The gp isn't taking me seriously?

[SteaknGuiness]

Low ferritin (6) and low blood iron (10). Absolutely totally utterly exhausted, brain foggy, falling asleep at weird times.

Iron pills give me crushing headache. one gp said it couldn't be the iron even though its a side effect and the second told me to eat red meat and Guinness (1 pint of Guinness contains 3% of your recommended iron intake)

I have SEN children and am currently so lethargic and my brain literally doesn't work and I need it to!! . I've had a five minute lecture about sleep hygiene which isn't really something I can incorporate with an asd child who has severe sleeping difficulties.

What can I ask for here? Has anyone any idea what I can do apart from chow down steak? (yes I do eat a good diet in general - no, they aren't sure why levels are so low)

19 consultants? Bloody hell, @Jubba.

My aunt has an auto-immune disease that presented as heartburn/ulcers, it then got worst and she got weaker and weaker as the lining of her stomach/intestine has been damaged and she can't absorb B12 and iron.
You need more thorough investigations from a specialist. My aunt's disease went on undiagnosed for years. She now receives regular B12 injections and is feeling a little better. This can be diagnosed from a simple blood test that will show the antibodies.

You need a new GP. Who the hell is still recommending Guiness for iron deficiency? Is your GP an 80yr old man?

Others have offered some great suggestions for the vitamin issue, but ultimately you need a new doctor. Switch practices if you have to.

10 years on proton pump inhibitors and no diagnosis - why!! My gp was the same. I was on them for 2 years then started an elimination diet and worked out it was gluten. Once off gluten i didn't need medication anymore. Also went private to check thyroid and was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. You'll get your life back when you get properly diagnosed and treated.

Please get your vitamins b12 and d checked as well as Folate.
As a pp said, don't take b12 before you get a blood test, it will give a false high.
Get all blood test results in writing. Some doctors will say no further action even if you are just in range.
B12 is from animal products.
If you find you need b12 or d you will need to take Co factors as well.
Folate and potassium (in food) for b12. Vitamin k and magnesium for d.
Most doctors don't seem to understand b12, if you are deficient, find a support group and get advice from there