Weakness & iron deficiancy & end-stage-renal-failure?

[kristina]

I have been researching on the Internet about weakness in end-stage-kidney-failure with regard to a possible context to iron deficiency,
but the evidence seems conflicting.
Has anyone an opinion as to whether an iron supplement would help combat the weakness?
And would over the counter iron supplements help?
Thanks.

[willowtreewren]

Hi, Kristina,
My husband took an OTC iron supplement as per instructions from his neph prior to going on dialysis. He still suffered terribly from anemia. Now that he is on dialysis, he get iron via IV.

Talk with your doctor about this.

Aleta

[Slywalker]

I was on iron supplements before dialysis as ordered by the neph.

Good luck

 

[Hanify]

They check your levels when you're on dialysis, and if needs be they give you iron.  I'm doing PD, so if I need extra iron they tell me and I go in for an infusion.  If it's needed you'll be told.  Don't worry about it till then.

[RightSide]

Leave it up to your neph to decide.

While we ESRD patients can suffer from iron-deficiency anemia, we can have trouble making red blood cells even when we're supplied with iron.  That's because healthy kidneys make a necessary hormone, erythropoietin, which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells.  Failed kidneys can't produce it in sufficient quantity.

Your neph knows all this, and will decide how much iron and synthetic erythropoietin you need.  Leave it in his hands.

And ALWAYS tell him about ALL supplements you decide to take on your own.

[Zach]

Those with CKD may be deficient in several vitamins and minerals.
Ask you Nephrologist for a prescription for a renal multivitamin supplement.

But too much of certain vitamins and minerals can be harmful to CKD patients as well.

[Jean]

I am also not on dialysis, and am also taking OTC iron, per my neph. However, it doesnt do a whole lot for me. I am really tired. Hope you have better luck.

[KICKSTART]

I f you want to do something in the meantime , you could always ask them to check your Hemoglobin levels at your next blood test. This will tell you for definate if you need iron. Then your doctor can decide what to do. My doctor told me , i could take all the iron pills in the world but they wouldnt be enough and i would need IV iron.

[sico]

I think the EPO and a reasonable diet should be enough. I've been lucky in the 9 odd months i've done PD no iron transfusion has been needed.
But even when my bloods HB and iron are supposedly good i still get tired easily.

[paul.karen]

I have been getting arsnep shots for the last month and a half.  Epo or arsnep take iron from your body to help raise your hemoglobin.  I didnt feel a difference until just recently and i am finaly getting some energy back.
The down side is the arsine took all my iron reserves to make new red blood cells.  So next week i am going in to get an iron IV.

If you are feeling weak and tired check your hemoglobin numbers.  maybe you need an PO/arsine shot if it is to low.

best of luck to you.

[billybags]

kristina, Dont bother with over the counter iron suppliments. Your unit and neph should be on the ball and give you what you need, when you need it.

[paris]

I agree with most of the advice you have been given.  Your nephrologist orders you labs and will watch your hemoglobin.  I get arenesp shots regularly and iron infusions when needed.  Ask your doctor what your red blood count is and he will advice you from there.

[kristina]

Thank you very much for the information,
it is very much appreciated.
Many thanks.