There was a message on my machine today from my doctor who reported that my iron is indeed very low and that I need to start taking supplements immediately. Although I was suspecting such a diagnosis, it’s kind of nice to know for certain and also to now have a valid excuse for my fatigue, laziness and general lack of motivation to lift a finger: (said in a dramatically pathetic voice, of course) “It’s not my fault, I am IRON DEFICIENT!”
I really don’t think I can stomach another drop of that dreaded Floradix concoction, but I am not too thrilled about the constipation that comes with regular iron pills. Perhaps I’ll try some stool softeners like many of you had recommended and see how managable the pooping situation becomes. I’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned for photos of my blackened turds! Just kidding. Or am I?
In other news, our toilet is plugged with turkey bones. Long story.
Also, I found an online graphic design course that I am interested in taking. We’ll see what comes.
Jolie is thisclose to crawling and I am not ready for this development.
Avelyn has been loving old school Sesame Street, Strawberry Shortcake and Care Bears cartoons lately and I feel like I’m back in the 80s.
I made chicken pot pie tonight and although it smelled divine I didn’t have any. Ripping the meat off the bird before I tossed it in the pan kind of made me lose my appetite for it. I think I need decide if I am going to become vegetarian or not. It’s been years since I’ve eaten meat regularly and could easily live without it. Thoughts?
Welp, I’ve got one baby howling on the couch and another kid with a wet rats’ nest of hair that needs to be combed before bed, so I had best be on my way.
Take care, eh?
24 Comments
Can you share your info on the graphic design course? I’ve been looking for a legit online course for a while and would love any info you can give. Thanks! Have fun with that rat’s nest! :)
I’d really like to hear the turkey bones story.
Abby & Josie are into those exact same shows at Avelyn. I love it!
I contemplate giving up meat again almost every day. For now, we’ve decided to buy from local farms, organic, locally grown, grassfed meats. It’s a step in the right direction of something I’m comfortable with.
I’m glad that you found a graphic design course, a reason for your fatigue and hopefully your way through the rat’s nest.
I know you probably don’t wanna hear it, but meat will help your iron levels. Seriously. Eat a burger or six. and take some Docusate. Hugs
There is something called Slow Fe that may not bind up your stomach. I too am sensitive to iron and had low iron levels and took this supplement. Ever since I got rid of my rotten uterus I haven’t had an iron problems. TMI, I know. :)
Metamucil works for some people I know that suffer from constipation. Apparently it doesn’t have a taste, you just have to stir it in really well. You can put it in anything really. Also, putting bran on your food can help.
Go vegetarian with me! (Actually it’s more like, “Become a vegetarian like me!”) I haven’t eaten meat in 16ish months and I don’t miss it at all. When my roommates cook it they tell me beforehand so I can avoid the smell. (No judgment for anybody, just not for me.)
I second the Slow Fe. I’ve taken it for years, and it’s much more gentle on the stomach.
Hi Amanda,
I lurk from time to time(Sorry?).
Anyway, there is a great Iron Supplement made by Platinum Naturals called Easy Iron – http://www.platinumnaturals.com/Platinum%20WEB/products/iron1.htm
It is a great product and apparently will not back up your system. It is available at Whole Foods or Vitamin King in Penticton.
Hope it is helpful :)
Amber
Lurker here…there are different formulations of iron…ie. iron sulphate, ferrous gluconate etc. Perhaps ask a pharmacist which would be the best on your tummy. GL. Hard poo poos are no fun :( uhhh…my friend said..uhhhh…
Love your blog :)
you’re hilarious..seriously..
I’ve taken Floradix in pill form in the past, you can get it at any healthfood store. (if taken to often you may need prunes too;)
Spinach salad with orange segments = iron. Without citrus, you can’t absorb the iron in the spinach. And it’s delicious.
1 scoop Chia seeds ( soaked for at least 15 minutes) with your cereal or oatmeal, daily, will get rid of your constipation instead of laxatives. Available @ Costco. I mix 1 scoop chia seeds & 1 scoop crushed flax with my oatmeal, add milk -let stand 15 minutes – tastes great and does the job.
Hope all works out with those heads of hair. Sort hair on the horizon?
Blackened turds? Story of my life lately. Tylenol #3 does WONDERS to make one constipated. Awesome.
I could easily live without meat as well. I really don’t actually like it. Except baseball steaks that my FIL makes. I could LIVE on those.
i would also love to know the name of the course!
I have had low iron all my adult life. I have no problems like you stated, as only you can state. Try Ferrous Fumarate. And watch out cuz those stool softeners have parabens in them!! Yes, it’s true, I am Jen’s mother.
I hated my first trimester because all I wanted to do was SLEEP. I had NO energy and was totally sapped. I was iron deficient too. Ugh. I feel your pain there.
Would eating fiber bars help with the constipation? They make them now that taste like super yummy granola bars.
WOOOO!!! You have an answer! While it’s not super awesome to take iron supplements, this is good news and a relatively easy fix.
I was working on a potentially long-winded response to you re: my thyroid problem, but I thought it best to wait until you got the results back on your blood test. I’m glad I waited!
Hope you’re feeling better soon!
Hee hee. This was a funny post.
As a couple of people already mentioned, eating a little meat would help with the iron levels. (You know this though…) I’ve gone back and forth for several years on whether or not I wanted to go vegetarian but ultimately decided I could handle organic meat/eggs. Does the taste/texture of meat gross you out? I guess there’s always tofu!
Have you seen that show on the Food Network called “100 Mile Diet”? It’s kind of what Jen was talking about…they’re doing it in Mission and Craig and I are thinking of trying it for a month to start to see how it goes. Just to be more concious of what we’re putting into our bodies. I don’t think I could ever give up meat personally, although I don’t eat it everyday…but not having it as an option would be tough for me. Nothing builds up a body’s iron levels like a good cut o’ meat. Sad, but true. :)
I have recently stumbled upon your blog and your posts give me a good laugh. I too have found out that I am iron deficient. Can you stomach black beans? They are great in vegetarian chili. Good luck with getting re-fortified. Keep us posted on the online graphic design course. I’m taking a night course in graphic design and would be curious to hear about how you find the online one.
NJ
I think someone should start a low iron support group. ;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psyllium_seed_husks
I think this would be a good addition to your diet and if you stir them into a glass of low-calorie juice and drink quickly, I believe would keep constipation from being a side effect of the iron.
Try adding hemp hearts to everything. They have tons of iron, protein, and Omega fat. They ease the stool situation as well.
Always love your blog, start every Friday morning with checking in.
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