Anemia - iron level 2.7

[OnlyWantsOne]

I collapsed at work in December - genuinely thought over doing it (VERY physically demanding job)

Occupational health suggested FBC and iron tests.

Iron levels tested 2.7
Ferritin some thing index was 4%

I feel dreadful. Waiting to pick up prescription from pharmacy but don't know what's been prescribed or why my iron levels so low I'm fit and healthy and eat really well.

That is really low! You must be feeling terrible, hope you feel better quickly

I don't know if it would make such a big difference but I've been anaemic during both my pregnancies and I was told to stop drinking tea, especially close to meals, as the tannins inhibit iron absorption. Calcium does the same too IIRC. Vitamin C aids iron absorption so I always try to have a glass of juice or piece of fruit at the same time as eating iron-rich foods or taking iron supplements.

Ummm. An iron level below 8 (or 80 depending on how they're reported in your local trust) warrants a blood transfusion. Are you sure that the iron result is correct? As if your iron level was 2.7 I'm sure you'd be in hospital right now. Is it your ferritin which is low, rather than your hb?

The receptionist called and said there was a prescription at the pharmacy for me - I asked what and she said she couldn't tell me but I pushed for the nurse or some one to call me back. Nurse said 2.7 and should be 6 at the lowest.

Transferrin Saturation index 4%

I just found the bit of paper I wrote it down on.

I think you need to ask for an iron infusion as it'll take ages to get your levels up. They should also do further tests to find the cause. Tests like coeliac, thyroid function.

I had an iron level of 4, no infusion. If stores have become depleted gradually then they just give tablets or a liquid formula. Only if you've had trauma/lost blood etc and are low will you get infusion.

I haven't been able to tolerate iron tablets or liquid so have an iron infusion twice a year. The is a cardiac risk which is why they are so reluctant to give them.

I hope you start feeling better soon

How quickly can theyou get run down? I had FBC done in May 2016 and they were within normal ranges then?

mehfruitta how did you feel? Where you symptomatic

I was tired as hell, but had just started a new job and sold/bought a new house. Had the stress of moving DS to new childcare, my family coming to stay, Christmas and 3 birthdays - all within 6 weeks. So I felt like crap but for good reason.

It takes 4 months for your body to fully replenish its blood, so it takes quite a long time to become that anemic. OP should be having investigations to identify the cause of it too. You don't become that anemic just from skipping your greens a few times.

I've just check my test history as my doctors have it all on line. It took 12 months for me to get back to a normal range and looks like it dropped over the course of 12 months as I'd had a low but acceptable level 1 year before it hit the wall. It's happened again since, it creeps up and you don't notice until you feel like you're on your knees all the time.

Thank you that's really helpful. I gave blood in September and in January - that couldn't have helped

No way should they have let you donate blood in January with levels like that?

It's iron level that is 2.7 not haemoglobin. Iron should be tests on a fasting sample and actually if your ferritin levels are low you don't need an iron level done. What is your actual haemoglobin level? You will need iron supplements for several months to get your stores up.

I was severely anaemic too- my result came back as less than 1. Doctor said that means they couldn't measure ANY iron in my blood! Am on lots of iron tabs now and take tranexamic acid to control period blood loss. It's slowly on the way up...

Funnily enough I had my bloods done again today. I'm 133 for Hemoglobin and officially of anemic at the moment. The rest of my results will come in overnight and my consultant will decide if I should skip my next infusion. I think it does take about 12 months to build back up, providing the cause is identified and treated. I'm taking tranexamic acid too but am also deficient in other areas and have hyper parathyroidism.

I also have an iron level of 2.7 but I feel fine so I don’t get it but I’m having an iron infusion soon

For those with such low ferritin levels do get checked for coeliac. Mine was also undetectable when I was initially diagnosed.