Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to help me get an iron infusion on the NHS.

66 replies

SomeoneSpesh · 01/03/2026 19:07

Last time I had my bloods done, my ferritin levels were 4, but haemoglobin was borderline.

The GP prescribed me iron and put me on the contraceptive pill to stop my periods. Please don’t judge me, but I didn’t go on the pill because I was considering having another child. I don’t think that’s going to happen now.

I have been on every type of iron known to man, and despite changing dosage, timings etc etc, I absolutely cannot tolerate it. It makes me feel so horrendously sick. I can’t cope. Especially not on top of all the symptoms I’m already trying to deal with. I am completely exhausted and worn out.

I have been refused an iron infusion, and can’t afford it privately. I know that this would be life changing for me. I feel so drained that even walking is strenuous for me.

Is there anything I can do? I appreciate I didn’t do the right thing with not taking the pill, but I just need to sort this. I am really, really suffering. 😢

OP posts:
Dunnow1 · 01/03/2026 19:17

Do you have really heavy periods? Have you had any other investigations into why your ferritin is so low? You’ve tried ferric maltol and’s iron bisglycinate or things like floradix or spatone? I know you said you’ve tried everything but these are the gentlest kinds of iron, if you can’t take any of these then at this point I would be going back to the gp listing everything you have tried and the side effects plus your current symptoms.

WildHam · 01/03/2026 19:16

I only got one when I was pregnant as they wouldn’t let me give birth without it.

I hope you get one- the relief was instantaneous.

Wowsersbrowsers · 01/03/2026 19:16

It's a nightmare isn't it? My referral was refused last time then they re-sent it and it went through fine. All seems a bit random.

ActoBelle · 01/03/2026 19:15

SomeoneSpesh · 01/03/2026 19:14

I haven’t, but I don’t have any other symptoms of that.

Show quote history

A lot of people are “silent coeliac”, so no gastro issues. But such low iron store is a possible symptom

MissCooCooMcgoo · 01/03/2026 19:15

Can you not ask your doctor for anti sickness tablets to help you take the iron tablets?

ActoBelle · 01/03/2026 19:14

X post.

Original poster
SomeoneSpesh · 01/03/2026 19:14

ActoBelle · 01/03/2026 19:13

Have you been tested for coeliac disease? Just wondering if you have an underlying malabsorption issue? Ime a GP is too quick to blame low iron on periods with no evidence.

I haven’t, but I don’t have any other symptoms of that.

OP posts:
ActoBelle · 01/03/2026 19:13

Have you been tested for coeliac disease? Just wondering if you have an underlying malabsorption issue? Ime a GP is too quick to blame low iron on periods with no evidence.

Original poster
SomeoneSpesh · 01/03/2026 19:13

Munchyseeds2 · 01/03/2026 19:12

Have you had all the tests to see if there is a reason for the low levels?
Is it just due to your periods?
As above, the only way I've heard of people getting infusions is via the gastro route

It has always been put down to my periods. I don’t really think it’s fair to just assume that. Although I do have heavy periods, so could realistically be the cause.

OP posts:
Rummikub · 01/03/2026 19:13

I got one but they refused at first.
I didn’t take the iron tablets as I couldnt tolerate any of them I did try feroglublin otc. But apparently this wasn’t high enough
They eventually agreed but this was in hospital With a severe heart condition

I’m on the tablets now hough and I seem to be ok on them as long as full stomach.

HiCandles · 01/03/2026 19:13

I am a GP. Our local iron service will only accept referrals for infusion if haemoglobin is below normal ie 120 for women in most labs. 100-120 our waiting time is 1 year! Below 100 it's urgent which still means 6-8 weeks. If you're above 100, there is literally no chance of being accepted no matter how much the GP referral letter begs (I know, I have tried!).
There's a newer form of oral iron called ferric maltol. In my area it's specialist recommendation only so your GP would need to send advice and guidance to haematologist for permission. It seems to be much better tolerated than the traditional ferrous fumarate/sulfate/gluconate. I'd try asking for that. Your GP may not have heard of it. I spotted it in mentioned in a patient's haematology letter a few weeks ago and looked it up.

Munchyseeds2 · 01/03/2026 19:12

Have you had all the tests to see if there is a reason for the low levels?
Is it just due to your periods?
As above, the only way I've heard of people getting infusions is via the gastro route

MrsBenevolent · 01/03/2026 19:11

Watching with interest OP and sending my best wishes. IME GPs don't care that low ferritin makes you feel like death and you are lying breathless on the sofa.

Be interesting to know how they would react with a man though.

Original poster
SomeoneSpesh · 01/03/2026 19:11

I’m really glad you were able to access the infusions.

OP posts:
Original poster
SomeoneSpesh · 01/03/2026 19:10

NNforthispost · 01/03/2026 19:09

I’ve had four. Not sure what to suggest really as a gastronomic consultant arranged it for me after looking at bloods and said my life was at risk if I didn’t have it done. I was on iron tablets but having absorption issues through my gut.

I hope you don’t mind me asking, but your post has frightened me a little. Why did he say it was life threatening? What was the risk, if that makes sense?

OP posts:
NNforthispost · 01/03/2026 19:09

I’ve had four. Not sure what to suggest really as a gastronomic consultant arranged it for me after looking at bloods and said my life was at risk if I didn’t have it done. I was on iron tablets but having absorption issues through my gut.