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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Haemoglobin of 3 - how bad is this?

100 replies

Bloodless · 26/05/2019 14:34

Been called in to see Dr during the week so I’ll know more then.

Don’t think I’m loosing blood internally or anything like that (I feel far too well, although tired) - I think I just have bad blood. Think the best it’s ever been is borderline.

OP posts:
Bambamber · 26/05/2019 20:51

I used to work in a haematology laboratory and blood bank.

A HB of 4.6 or 46 is not mildly anaemic. It is something that would be immediately treated with a transfusion.

A HB of 3 or 30 would have us running for the phone, and if the patient wasn't already in hospital, they would immediately be called into hospital for a repeat blood test and immediate treatment. People with a HB of 3 or 30 are literally at risk of dying. The lowest I have personally seen in a live patient is 32.

Fraxion · 26/05/2019 21:04

I was hospitalised at 6. I had pins and needles and was feeling utterly exhausted all the time but thought it was due to having an active toddler. I had a bone marrow biopsy to determine accurate levels (hb and ferritin levels were low) then a raft of tests to see if I was leaking blood internally. I wasn't. The last test they did was the Shilling Test and the result showed I had pernicious anaemia. I was offered a transfusion but my consultant advised me against it. I had loading doses of B12 and iron therapy and I was fine. I hover around 11.5 now. Can't imagine anyone walking about with a Hb level of 3.

littlepeas · 26/05/2019 21:14

I had Hb of 6.7 after the birth of one of my dc - I felt dreadful and was too weak to get out of bed. I was also ghostly, see through pale when I look back at the pictures. I had 2 units of blood and iron tablets. Somethings not adding up OP.

goose1964 · 26/05/2019 21:19

After having DS1 my haemoglobin levels plummeted and I came round 2 days later having a blood transfusion and a drip to keep my BP up. They told me that I had been too ill to move to intensive care.

I'm sure that if they were that low you'd have blood stuffed into you

JaneyJimplin · 28/05/2019 07:29

Good luck today op Flowers

bodgeitandscarper · 28/05/2019 07:46

My daughter had an hb of 2.3, the consultant had never seen one so low and she was rushed to hospital and given a transfusion he said it would be like having teaspoonfuls of blood in her body and we were lucky not to lose her. She'd been poorly and collapsing going upstairs and it took months to be taken seriously, she was only two and I kept being told it was just a virus. I hope all goes well for you.

Witchend · 28/05/2019 08:29

I got down to 4.8 when preparing and they said if I hadn't been pregnant then I would have had a blood transfusion.
I was so tired that getting up exhausted me to the point of needing to lie down, but being dc1 I had just assumed that was how you felt in pregnancy.
After only a couple of days in iron pills (lots of them) I felt heaps better

babysharkah · 28/05/2019 12:29

Mine was 4 after a massive PPH and I needed three transfusions. Wasn't allowed out of recovery until it went over 7.

Zbag · 28/05/2019 12:47

Mine dropped to 5 and I had to have 2 blood transfusions.

Zbag · 28/05/2019 12:48

Honestly, i was nearly dead at 5. I couldn't move and my skin and lips were white. There's no way you have a level of 3

mynamechangemyrules · 28/05/2019 14:57

@Bloodless how did the appointment go?

TheRLodger · 28/05/2019 15:04

I had a hb of 6&9 ( old money)due to a blood condition. Just want to say thanks for clearing somethings up as I had a ferritin reading last year and I was like wtf is that. Op hope you get to the bottom of this and are healthy again soon

mummyhaschangedhername · 28/05/2019 15:10

How did it go OP?

WheresAllTheGoodInTheWorld · 28/05/2019 15:14

Mine was 3 when pregnant with dd. Had to have a transfusion. Praying this pregnancy doesn't go the same way

TigerMummy1 · 28/05/2019 15:44

3? Are you sure? Mine was once 4.something under the old system and GP put me on a ton of iron tablets hoping to avoid a transfusion (not sure why!) I was in hospital within the week anyway. I could barely stand at over 4! Can you call them back and ask for clarification?

Original poster
Bloodless · 28/05/2019 20:46

Hey all, thank you for all the wonderful advice & taking time to check up on me.

It wasn’t my haemoglobin (can’t remember what it was), but got it confirmed that in the past my haemoglobin was 4.6. Back on the iron as from today ....also found out my blood sugar is high so a whole other thing now 😣

OP posts:
Eloisedublin123 · 28/05/2019 20:52

Was it ferritin OP?

Original poster
Bloodless · 28/05/2019 21:00

I think that’s what they said xx

OP posts:
Delatron · 28/05/2019 21:03

Don’t you think it would be good to have that information and to know why you are taking iron tablets? Maybe ask for a print out of the results if it’s confusing.

MissSmiley · 28/05/2019 21:05

Check out dietdoctor to get your blood sugar under control without meds

Original poster
Bloodless · 28/05/2019 21:08

Yeah i probably should have asked for a print out, it never crossed my mind too. My mum is giving me an earful about this too lol.

It wasn’t my usual GP though and I felt he was getting a bit exasperated me asking questions. He wasn’t rude though.

OP posts:
Eloisedublin123 · 28/05/2019 21:08

Op I’ve had ferritin of 4. It’s now 45. Took a long time taking iron tablets! But it’s possible!

HopelesslydevotedtoGu · 28/05/2019 21:32

I have previously asked the GP Receptionist for a print out of my results.

EarringsandLipstick · 29/05/2019 06:52

Absolutely you need a print-out of your results if you can't remember what they said!

I reckoned all along it was your ferritin stores, I have a similar issue.

That's v low & will take a long time to increase, but with a good diet - real emphasis on green leafy veg, increased red meat (if suitable for you - plus consistent iron tablet-taking.

The iron tablets you take really matter. You need high iron-level tablets eg Galfer, lots like Spatone that people recommend have very low levels & are a waste of time in your case.

Often higher dosages of iron have other complications eg constipation & maybe tummy pain. You need to work to alleviate this.

Your GP should have said but you need bloods repeating in 6 months & you need to remind docs at future blood tests to check Hb AND ferritin stores

Low ferritin stores will leave you really tired, worn out & often you can feel low mood-wise so it's important to pay attention to this

olivesnutsandcheese · 29/05/2019 12:46

My sister had Hb of 4 post childbirth, we very nearly lost her.
I think she had 9 units of blood in the end.
Glad you are not quite that bad OP. As others have said though I think you need to be a bit more engaged with your health and make some notes.
Take your iron tablets with orange juice to help absorption. (Although this is v high in sugar)

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