Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

So this would be 3 Slow Fe a day?

Yes.

Here is an article that explains that iron dosages are tricky! http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publicatio ... 06-12-6128

I'm wondering if the type of iron is important for symptom reduction? I've never considered this before reading Badnights reporting that Ferrous Sulfate made a difference for her. I have only used Iron Bisglycinate (50 mg elemental iron) and while my ferritin level has risen from 33 to 74 in 10 weeks, my symptoms have not improved. Should I change my type of iron?

No, Views interpreted me correctly, I was not clear, I meant my ferritin rose faster / more with the sulfate, which means I was absorbing it better.

My old GP said taking iron would interfere with my thyroid level because I take levothyroxine. My new GP said it would be okay as long as I took it at a different time. I started on December 15 and had a blood test at the end of January. My thyroid level (which had not changed for about four years) was elevated. So if you take thyroid medicine and start taking iron be sure to get a blood test.
The good news is that my serum ferritin is now over 150.

Yankiwi - Out of interest, what was your serum ferritin before you started to take the iron.

Yankiwi - a recent Foundation webinar on iron presented by Dr Earley suggested that you will get the greatest benefit by taking iron (plus Vit. C) at bedtime. Of course, that would mean no bedtime snack or glass of milk. When I was taking levothyroxine, I usually tried to take it midway between breakfast and lunch. That should address the need to take both of them on an empty stomach and would also maximize the potential for adsorbing as much of the iron as possible.

My previous serum ferritin level was 57. I’m pretty sure it was in the 30s years ago. I could try taking the levothyroxine mid morning and the iron at bedtime. I’m usually on the go in the morning but I don’t eat between breakfast and lunch or after dinner.
I didn’t reply earlier because I was on a cruise from Sydney to Hobart. It was fabulous.

Well done on getting your ferritin up.

A cruise - so wonderful.

Yes, good on both fronts. I had been starting to have symptoms in my inner forearms (funny that corresponds to nmy primary area of calves/Achilles). My arms haven’t bothered me since starting the iron.

Yay! I'm glad your symptoms have improved. I'm always impressed by the effect that iron has on my symptoms. I doubt I'll try lowering it again in the foreseeable future, because every time I have, my symptoms have gotten worse.

Yankiwi wrote:Yes, good on both fronts. I had been starting to have symptoms in my inner forearms (funny that corresponds to nmy primary area of calves/Achilles). My arms haven’t bothered me since starting the iron.

Great news!