GP says my routine bloods are normal. Really?

134 replies

NotSoIronMan · 25/01/2024 06:39

Their guide was that Ferratin levels should be between 15 and 300. Mine were 36.
My serum folate was 3.3 (should range between 2 to 9000).
My b12 was 147 (should be between 120-900)
My vitamin D was 47 (should be 50+).

He said it was satisfactory with no further action, but I could take iron tablets if I wanted to.

I have felt very low in mood and with brain fog etc and he said this is unlikely to be why.
I’m 28.

Surely it’s a bit worrying still?

OP posts:

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Ohnoooooooo · 25/01/2024 07:19

You need to take a bit d supplement too

Vegetus · 25/01/2024 07:08

The NHS reference range for blood markers is so wide and in my opinion designed to put up the shutters to treatment for a lot of people.

Go and get private blood work done if you can afford to do so.

whatafuckinnightmare · 25/01/2024 07:05

Look up b12 deficiency. It's probably that although your results are within normal range for the NHS.

Original poster

NotSoIronMan · 25/01/2024 06:55

My thyroid was also normal!
Thats so interesting though because my hair has literally stopped growing and it’s so thin. Makes perfect sense now…

OP posts:

Plumtop11 · 25/01/2024 06:54

I went to see a private dermatologist as was losing hair really bad. She told me to have ferritin levels checked (I already have under-active thyroid) and mine were 36 too. GO said was satisfactory but derm said ferritin should be at least 90, closer to 100 or will effect hair. She suggested I take 210mg ferrous fumerate daily (bought online not prescribed). I was getting stomach cramps so I now take with a high strength vit c and it helps it absorb and I don't get any stomach pains now.

I told my GP so they were onboard with checking ferritin levels. Took me a year and now at 136 ferritin so just take iron o be every four days now to maintain and my hair grew back.

YouAndMeAndThem · 25/01/2024 06:52

Unfortunately the NHS has guidelines that they have to follow. You can definitely take iron and vitamin d to boost your levels though, you can just buy these. Since you know you're at the low end of normal, it's worth doing to see if it helps and after a month if you're feeling no better, then you can go back.

AllFunAndGamesUntilYoureRunningForTheLastTrain · 25/01/2024 06:44

Did they do thyroid blood tests?
Are you vegetarian/vegan?
You probably would feel mikes better boosting everything tbh but GPs are very good at just sticking to the ‘normal/satisfactory’ line even if almost within labs reference ranges, rather than symptoms.
Vitamin D is ‘normal’ at 50 but needs to be 75 for bone protection.
I feel your frustration, nearly 20 years of battling with ‘satisfactory’ levels and feeling awful, taking high strength everything and just can’t get my numbers up and can’t get anyone to care!

Suddha · 25/01/2024 06:42

The NHS is useless. Yes you need supplements. You’re low enough to feel shit.

Popskipiekin · 25/01/2024 06:42

I had similar and felt very dismissed. I went to an excellent nutritionist who gave great advice about supplements and food as well as being a bit of a therapist and I felt huge improvements in mood and energy following her advice. Worth trying ?

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