What to do about this OVERWHELMING tiredness?!

[GreenTeaMom]

About 3-4 weeks ago I had some blood tests done, that came back low for iron, b12 and vitamin d. I had loading dose injections for b12, prescribed once weekly high strength vitamin d tablets and iron liquid (the tablets are too harsh on my stomach).

I still feel absolutely knackered though - and not just oh I feel a bit run down - I can’t actually keep my eyes open during the day and I’m just in and out of sleep the entire time. I can’t actually function with how tired and run down I feel.

I have been prescribed all the usual medication and supplements, what else can I do?!

I really can’t go on much longer than this!

Have you had your calcium and parathyroid hormone checked?

Go back to the dr and ask for a repeat on your bloods. If your iron is still low ask for an infusion. Make sure your iron stores (ferritin) are checked as well as you HB levels - in my most recent pregnancy my HB levels were normal, low normal and dropping but still within normal range, but my ferritin was 6 (should be above 30) and I felt absolutely dire. They went straight for infusion given how low they were but I felt so much better a couple of weeks later. Definitely get them checked again and mention getting your ferritin checked too.

This is a guess but a friend had a daughter who had severe iron deficiencey due to lactose intolerance. Somehow eating dairy prevented her absorbing any iron - however much supplement she took. It might be worth cutting out dairy for a couple of weeks to see if that helps, or asking for some lactose tolerance blood tests to be done.

@GreenTeaMom it does sound like it’s the low iron getting you. unfortunately it takes time to get it back up. I would recommend high iron food, preferably red meat. There’s plenty of iron in leafy green vegetables too but unfortunately they have low bioavailability typically, so best to go straight for the steaks and black pudding.

Also get plenty of sleep, and don’t exercise too much- it’s great when you’re well but you will just burn through reserves if you push yourself before recovery. No alcohol, late nights, or working too hard. Take selfishly good care of yourself.

I think the root cause of the iron deficiency needs to be identified.
Not to be alarmist but when DH was suddenly low in iron and very tired it was due to a tumour causing him to lose blood when he pooed (he didn't notice the blood or have any other noticeable symptoms).
Obviously women can have low iron due to period issues and cancer is not likely for you but I would rather mention it for you OP or anyone else searching and finding the thread.

Perhaps I have misunderstood your post. I had assumed that by Haemochromosis you had meant Haemachromatosis which is a condition of iron overload and therefore the precise opposite of iron deficiency.

I have not come across Haemochromosis although a quick google search indicates that this is the term used for the same condition in some countries other than the uk.

Whilst it is possible that OP could have Haemachromatosis genes, it will not be causing her symptoms as her iron levels are low. Most women do not become symptomatic until after the menopause as menstruation reduces iron levels.

I hope that clarifies the reasoning behind my post, but if not perhaps you could indicate in what way you think my previous post was inaccurate and I can try to help.