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Original poster

To not want to feel like this anymore??? Anyone with medical knowledge or knowledge of iron deficiency??

31 replies

DearRubyPoet · 18/10/2024 20:32

I’ve had my blood tests back. I have ferritin of 6, serum iron 5 and haemoglobin of 110.

Symptoms are - unable to focus/concentrate, body aches, a trembling sensation in legs when I lie down and bruising easily. Also, no energy to do any of the things I want to do in life.

Ive been prescribed meds that i have tried before that I really struggle to tolerate, and taking them will take months to offer any improvement, from what I understand.

I just wish I could get an iron infusion. I know they offer them in other countries for levels similar to mine but not on the NHS it seems.

Has anyone else been through this? Im feeling very down about it all.

OP posts:
MyOtherCarisAVauxhallZafira · 18/10/2024 21:05

I take folic acid , gentle high dose iron from Holland and Barrett and b12 , slowly my levels are increasing. I also take with orange juice in the morning and don't eat for at least an hour after.
Have you been tested for intrinsic factor antibodies? If you have pernicious anaemia it doesn't matter how many supplements you take your body won't absorb enough

GinForBreakfast · 18/10/2024 21:03

Meant to say, my bloods were worse than yours. I did score B12 injections but that turned out to be a different cause.

GinForBreakfast · 18/10/2024 21:01

What meds have you been prescribed? I've been on heavy duty iron tablets and they made me feel queasy for the first few days but then I got used to them.

WindowsSmindows · 18/10/2024 21:00

Is there a fixed threshold for infusions? Are there options to the local iron protocol as in: can you get an infusion at those levels if you also have XYZ symptoms?. Can you present to the hospital reporting that you collapsed?
I don't know how you could find out, is your GP direct and honest enough to tell you? Could a private GP tell you?
Those levels are shockingly low and in other countries you'd be given an infusion no hesitation.
In my experience it was like winning the lottery!!!!

Original poster
DearRubyPoet · 18/10/2024 20:51

Thanks @LizzieSiddal, I’ve unfortunately still experienced the discomfort with orange juice, so the doctor has prescribed me some laxatives to take. I just feel like I don’t even have the energy for the effort required to start taking them. To deal with the side effects. I know that sounds ridiculous and I just need to give myself a kick up the backside. Annoying that the threshold in this country to receive the infusions is so extreme. 🙈

OP posts:
LizzieSiddal · 18/10/2024 20:38

A pharmacist advised me to take my prescription anaemia meds with a glass of fresh orange juice, the vitamin C in the juice means the iron is absorbed much easier. You won’t have the awful stomach problems (which I had). It works instantly and you’ll be able to take the meds without issues. You should start to feel better within a couple of weeks.
My heart does go out to you as I felt so ill with anemia that I thought I must have a terminal disease!

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