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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to request an earlier GP appointment- low ferritin

86 replies

HariboFrenzy · 29/04/2026 16:00

Recently had blood tests and though haemoglobin fine MCH, MCHC and ferritin were out of range (below). Ferritin is 12. Had a message from GP for telephone appointment on 22nd May.

Thing is I feel like utter shite. I'm carer to a young child with complex needs and really struggling.

AIBU to request an appointment sooner?

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 29/04/2026 16:35

you can be 'proper' iron in a pharmacy. However, a iron deficiency probably isn't going to be the thing that's causing an HR of 150 at rest so if you haven't had an ECG during an episode of that then you need to.

DuchessofStaffordshire · 29/04/2026 16:34

Start taking a high dose iron supplement now. No need to wait for a GP appt. I use Nutrition Geeks iron, it's relatively cheap and available on Amazon.

Original poster
HariboFrenzy · 29/04/2026 16:34

@SixSavvySwans @TeaPot496 @VanGoSunflowers oh thank you, I'll see what I can get then! I was just feeling a bit sorry for.myself that I'm not even going to see the GP for 3 weeks and then the supplements take a few weeks to make a difference dont they? I'll definitely get started while I'm waiting!

OP posts:
TeaPot496 · 29/04/2026 16:31

HariboFrenzy · 29/04/2026 16:28

I'm not sure that you can buy iron supplements in the strength that the GP would prescribe? I guess it might be worth seeing a pharmacist. I'm getting regular heart palpitations of over 150bpm at rest, have a constant headache and just generally feel exhausted 😩

Show quote history

It's definitely worth seeing if they can get you in sooner then, or at least for a phone call. You won't be able to supplement better than an iron infusion. However I buy 45mg iron for my ferritin which was 30, last time I checked. You can indeed buy very high strength, quite cheaply.

SixSavvySwans · 29/04/2026 16:31

You can buy iron OTC (ferrous sulphate or ferrous fumate) that will keep you going until then. If that’s hard on your stomach then try a gentle iron from Holland & Barrett or Boots.

VanGoSunflowers · 29/04/2026 16:31

HariboFrenzy · 29/04/2026 16:28

I'm not sure that you can buy iron supplements in the strength that the GP would prescribe? I guess it might be worth seeing a pharmacist. I'm getting regular heart palpitations of over 150bpm at rest, have a constant headache and just generally feel exhausted 😩

Show quote history

You can - I took Ferrous Sulfate for low ferritin and I get them via an online pharmacy but sure a pharmacist in person could help too. Warning - they will make a huge difference to your energy levels and you’ll feel unstoppable on them 😂

Original poster
HariboFrenzy · 29/04/2026 16:29

BrieAndChilli · 29/04/2026 16:23

I recently had tests and they rang me at 8:30am when the results came in to ask me to go in that day as levels of ferritin and B12 were low to start a course of B12 injections so I would say if they thought you needed immediate treatment they would get you in sooner.

I hope you're feeling a bit better now x

OP posts:
Original poster
HariboFrenzy · 29/04/2026 16:28

TeaPot496 · 29/04/2026 16:10

It's not urgent yet if your Hb is good, unless you have extra low B12 as well, with neurological symptoms?
You could try high dose iron supplements in the meantime.

I'm not sure that you can buy iron supplements in the strength that the GP would prescribe? I guess it might be worth seeing a pharmacist. I'm getting regular heart palpitations of over 150bpm at rest, have a constant headache and just generally feel exhausted 😩

OP posts:
BrieAndChilli · 29/04/2026 16:23

I recently had tests and they rang me at 8:30am when the results came in to ask me to go in that day as levels of ferritin and B12 were low to start a course of B12 injections so I would say if they thought you needed immediate treatment they would get you in sooner.

Lmnop22 · 29/04/2026 16:13

I’m afraid your GP will have triaged you and decided this is an appropriate next appointment and they know your health better than us

TeaPot496 · 29/04/2026 16:10

It's not urgent yet if your Hb is good, unless you have extra low B12 as well, with neurological symptoms?
You could try high dose iron supplements in the meantime.