ANEMIA struggles.......

Other Running Related Topic

16 years ago 07/11/2007 6:14pm EDT

I have struggled with Anemia for the last several years. Due to my inability to absorb oral Iron I used IV Iron to keep my levels elevated.

When I first discovered the problem my Ferritin level was 13, hematocrit 43, and RBC of 4.70. Increasing my Iron strongly helped my performance. My highest levels have been near 300 for ferritin and 47 for hematocrit.

6 months ago, when I was competing well, my ferritin was in the 200's, RBC of 5.20, and hematocrit of 46. After having some poor training this summer, my blood tests showed these results:

Ferritin: 85

Hematocrit: 41.3

RBC: 4.60

Billirubin: 2.7 (range is .3-1.2)

These levels are obviously concerning considering my optimal levels. While my doctor is the right place to go, he is out of town until august 10th so hopefully letsrun can help answer some of my questions.

1.What does an elevated billirubin suggest?

2. Why can my ferritin be high yet the other levels depleted?

3. Is taking iron when my ferritin is already 85 a wise choice?

4. Is it worth it to continue training when my numbers are suboptimal, or will it deplete me further?

Thanks for any help you can give.

16 years ago 07/11/2007 8:06pm EDT

re: one more year

That is my favorite Tool CD.

16 years ago 07/11/2007 8:07pm EDT

re: one more year

Your continued poor eating habits and running have created your problem. Go EAT!

16 years ago 07/11/2007 8:16pm EDT

re: one more year

I am not informed enough to answer the questions you have posted but i can speak from my anemic experiences. At my lowest my ferritin levels hit 16, I started taking a generic niforex prescription called Ferex-forte. I was taking it improperly and i became anemic again in a couple of months after recovery. This next time i did some research online on how to take it properly and i learned 4 main things.

1. Take an iron supplement on an empty stomach.

2. Take it with vitamin C, either a tablet or a glass of OJ

3. Do not take it with Calcium (or any other vitamin that aids in the absorbtion of calcium such as D)

4. Do not take it with coffee or tea, the anti-oxidants prevent absorbtion.

I am not exactly sure of the science behind these but i have read the same rules on several websites and books. For the last almost 2 years i have not had any trouble with iron levels and i have been able to train consistantly at 100 miles a week and shooting for my second cross country all-american award this upcoming season.

I mention these rules because you said you do not absorb it orally, but maybe you were violating one or more of these rules and that is why you use an IV. If i did not help you at all hopefully someone reading this may benefit.

16 years ago 07/11/2007 8:20pm EDT

re: m.

m. wrote:
Your continued poor eating habits and running have created your problem. Go EAT!

I agree with the eating, i eat like a pig now too. I am almost 6 foot tall and weigh about 128 pounds, but i can eat all of my 200+ pound friends under the table. Also are you a female or male. I am male so it is probably easier for me to bring my iron up compared to a female.

16 years ago 07/11/2007 9:30pm EDT

re: Former Anemic Runner

so for someone who's fairly strict on weight and caloric intake ( never had problems with anemia before until i started being on a strict healthy diet) i should loosen up and start eating more?

16 years ago 07/12/2007 11:03am EDT

re: struggling as well

It doesnt make sense to me because my Iron levels are adequate but my RBC and Hematocrit are not.

So what would taking more iron at this point do? I need to improve the numbers but do not see an option. Also, anyone know about billirubin?

16 years ago 07/12/2007 11:46am EDT

re: one more year

Skip says get back to work

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ANEMIA struggles.......

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