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Hi Resy,
Welcome, and I'll try to help you. I have been battling this one for years. I have MDS and have been experiencing low blood counts and iron deficiency for almost 10 years now. My ferratin level is typically between 0 and 8--always depleted. I, like you and many of us, cannot tolerate oral iron medications of any form. It raises havoc with my stomach and digestive system. My hematologist has wanted me to go on a course of IV iron infusions for a couple of years now, and I've pushed back. I finally had to give in when a recent surgery was canceled due to low hgb & hct. I have my 5th infusion tomorrow (he has me on a course of 6--once/wk), and my hgb & hct are creeping up. I am also on a dose of 1 mg of folate/day and b12 shots monthly. I've been told I will probably need to repeat this course of treatment again. I don't have my ferratin level from last week yet, but it hasn't been that great. You may want to ask your hemo if you are a candidate for this. There are no side effects, as it bypasses your entire digestive tract by going straight into your blood system.
I do also experience palpitations (shortness of breath, etc.) when I am really tired, which is most of the time. Low O2 will do this to you. I also work out at a gym on a regular basis. It gives me more energy, but my suggestion is to take it slow if you are feeling like this, and check with your dr. about exercising.
Good luck!
Sallyt
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