And I am iron deficient, big time. [Which would account for my low hemoglobin]
My Ferritin levels were good, but that could be because Ferritin is also an "acute phase reactant", that is sometimes increased with acute or chronic disease. Folate and B12 levels were also within the normal range.
The only problem now is determining what is causing the iron deficiency, which in the case of men, is [very] rare.
My oncologist has given me a Globin Fecal test to perform, and has scheduled me for a consultation with a colorectal surgeon to discuss performing a colonoscopy, which could be problematic because of my large spleen.
In the mean time, I've decided to start taking an iron supplement, it's only the quantity that is causing me some consternation.
I've been told by a very knowledgeable person that to overcome an iron deficiency, I need to be taking 300 mg of iron sulfate, 3 times a day. Using the atomic weight calculation that would be equivalent to over 300 mg of elemental iron a day [36.7%]. That's a lot of iron, and it does not come without side effects.
Fortunately additional research has led me to learn that most ferrous sulfate supplements only contain about 20% elemental iron, which would be equivalent to 180 mg of elemental iron per day. Still a lot of iron.
I discussed that with my oncologist, and while she did agree, she also felt it could be problematic, and suggested 64 mg of elemental iron would be a good quantity to start with, and see what happens.
Obviously I preferred that suggestion, but instead have decided to start with 54 mg [that's 3 - 18 mg capsules a day]. It just so happens I had already purchased a bottle of iron fumerate capsules containing 18 mg of elemental iron. I will build from there, and see what side effects occur, and if there is any improvement after next months blood test.
And who knows, maybe I'll even see an improvement in my cycling ability, if I can get my hemoglobin into the normal range, or at least close.
Gerry beware!
| Test | Result | Ref Range |
| IRON | 30 | 59-158 mcg/dL |
| TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY | 231 | 250-420 mcg/dL |
| IRON SAT | 13 | 20-50 % |
My Ferritin levels were good, but that could be because Ferritin is also an "acute phase reactant", that is sometimes increased with acute or chronic disease. Folate and B12 levels were also within the normal range.
The only problem now is determining what is causing the iron deficiency, which in the case of men, is [very] rare.
My oncologist has given me a Globin Fecal test to perform, and has scheduled me for a consultation with a colorectal surgeon to discuss performing a colonoscopy, which could be problematic because of my large spleen.
In the mean time, I've decided to start taking an iron supplement, it's only the quantity that is causing me some consternation.
I've been told by a very knowledgeable person that to overcome an iron deficiency, I need to be taking 300 mg of iron sulfate, 3 times a day. Using the atomic weight calculation that would be equivalent to over 300 mg of elemental iron a day [36.7%]. That's a lot of iron, and it does not come without side effects.
Fortunately additional research has led me to learn that most ferrous sulfate supplements only contain about 20% elemental iron, which would be equivalent to 180 mg of elemental iron per day. Still a lot of iron.
I discussed that with my oncologist, and while she did agree, she also felt it could be problematic, and suggested 64 mg of elemental iron would be a good quantity to start with, and see what happens.
Obviously I preferred that suggestion, but instead have decided to start with 54 mg [that's 3 - 18 mg capsules a day]. It just so happens I had already purchased a bottle of iron fumerate capsules containing 18 mg of elemental iron. I will build from there, and see what side effects occur, and if there is any improvement after next months blood test.
And who knows, maybe I'll even see an improvement in my cycling ability, if I can get my hemoglobin into the normal range, or at least close.
Gerry beware!
Comments
Since I just got back from 2 weeks of hills in Italy and 630 miles you better start secret training before we face off!
If I really want to lose weight, I could just have a splenectomy. That would likely be good for 5 pounds. Of course there are some trade offs, which at this point I'm not willing to take.
Cya on the road!