Ice Chewers Bulletin Board - All about Chewing Ice

After chewing ice excessively for about half a year, and driving my husband crazy, I went to the doctor and had my blood checked for anemia. The doctor determined that I was indeed anemic. My hemoglobin level is 7.4. He said a low-normal level is about 11. Anyone know anything else about this scale, or how their own level, regarding anemia?

Yep, I went to the doc and my hemoglobin was 7.8 and the doc put me on meds and told me to stay home from work and rest. It is VERY dangerous to have levels that low. If the meds she gave me don't do the trick, the next step is a transfusion. Hope all is well with you.

DJs Girl

My hemoglobin level is 7. something as well. My doctor put me on iron pills 3 times a day. I don't take them like i should because they make me feel worst. But I do take them when I start feeling tired or my body isn't right...What kind do you take? and she said if the meds doesn't work for me the next thing is a transfusion as well. but she said something like I would have to come in every 3 months for this....

So since being on the meds do you still eat ice? less or more?

yes, your red blood cell count is definite too low, range show be between 11 to 15%. your to the point of pissible blood tranfusion.
my hemoglobin level is 11.6% and i thought is was low. what i've been taking SSS tonic a high potency iron / B vitamins supplements along with B12 liquig form.

Has any of the anemia girls also experienced lack of menstruation? Is there a connection?

I just got out of the hospital, I had a hemoglobin count of 6.2.. I had to have a blood transfusion..NO FUN!!!

I also eat ice...Or i did till now........I truly believe ICE was the cause of my anemia.. Also I had restless legs syndrome ( i dont have that now after my blood transfusion...... My levels now is still quite low ( 8.2) but gradually on the rise....I am on 625 mgs of iron a day....... That will be like that for a month ..I worry about that too because of the chance of liver damage.........I have to have blood drawn every two weeks till i am out of danger........ They said i could of died ........MAinly my heart was working overtime...I did feel it beating out of my chest b4 i went to hospital... I guess i am lucky to be here....All i want to say is if you are addicted like i was....try to stop b4 its 2 late.....Id say most of you here are Anemics............Please see your doctor.........Believe me having blood transfusions and everything else i had to deal with ..Ice is not worth it......Its gonna be hard to give up on the ice.............But if u want to be healthy , then i suggest u do.. Good luck all...and God bless you

Ok I will say it again. How can Ice deplete your iron? I thought that you became interested in ice when you were already anemic? I didnt have iron problems until I started a weight loss program and would chew ice to help. Then find out I am anemic. I really want to know the medical reason how ice can work against you. Any ideas?

I had a hemoglobin level of 5.5--im only 14 years old. I got two blood transfusions and I'm taking Iron pills and eating foods enriched with Iron.

After a pretty difficult delivery I had to have 2 blood tranfusions and that still left me with a 5. something iron level. I was anemic all throughout my pregnancy but didn't take my iron pills because they caused constipation

5.3 was my lowest. Caused by infection in the bone marrow. I am in the 9's now and falling and the cravings are getting out of control.

4.2
was my lowest. That was when I was in the hospital for like 5 days.
Right now I'm around 7
AND I take a LOT of vitamins, a centrum an iron pill. And it stays around 7.

Hello to my fellow ice eating pals... I would like to say that I had been eating ice for at least 16years.. i know this becuase i sarted before i had my first child and she is now 15.. Well on to my story.. I was having BAD migrain headaches when ever I laid down, moved to fast, got on an elevator, or just turned the wrong way. The magraines were so bad i was having 2 or 3 aday. I went to the ER on Thursday they gave me pain pills, went to the Dr. Friday gave me pain pills went back to the ER Friday nite, they gave me a shot. Went to the ER Sunday they gave me another shot did a cat-scan and finally told me it was my iron.. so they gave me some iron pills.. I went to my Dr on that Monday he was shocked that the ER didnt try to give me some blood. It was 7.5.. He on the other hand didnt give me blood either which i am not complaining.. He told me to take 4 iron pills aday.. Well i done that for about a month i guess when i went back my iron was 10.5 so now i am taking 3 pills aday.. I must say after all those years of eating ice it FINALLY put me on my back.. I was not able to work, sleep, eat.. Due to me taking my iron pills FAITHFULLY I went from eating a bag every other day to not even a cup every day.. I pray for all us that we may get the help that we need.. I dont wish the pain that i went through on no one.. Oh yeah i forgot to mention.. I was throwing up, when ever i did eat my stomach wouldnt hold.. I was driving down the street and had an migrain episode.. i wanted to cry, my daughter had to hurry up and give me my medication... PLEASE I am BEGGING PLEASE get the help u need and take the medication that the Dr. prescribe for you..

I've been chewing ice for 17 years, I remember because I started after having my daughter.

I never dreamed that there were others who did it, I really thought I was the only one!! WOW!

I had a blood test done two days ago..my iron level is at 6. The doctor muttered something about a transfusion and I was staggered! But she has given me tablets. I have been awfully tired and listless lately, but I reckon this goes back years, if I have to run for the train it just about kills me.

I worry mostly about my teeth, I also wonder if it could cause cancer in the throat? Due to the unnatural temperature. Only a paranoia of mine, so please ignore me!! : )

I really wish I could stop. The only break I have is when I'm at work or out and about. I mostly do it when I'm at home. And yes, like the rest of you have become particular about how I like it, I make thin cubes. Muffin tins work well because they get cold quickly, and defrost quickly. You can make thin wafers which are so dainty to nibble on! I know it's crazy.

So I want to know, who has any proof or has heard medical suggestions that chewing ice CAUSES anaemia??? It's not just hearsay, is it?

Thanks everyone!