Celiac And Hemoglobin?

[bridgetm]

While I tested negative for Celiac-sprue (likely a false result since I had been gluten free for almost a week) my hemoglobin was a low 10.8. I'm usually a steady 13.6 so we assumed a lab error at first and wasn't concerned. When I saw him about 2 weeks after the original labs he decided to check it again. No change; 10.8 exactly. He sent me to the hospital lab for a full iron panel. He didn't tell me those exact result, but they worried him enough to put me on iron and vitamin C supplements and told me to check in after 2 months.

I have about 6 weeks until I see him and I'm incredibly curious. I plan to sign up for the school blood drive in 3 weeks just so I can get my hemoglobin checked; I try to donate every time they're at school and though I have a feeling this will be the first time I'll be turned away, I'd really like to know.

Has anyone else had these iron problems? And does it improve in time on a gluten-free diet?

[Wolicki]

Many, many here have dealt with iron defiency. I think in most cases, it resolves itself after being gluten free, and supplementing iron. I ended up having IV iron infusions because I couldn't tolerate the oral prescription strength. Lots of people here just took OTC iron, maintained the gluten free diet and got their levels back up. It's very common.

[bridgetm]

Thank you for your response. This forum has been really helpful in considering all of my symptoms and some things I never gave much thought to, but may have been signs all along. I am now only a few days into being completely gluten-free, but I am feeling better much better. Even the year-old eczema-like rash on my upper arms has all but disappeared.

[AnneM]

Being tired all the time was my first sympton of having Celiac disease, this was 4 years ago, i took iron supplements. My iron count returned to normal after eating gluten free and taking iron. So now it's 4 years later and i was having heart palpitations so i went to have it checked. I found out i was anemic AGAIN..that was causing the palpitations, so at the present time I am taking iron and my palpitations stopped. I think i will have iron issues forever, regardless of eating gluten free or not, it's very frustrating. I think it's important if you have Celiac disease to check your vitamin levels on a regular basis.