to the doctor.  That is what they are getting paid for and not the receptionist.   You need a good iron pill.  I had a definency a few years ago prior to a surgery (female related) and my family doctor had prescribed me Ferrous Sulfate at 325 MG.  When I went to my GYNO he took me off of it right away and appologised!  He said it was really harsh, he gave me something else (sorry dont have the box) but it was great.  You should take vitamin C to help it absorb and lots of water and fruit/veggies to keep you regulated.  But talk to your doctor, and find out if this is short term or long term issue.  What could cause this, is he going to monitor your progress, what results should you look for in improvement etc.

Eekk sorry I never got back to you guys. THANK YOU so much for all the suggestions and tips! I feel better getting "real life" feedback instead of just googling it. I don't think I'm anemic, but I'm supposed to take the iron for a few months and go back for more testing. I have been excessively tired the past few weeks even though I get at least 8 hours of sleep most nights.. I'm thinking it may have something to do with this. So I wonder if the lack of iron is something that happened all of a sudden, or... I guess I should call the doctor.

She's a GP. I went to my first appointment with an endocrinologist last week and explained this to her. She was Russian and I could barely understand what she was saying. She didn't offer any tips and I didn't ask because I really couldn't understand her. I always have the worst luck with doctors. Anyway, she said my hands turning blue is Reynaud's and from the way she made it sound (I think) there's not too much you can do about that. Sigh. I'm still going to google though.

Enough rambling. Thank you again for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it!

Have have Reynauds and there isnt much you can do. My GP did put me on a blood pressure med once to try and help with it because i had such severe chill blanes on my fingers and hands i was in pain. Its something to do with your blood vessels constricting too much so that the blood doesnt get to your hands/fingers, feet/toes. The blood pressure med was supposed to increase my BP to try get the blood to my fingers and toes, but i guess im just so used to it now that it doesnt bother me (unless i have chill blanes as well). 

Maybe try your luck with a thrid Dr, ask about Reynauds and your iorn and make sure you get the info you want/need

i took ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice a day for two months after receiving a blood transfusion (lost too much blood during a surgery).  i don't understand the difference between the different types of iron supplements out there...i'd be interested to know.