Iron levels of 7.2, how soon will I feel better??

[Natasha1]

I am a very long time lurker.

Went to drs on Monday as having headaches, racing heart rate, very pale & general feeling like crap. Had bloods taken, phone call later same day iron levels were only 7.2, have been taking ferrous fumarate since Monday evening and the headaches have gone but no improvement on heart rate or being so pale.

Can anyone help on how long before I start to look a bit better/heart rate to return to normal. Drs not quite sure what has caused it as I don't think my periods are that heavy, but this came on after a heavier than usual period.

I think that I may have had lower iron levels for a while and the heavy period just tipped me over, is this likely?

Mine were 6.8 in Jan I had to have a blood transfusion and some liquid iron as the pills make me sick, it took about 4 days before I started feeling any effects. Aunty Flo has a lot to answer for. Try to take them with orange juice as this will help, and keep away from the coffee/caffine. Are you a vegetarian?

Thanks for quick reply, not a vegetation.

Not had any tea/coffee for over week, having orange juice, nettle tea, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, loads of watercress, ovaltine, red meat etc etc.

Other issue is I am really finding it hard to fall asleep - normally when this happens I take a couple of kalms but due to iron tablets haven't taken any - but tonight I might, this won't affect iron tablets will it (sorry if a bit of daft question)

They usually do a blood transfusion if they are below 7.8 so this is your best bet for instant action. Your body will be all over the place at the moment so try not to worry about the sleep. Take it easy and don't rush around. You must be bleeding more than you realise so it's important to get that sorted. I don't take kalms so can't help there.

I would expect you to feel significantly better after 2 weeks. Especially as when your levels are as low as yours any increase will make you feel so much better. Just keep doing what you are doing and don't underestimate the importance of diet alongside the tablets (which I know you aren't doing but keep at it!).

Around 2-4 weeks. You'll find your fuzzy head will clear and you'll feel like you've got a bit more energy quite quickly. The heart palpitations and looking like a ghost will also clear eventually. My levels only have to drop 2 points from about 12 to 10 and I feel rough with heart all over place. Had iron infusions last time as I can't tolerate pills (got Crohns so they go staight through).

It'll take time but after a month or so you should be about right.

Must depend on your doctors but my hb 5 and i was never offered blood transfusion, it takes a while quite a few weeks in my case to notice much difference for me it was gradual recovery was a few years ago but slowly really slowly you will notice small improvements I noticed quite a few health issues even after mine came back up to normal so just look after yourself I didnt started running myself into ground again too quickly, now that I look back on that time and wonder what was I thinking!

Hang on was your haemoglobin 7.2 or your iron level?

Thanks for all your replies.

I am pretty certain it was my iron levels.

i had a transfusion when i was 7.5. Standard practice is transfusion when you are at that level. I would go back to the doctor, suprised they didnt suggest this or seen concerned?! They should be investigating the cause of this, its not a small drop! Be aware i had to be admitted and was in for 2 days while they did the blood transfusion, but it was worth it to feel well afterwards. If your trying to raise the level yourself expect it to take months. Sorry. Am shocked at your doctor not taking any action on this (am long term anemia sufferer so speak from experience!)

I had levels of 7.5 after a postpartum haemorrhage. I was offered a blood transfusion or iron tablets. It wasn't explained how crap I would feel and for how long. I wish I had had the blood transfusion! It takes 3 months for your body to make red blood cells so whilst you may feel a bit better in a few weeks, it is a long slog to get your iron levels up.

Also I didn't get on with iron tablets, they made me horribly constipated and ended up getting on much better with spatone.

Agree with stairs that this level is very low to occur with no massive bleeding. I would go back to docs and maybe ask about blood transfusion?

I think it could take several months to get fully back to normal although you should feel a lot better within a few days. Don't stop taking the iron tablets until you really feel 100%.

i had a transfusion when i was 7.5. Standard practice is transfusion when you are at that level. I would go back to the doctor, suprised they didnt suggest this or seen concerned?! They should be investigating the cause of this, its not a small drop! Be aware i had to be admitted and was in for 2 days while they did the blood transfusion, but it was worth it to feel well afterwards. If your trying to raise the level yourself expect it to take months. Sorry. Am shocked at your doctor not taking any action on this (am long term anemia sufferer so speak from experience!)

Transfusion at less than 8 of blood count= Haemoglobin is usual.
However iron count is just the level of iron in th blood, not the same thing. More to do with the iron that is there ready for the blood cells to be made.

Thanks for all your help.

I have just spoken to the healthcare assistant who has confirmed that my hemoglobin levels were 7.2 but now at one week later are 8.1.

Is this a good increase in a week? Does this suggest that I don't have internal bleeding which is something I am worrying about?

Any advice will help, I am back to see my own doctor tomorrow.

Also what is the difference between iron levels and hemogloblin?

Thanks.........