Will my GP sign me off with this?

[user08080808]

The last week I have had dizziness, palpitations, anxiety, brain fog, breathlessness and fatigue. I had a blood test which all came back normal except ferritin which was in range at 18 but on the low side.
I've been off work for one week and I'm due back in tomorrow but I still don't feel well. Will my GP sign me off if my bloods were all ok?

They might advise trialling a phased return or “light” duties for a few weeks instead of immediately signing you off.

Especially if they feel it’s anxiety causing your symptoms, as they are being advised to refer these conditions to support services.

I think most GP s would expect you to tell them if you feel unable to attend your work with the symptoms you have at the moment.
If your dizzy is it safe to operate machinery or drive??Do you have responsibilities being affected by the brain fog .If you deal with the public and feeling anxious, this could increase your anxieties ,especially at this very busy time of year.
It s on you to to discuss your inability to go to work if you feel you re not able to return right now.
You will maybe require some further blood tests given a borderline result

Perhaps requires further investigation.
She may start you on some ferratin to see if your symptoms improve.
You may just require a rest for more than the time off you ve had
Your either fit for work or your not

But speak up and let GP know if your not.

Are you on any iron tablets?

18! That seems very very low. Are you sure they said it was okay? Just had mine done and it was a healthy 150.

Did you ask the GP when you were given your results if you should take time off? What type of work do you do? Short answer, I don't know because it depends on your GP, job role, other investigations etc. My Hb was 8 and ferritin was 2 once, yes 2 and I felt dreadful some days! I was working 12hr shifts including days/nights and never had a day off. Its not a competition though and if you feel unable to perform you job then get in touch with your GP.

What is your Hb? Are you on prescribed iron supplements now? Have you adjusted your diet to have Vit C rich food with the iron tabs and reduce your tannins? Is the GP doing any other tests?

surely it’s going to depend on what you do for work and how your symptoms are affecting you/perhaps impacting safety. The ferritin suggests iron deficiency but needs interpreting with the rest of the results. FWIW though lots of us manage work in active jobs with iron stores much lower than that though but as pp said, it’s not a competition.

18 is quite low. I was an absolute wreck at 18. GPs I've worked with generally trust you if you say you aren't fit to work.

Ferritin of 18 is not fine! It might not be what causing the dizziness but it also could well be. New guidance is that ferritin under 30 should be treated as iron deficiency but loads of gps seems to be sticking with the old cutoff which is something ridiculous like 10. You're going to need to read up about iron supplements because they're a faff, iron doesn't seem to be easily absorbed.
I hope you feel better soon!

18 Whats per what?

My reference range for the last test I had was a minimum of 30ng/ml.

Funnily enough my Ferritin is only 12 and my Dr was quite concerned to check l wasn't bleeding from somewhere . Having tests after Christmas but not terribly worried l don't eat meat or fortified cereal .
To answer your question, no l don't think they will sign you off tbh.

Well your GP would surely want to find out what is wrong with you first? And if you are not well enough to work then they will sign you off?

Mine was 6 along with low white blood cells and a few other things. I felt so awful. I couldn’t bend down to change my socks as it gave me terrible pain. It took me ages to walk up stairs. I was totally exhausted and could barely think/remember things. I actually worried i would have to give up work. I said all of this to the doctor. At no point did she mention signing me off. Looking back I should have asked. I have a terrible way of pushing through and not making a fuss.

@user08080808 ime, if you ask to be signed off, the GP will sign you off. More important to make sure they are monitoring you and providing optimal treatment.

These are generalised symptoms which can indicate a number of conditions. Have you been tested for thyroid? These sound like some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism which often goes along with low iron. Mine was once so low they (hospital) sent me for a blood transfusion right away and and to go back 2 days later for iron infusions. Have they done liver and kidney tests? Tiredness, weakness and brain fog are also classic liver disease symptoms.