Anemia

sdstarfish

I am almost 6 years post-chemo, and I'm still anemic. Iron supplements make me sick, and no matter how many green leafy veggies I eat, I can't move past the anemia. From what I have read, certain people have more trouble absorbing iron than others. Whether it is due to the chemo changing my body, or whether I have always been this way, I am not sure. But I do know I am exhausted!

Any suggestions (short of a blood transfusion)?

Momine

How anemic? Post-chemo, my blood counts, red and white, are always on the low side. The red count tends to hover just on the edge of anemia. My onc is not concerned.

sdstarfish

Hi, Momine,

My hemoglobin has been very low for years. I am almost 6 years post-chemo.

Momine

My red blood cell count hovers around 4 (I think they call that 4000 in the US) and my hemoglobin ranges from 11.5 to 13.

My mom had cancer 6-7 years ago, and she did chemo. Her hemoglobin has been really low ever since, but she feels ok.

shiver

I'm a midwife. And we try to deal with anemia naturally. 

Try cooking with cast iron skillets. In addition to your green leafy veggies make sure you are getting plenty of vit C. It will help you to absorb your iron better. Consider either taking liquid chlorophyll (Some people don't mind the taste other do) or Alfalfa. You can take 650 mg 2x day of the alfalfa. This will boost your energy, your iron levels, and should help you go to the bathroom. This will not make your system dependent on it. So if your system no longer needs it you can stop it. You can buy it over the counter at many drug stores or even Wal-Mart. Good luck!

abigail48

okay.  towntrip today, market has alfalfa sprouts, will get some

sdstarfish

Hi, Shiver, 

Believe it or not I'm just seeing this. This shows you where my energy level is! I basically work and go to bed. 

Anyway, question: is the alfalfa liquid as well?

inga6060

You wrote this awhile ago, but if you are still anemic, try "megafood bodybuilder" at healthfood store or online.  Iron comes from food.  Plus it has all the cofactors for absorption.  No constipation or upset stomach.  Don't use a cast iron skillet, iron is inorganic not well absorbed.  Inorganic, not natural, can cause problems latee