I am starting iron infusions again tomorrow for my very low iron counts. Since I have hit my deductible I pay 20% of costs which will be $55 per infusion. I am hoping I only need the 5 cuz I cant afford all that out of pocket. I I didn't hit my deductible each infusion would be like $250 out of pocket and that is not happening. I will just live with it and I know that's not healthy but guess what, neither is not eating and if I have to pay over $1200 for 5 infusions that doesn't leave much money for anything else. Can anyone suggest a high potent iron supplement that isn't too bad on the stomach? I will live with the pain if need be, but I am not going to starve and deprive my children of things cuz I have low iron.. just cant deal with the health bullshit anymore.. I work my ass off to make good money and I struggle to pay medical with high premiums and high deductibles meanwhile there are people with 6 kids and don't work and get basically free healthcare..im just done with it all
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Following, I have never had infusions, as I am a VA Patient so they have only forced me to take tablets, I have stopped since jpouch because it messes with me. But every test I have anemia so looking for options
The other iron supplements mentioned by your doc are better tolerated than ferrous sulfate. The overall dose may vary, but just compare the elemental iron provided in each dose to the sulfate. Also, they are best on an empty stomach with vitamin C. Any food with calcium, tannins, and a few other things will interfere with iron absorbtion. The more absorbtion is retarded, the more supplemental iron you need.
Heme iron most easily absorbed, so eating more meat is a good choice.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_supplement
Jan 
I always eat meat Jan..lol.. I am trying to get in touch with my hematologist cuz he told me ferrous gluconate would be better for me than ferrous sulfate, and pharmacy called me and he called in the sulfate..lol.. hoping after my 5 infusions over the next 2 weeks will get me back in range and I can do the pills cuz the infusions are too expensive for me
The only thing about taking supplements higher than RDA amounts, is that you need to be monitored to make sure you don’t overload and damage your liver.
Otherwise, it seems like a reasonable and cost effective way to maintain your levels. As long as they are effective, of course!
Jan
yeah he wants me to get labs to check them 6 weeks from last infusion. but wants me to start the oral iron right when infusions are done.
Sounds about right.
Jan