Search found 1284 matches

by stjohnh
Fri Oct 22, 2021 2:31 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Iron bloodwork
Replies: 4
Views: 5279

Re: Iron bloodwork

The most common "iron" blood test done is the ferritin level. And yes, the test is somewhat more accurate if you are fasting, but the difference is not a lot, and most labs don't actually require you to be fasting for the ferritin test.
by stjohnh
Wed Oct 20, 2021 10:47 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Iron Testing & Inflammation
Replies: 3
Views: 1394

Re: Iron Testing & Inflammation

I get my Injectafer IV iron prescribed by a hematologist, but that is primarily because the large clinic I go to only allows hematologists to prescribe IV Iron. Many others have found that they can only get the iron prescribed by a hematologist. If the doc is willing to give you IV Iron with a ferri...
by stjohnh
Mon Oct 18, 2021 1:56 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: How do I deal with with my mental suffering caused by RLS?
Replies: 9
Views: 3718

Re: How do I deal with with my mental suffering caused by RLS?

Hey, FakeBeans, sorry you are having problems, but glad you have found us. You will likely get some answers, but may not be completely satisfying to you. To help, we need more information: What meds are you taking now, and what have you taken in the past. Are you male/female. Do you have other medic...
by stjohnh
Wed Oct 13, 2021 8:14 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Getting insurance to pay for IV infusion
Replies: 6
Views: 1711

Re: Getting insurance to pay for IV infusion

Unfortunately, this is a common and Big problem, as the recommended IV iron, Injectafer, is quite expensive in the USA. Also, many insurance companies will routinely deny coverage for using a drug for a purpose not approved by the FDA, AND the FDA has not approved any iron product for RLS. In other ...
by stjohnh
Thu Oct 07, 2021 8:18 pm
Forum: Non-prescription Medicines, Supplements, Diet
Topic: %Saturation running high after supplemental iron. problem? Solution?
Replies: 8
Views: 5410

Re: %Saturation running high after supplemental iron. problem? Solution?

Bill, It is unlikely that the ferritin of 251 was entirely due to the oral iron. Oral iron absorption from the gut is limited to about 100 by a hormone called hepcidin. Likely the Ferritin of 251 was a combination of the iron content and the artifactual elevation of ferritin due to some unrecognized...
by stjohnh
Wed Oct 06, 2021 7:45 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: Iron IV Treatments
Replies: 7
Views: 4935

Re: Iron IV Treatments

Improvement can take up to 2 months. But remember only about 1/2 of people who get IV iron have a good response.
by stjohnh
Tue Sep 21, 2021 12:08 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: IV Iron
Replies: 7
Views: 6933

Re: IV Iron

Oral iron works for RLS basically only for those whose iron is so low they have iron deficiency anemia, mostly those with a ferritin less than 20. The problem is that RLS is caused by BID (Brain Iron Deficiecy). The reason we don't have enough brain iron is unknown, but thought to be due to inadequa...
by stjohnh
Mon Sep 20, 2021 2:34 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: IV Iron
Replies: 7
Views: 6933

Re: IV Iron

Goldielocks wrote:
Mon Sep 20, 2021 1:20 am
... may God heal each of us according to His perfect will.

Goldielocks
Amen
by stjohnh
Sun Sep 19, 2021 7:32 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: IV Iron
Replies: 7
Views: 6933

Re: IV Iron

All urge-to-move symptoms resolved, energy improved, sleep improved but still not normal. Sense of well-being imporved. First set lased 7 months. 2nd set lasted 10 months. I am now 15 months into my 3rd set. Sometimes I think urge to move is coming back, but I'm still not sure. 15 months is longer t...
by stjohnh
Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:51 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: IV Iron
Replies: 7
Views: 6933

Re: IV Iron

it takes about a month for IV iron to show it affects. Occasionally it can take 2 months. I've had 3 sets (6 IVs) and mine tooke 3-5 weeks for RLS symptoms to improove.
by stjohnh
Mon Sep 13, 2021 1:00 am
Forum: Just Joined?
Topic: Antidepressant (Prozac)
Replies: 2
Views: 3286

Re: Antidepressant (Prozac)

Hi Yellow41, I haven't been on Prozac, so can't speak from personal experience. However, it seems like the problems that occur with antidepressants and RLS are mostly confined to the older classes of antidepressants, which does not include Prozac (kinda dates me, I guess). The sleep issue is common ...
by stjohnh
Thu Aug 19, 2021 3:24 am
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: What to do next
Replies: 10
Views: 2120

Re: What to do next

You can print a copy of the recommendations by following the link at the end of this message. Print it and give a copy to your doctor (in person, at a scheduled visit with the doc. Do NOT mail, email, give to the receptionist, etc. It should go from your hand directly to the doctor's hand). Assuming...
by stjohnh
Wed Aug 18, 2021 10:11 pm
Forum: Prescription Medications
Topic: What to do next
Replies: 10
Views: 2120

Re: What to do next

Your iron tests show that your BLOOD has a normal amount of iron. But we know your BRAIN is iron deficient because you have RLS. The main point of the blood tests is to be sure your blood does not have too much iron, in which case IV iron would be dangerous. The body requires different amounts of ir...
by stjohnh
Sat Aug 14, 2021 8:30 pm
Forum: General Topics: RLS
Topic: Could it be more than RLS?
Replies: 20
Views: 10158

Re: Could it be more than RLS?

My neurologist is recommending I have a nerve study done to see if my symptoms indicate more than RLS. Has anyone else had this done? Did it help? These tests won't confirm RLS, but they will tell if you have some other peripheral nerve problem contributing. The test is uncomfortable (hurts some). ...