Absolute Iron Deficiency -fed up! any advice? 😭

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I have a diagnosis of chronic fatigue. and I also have a history of low iron, which according to my GP doesn't cause fatigue if I am not actually anaemic ferritin is currently 9ug/L. I can't get an appointment to discuss with GP because they have 'completely run out' of appointments!

I have started taking ferrous fumarate myself. but I am forever taking courses of ferrous fumerate and I just can't keep my levels up. I had a hysterectomy 7 years ago so I don't bleed any more

I MUST have an absorption issue, no?? I have asked about iron infusions before and GP said it's not necessary/is too risky

I am SOOO fed up. I have no life. social life is dead, have no energy for cleaning/cooking and have reserved all for work because I have to make money for bills. now I don't even have energy for that. I'm so tired, I can't think straight or concentrate. I feel dizzy and so so so low

I will attach a screenshot of my ferritin levels over the years

Do you take b12 with the iron?

I would really appreciate this too. I live in the SW and would be happy to pay. My iron is very low, last summer it went as low as 3, but I’m also not anaemic. I took ferrous sulphate for three months and it went up to 8, but I know I have absorption issues as I have had bowel surgery.

My GP has fobbed me off and said whilst they are low, it’s never been higher than 24 in the last 20 years so not to worry too much, that that’s just me now. I am constantly exhausted and irritable and would love to get my levels up.

Have you tried eating dates? Soak a few in a cup of milk overnight in fridge, come morning buzzing into a smoothie and enjoy!
I've had iron transfusions twice, then iron tablets with b12 continually but as soon as I stop my iron drops so I started on the 3 dates soaked in milk or water, my iron levels have been steady without any tablets.

Can i just ask what is classed as low? I've recently had bloods done as I am exhausted.

i'm sorry, I don't have any helpful to add, but I'm reading it all with interest. Thank you for starting this thread.

Hey, I havent read the whole thread (I'm sorry if this stuff has been gone through) but couple of things.

I have been in your position, what I eventually did is paid for a private iron infusion, I did this a month ago. I feel fucking amazing - I have been able to DO so much more, presumably like..everyone else feels? It was worth the money - the guy that did it was a consultant so not snake oil / was in a hospital lol. Like you, I had been anaemic for 3+ years, not responding to iron tablets and v heavy periods. Happy to DM if you want me to share details - I'm genuinely not on commission!

However, helpfully the consultant did say that some OTC/non prescription meds I was taking would likely impact on iron absorption - so I'm sharing in case its relevant for you. I know how utterly rotten it is to feel constantly exhausted and grey.

His advice was:
omeprazole/stomach liners/calcium carbonate type stuff (eg gaviscon) - really bad for iron absorption
Iburprofen - really bad for iron absorption
Best to take iron on empty stomach if tolerable
Take iron once every 2 days - the body reacts to what it perceives as 'too much' iron even if it is deficient, and will start to create a hormone to prevent uptake, ironically. so once every 2 days is optimum.

good luck x

Another with low ferritin (9) but normal haemoglobin and feeling exhausted. I’m about to have a scan for fibroids as I’ve always had heavy periods and now my periods are every 21 days (am 47) which definitely isn’t helping. I’m currently taking ferrous fumarate tablets twice a day but I’ve also heard that it’s better to take one every other day. I do drink a lot of tea but can’t bear the thought of stopping, it’s my only vice. I had wondered about coeliac testing as I definitely don’t tolerate some bread products very well.

also finding this thread useful. I feel so tired, my ferritin (I think) is only 6. I am too tired to exercise, which i really should and want to be doing. I have really heavy periods and have just been prescribed tranexamic acid so I am hoping then my iron levels will improve.

discovered recently that cornflakes have 30% daily iron intake in a 30g serving (I guess best to avoid cows milk with it)

Have sent you a PM 🙂

Really interesting paper from the National Library of Medicine:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8002799/

My ferritin has been 4 for three years .. it’s horrible .. gps won’t refer for an iron infusion and iron tablets make me really ill
I recently saw a colorectal surgeon as the side effects have caused horrific piles and he said .. I’m just not tolerating it and to switch to a gentler iron as some iron is better than none ..
I take ferroglobin daily and my ferritin has increased so far to 18 ..
Do you eat meat ? hence iron is most readily absorbed by the body but it’s only available in meat and shellfish

I am in the SW as well and there are clinics (private ) who offer iron infusions

Please check out the Iron Protocol group on Fb. Plenty of useful advice there and lots of success stories.

I have had trouble absorbing non food based vitamins. Iron was one where I really didn't absorb it and Vitamin B is another.

I've started taking supplements made from beef liver and other organ meats - I'll be interested to see what my iron levels are like when I get my next blood test. Might be worth a look, OP?

Agree. My granddaughter Ferritin is 3 ,recently diagnosed with Coeliac 😞Really struggling to get her to take iron supplements!! You cannot force a 4 year old with anything!!!

Are they cornflakes that are Gluten Free?

Have you tried liquid iron mixed with juice? It'd be a tiny amount and in blackcurrant she wouldn't notice it.

https://groceries.asda.com/product/cornflakes-honey-nut/asda-free-from-corn-flakes/910001031812?&cmpid=ppc--ghs----google---_-dskwid-_dm&s_kwcid=AL!11432!3!!!!x!!&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw7NmzBhBLEiwAxrHQ-cKEKLl-w3gV985lK6XFEj_goAVKuTLvklbwSriUN20qOMLluPMJbRoCh3wQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Sorry that's an ugly link but these have a fair amount of iron and taste good!

Hey, could you message me the clinics too please. 🌸