AIBU to request an earlier GP appointment- low ferritin

[HariboFrenzy]

Recently had blood tests and though haemoglobin fine MCH, MCHC and ferritin were out of range (below). Ferritin is 12. Had a message from GP for telephone appointment on 22nd May.

Thing is I feel like utter shite. I'm carer to a young child with complex needs and really struggling.

AIBU to request an appointment sooner?

@Spottyvases that hr isn't all the time. It happens on average 2-3 times a day, usually for a very short time. The GP knows about the palpitations as I referenced them on the online form - the response was to check ferritin levels. As a pp said they're obviously not particularly concerned if they think it can wait 3 weeks 🤷‍♀️

My GP prescribed iron for iron deficiency anaemia (ferritin of 22) (Ferrous fumarate 210mg) is available OTC and is cheaper than a prescription .

As others have mentioned, avoid caffeine for 2 hours before/after and take with vitamin C.

There is some research which advises taking it every other day, as it can cause an increase in hepcidin for 24 hours - which reduces absorbtion. Taking it every other day allows the hepcidin to decrease on the 'day off' I wasn't advised this initially, but read this during my own research, so asked my Dr and a different one got back to me and they said "Oh yes, take it every other day"

I have this issue routinely after any kind of bleed so I’ve just started going to the pharmacy instead of letting it get dangerous while waiting for GP.

So iron and ferritin is not the same thing but one does inform the other.
You should look at ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate. In essence, fumarate is stronger and easier on the gut but sulfate milder.

Do some research on it but the pharmacist can give you a course. If not asking your GP for a prescription of this directly shouldn’t be refused.

Low ferritin feels awful and you shouldn’t have to wait that long for an appointment. I hope you feel better soon.

She isn’t really but thanks a lot for your thoughts. I think you need them to investigate your SVT more thoroughly. If you are just getting it sporadically, it is likely not to be the anaemia and probably your heart playing up again?

@HariboFrenzy Buy ferrous bisglycinate; they will tell you in pharmacies (you can look it up online as well) that it's the "best"; tummy friendly and the one that the body absorbs the most easily.

You can, it's called ferrous fumarate and you can buy in Amazon.
But they might upset your stomach, and cause constipation or diarrhoea.

You can also try iron bisglycinate which I'm taking now and it's easier on the stomach. Make sure you buy lab certified supplements

So ive been to my local pharmacy and they've refused to sell it to me. They asked why I wanted it so I explained and they said as the GP wants to speak to me they weren't happy to sell it

My ferritin level was the same and I was prescribed ferrous sulphate. When I went to get the prescription the pharmacist told me to buy it over the counter as it is exactly the same strength, just cheaper. You don’t need to wait for the appointment to do that.

Just go to another pharmacy. I buy it all the time and I’m never asked about it. If I was, I’d just say the doctor told me to take it.

This is the one I buy:
https://www.pharmacy2u.co.uk/shop/products/Ferrous-Sulphate-200mg-60-Tablets_0113807?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax_P2UShop_VITAMINS&utm_id=19891902374&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19884833406&gbraid=0AAAAApDr58vCnYz_FfIqzWfsJtxxDoVWS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk6vV4MCTlAMVqZlQBh0yLwOrEAQYAiABEgJj-vD_BwE

sorry for the ridiculous link!

I think I'll do another online form in the morning asking for a prescription to be sent to the pharmacy while I'm waiting for my appointment. I could cry at having to feel like this for weeks 😭

You can buy these online just now and get them delivered by Friday. Alternatively just go to another pharmacy and say you’re buying them for someone wise and you don’t know the details. I’m a hospital pharmacist and kind of understand that a community pharmacy might be reluctant to sell if you are still under GP investigations. The less you tell them the better!
https://www.chemist-4-u.com/ferrous-fumarate-210mg-84-tablets

i have been anemic for about 4 years now, can’t take iron as it makes me really unwell! Took me 2 years to beg for an iron infusion which a wonderful doctor got me booked in for, had that 5 weeks ago. Level now at 120 and I still feel mostly crap 😂
I hope you get something sorted soon that make you feel better 💐

Oh no @Nowmum43 😩Cpukd there be a different reason you still feel rubbish? I was pinning my hopes on feeling like a new woman after a few weeks of supplements!

You can buy it on Amazon 🤷‍♀️ no need for a prescription

@TheBlueKoala have you got a link? I can't find ferrous fumarate on amazon

Exactly. It really isn’t difficult.

You can buy prescription level iron from the pharmacy. Take your NHS app and show them your results.

We buy from Asda pharmacy for DD without issue Cheaper than a prescription too.

Wow, thanks for your super helpful reply 🙄

As the pharmacist I spoke to said, its not unusual to want to know the strength, dosage and duration that the GP feels is appropriate. But yeah, it's not hard 👍

@BlueMum16 I already tried this. The pharmacist spotted that the GP has booked an appointment and wasn't prepared to sell them when I need to see the GP

i’m in the same boat! have a terrain level of 5 and feel like death! can’t get an appointment until the end of may. I have gone and bought ferrous fumerate with no issues! Sympathy, i know how rough it makes you feel. I’m so tired and the pain in my legs is horrible.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vitamatic-Ferrous-Gluconate-324-Vitamin/dp/B0DPNNXG77/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3DW9DCALKNP0E&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gBPLen2gphcEtmvPwi61A6TkBXPEsMjBB3W-naow8JrpPN8K3pbRDvBbpDKbHQUPclNGShP8xNrCh8W4ZE8Eq6t-aHj0Vq0rafI9qWmaPOBK14ekpUI1t48CKcuhhq2-mMQ154thQDvwnwD84G0Df9DjI5WxI-C-biCsVgJtUuiqAHUffI0x1eAUNEex4o1isTrUiJvoNZm5j1iO-VDJbg.YygGHqD8fVJhNKSA61HYQYthkT2UtswPZF41ON7q1Xk&dib_tag=se&keywords=iron+tablets+100mg&qid=1777485876&sprefix=iron+tablets+100%2Caps%2C386&sr=8-1

I really don't understand @HariboFrenzy. You just tap iron tablets and take a pick. It's not rocket science.

@AmberOtter 5!! That's awful! Is your haemoglobin normal and that's why they are making you wait? My legs hurt when I'm walking the dog. Feels like im walking through thigh high wet sand. The rest of the time they're not too bad though.

Medino on line. I buy ferrous fumerate in tablet form, think they're 310mg each. No prescription required.