SEVERELY ANEMIC

[mummytotwoxo]

Hi so I've had a few issues with weight and hair loss recently, I went back to the doctor today, as I had full blood tests done a few months ago and the pretty much said low iron and gave me supplements.

I wasn't surprised as I've been anemic somewhat pretty much my whole life.

little did I know how anemic I actually was! MY IRON LEVEL IS 7!! The doctor said it was one of the lowest levels he's ever seen. But failed to mention this to me months ago😦

At every appointment for about a year my HR has been 110-120 resting so god knows how long my iron has been so low for. Yet no one has ever been concerned. Now I'm panicking because 7 seems dangerously low, I'm shedding weight like crazy too

Once you start taking the ferrous surfate, it will come up.

Do you mean haem or is it ferritin is 7? I was 4 ferritin and think I was for years, not sure how I am still alive

My ferritin was 9 and I had iron infusions. Can you get those? It's been low since, but with the infusions plus supplement, it's now the low end of normal.

I got told last week mine was 12… the dr was gobsmacked I hadn’t been in saying how exhausted I was ( I went for Beverly heavy periods) I said yes I am wrecked but I have a medically complex child who needs round the clock care so assumed that was it! I’ve started iron now so hopefully mine is on the up

My ferritin was 0, and my haemoglobin was 80 and I was just told to take ferrous sulphate. When my haemoglobin dropped to 72 they booked me in for an iron infusion

I would be concerned about your heart rate too

Mine is 6 and dropping which is causing palpitations and inability to do anything without feeling completely crap.

Had tests in November when (via a new practice app) I can see it was at 10.

Unfortunately I had my gallbladder out a good few years ago, and it means I don't tolerate oral iron (tablet or liquid) in any of the variations. Extreme stomach cramps, vomiting etc. Therefore, the locum GP (male) told me that I needed to "eat more greens" and I'd be fine. No other options so I trusted him as didn't have the app at the time.

Current female GP is not quite sure why I'm still walking about(!) and referred me for testing for the causes of the anaemia (likely heavy flow) and referred me for IV iron transfusion. She has actually referred it to the practice manager due to the level of iron not being followed up.

It's crap isn't it!

Why is it so low? Do you have heavy periods? I’d be wanting further bloods and investigation, it’s not normal especially if you don’t have heavy periods or you’ve stopped having them (dunno how old you are!)

Anaemia would be in reference to your haemoglobin level, not your ferritin level.

I am not surprised by the level in the least, lots of women walking around with ferritins like that, my own is generally 4.

Of course it's sadly not taken very seriously, and often dismissed as with so many things with women's health.

You would have to not be able to tolerate any oral iron in either tablet or solution form to get an iron infusion without actually being significantly anaemic- ie your Hb below 8, it will vary place by place but even 9 or 10 won't cut it. My Hb is 10.

I buy iron gummies off Amazon as it's all I can tolerate taking. Ferrous sulphate makes me immediately vomit.

I've also had an iron infusion, so I'd go back and ask for one if the oral method doesn't work.

Take your iron with vitamin c to improve absorption.

Why is it so low? Look at the root cause…

Mine are always low; around 5-10. When I take ferritine it goes up but I get constipated so need laxatives and after a while I end it because it's a pain and then Iron down again. Vegetarian and heavy bleeder so no surprise there.

Most GPs prescribe ferritine tablets that contains vitamine C as well, it's standard practice.

What's the AIBU?

My ferritin is 5 and my iron serum is 3.3.

Honestly feel dead and it's been a month and I'm still waiting for the drs to sort it. So you have my sympathy 100%. Hope you manage to get your levels up soon.

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