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Original poster

Iron blood results very low normal- frustrating.

40 replies

SilverDragonfly1 · 09/08/2017 12:21

I have nearly all of the symptoms of anemia, but after a blood test the results have come back with ferritin at 20.5 (normal range is 10-300) and folates at 6.2 (range 2-20, so maybe not too bad). I've started taking good quality iron supplements this week- had to wait until after test so as not to skew results- so it'll be a while before I see if it helps.

But- I am so frustrated! I have been so unwell all year, starting with pneumonia and pleurisy over April/May and now I'm deeply tired, can't think clearly, constantly forget what I'm saying, skin is appalling, lost 4kg in 8 weeks from lack of appetite and I really wanted an actual diagnosis so I could understand and tackle what's going on. It's quite upsetting to be left in this limbo after feeling quite hopeful of a solution.

Has anyone else had similar experience?

OP posts:
Pleasemrstweedie · 09/08/2017 13:26

Your ferritin is not 'low normal', it is LOW period. You need to get it up to around 100, so keep going with the supplements and if you find they don't suit you, go back to your GP. Up your consumption of green leafy veg to give that folate a boost and if you fancy some liver with them, then so much the better. Eating liver, if you can bear to do it, is great for raising iron levels.

Original poster
SilverDragonfly1 · 09/08/2017 15:21

Thank you. That actually makes me feel a lot better! Interesting to see that if i was a man I would be outside of the range altogether.

OP posts:
MsHarry · 09/08/2017 15:28

It is low and you are suffering symptoms. Someone else night not at that level. What is important is that it's too low for you. Take VitC with your iron as it helps you absorb it so a glass of juice with your greens. or steak/liver. Dried apricots and fortified cereals are also good. I was never tested but last year felt very tired, had ringing in my ears etc and decided to start a multivitamin with iron and really increased iron intake in diet. I felt better after a few weeks.

KentMum2008 · 09/08/2017 15:34

What was your HB? That's usually the indicator of how anaemic you are because the low HB is what causes the symptoms.
Avoid coffee/tea/cola when you're taking iron, the tannin impedes absorbtion. Have you tried Spatone? It's not cheap but usually on a 3 for 2 in boots or H&B. It's metallic tasting water (it is literally iron water) but mix it with OJ and it's bearable. My HB was 8.5 at 6 months pregnant and I managed to up it 9.8 by delivery with Spatone still felt like shit and wasn't allowed a home birth

Good luck OP

Original poster
SilverDragonfly1 · 09/08/2017 15:57

I don't know about HB- I just asked the receptionist for a couple of numbers over the phone. She did say the results hadn't caused a doctor to ask to see me and they are very good about ringing up if there is anything they consider worrying. I will get a print out tomorrow I think.

I got the iron with vit c tablets, as I also have t2 diabetes so I don't drink fruit juices. I will look out for the spatone though.

OP posts:
MsHarry · 09/08/2017 16:03

It doesn't have to be fruit juice OP, could just be a piece of fruit. Good luck.

KentMum2008 · 09/08/2017 16:45

Ah ok, I only suggested mixing it with orange juice because otherwise it just tastes like metal!

KentMum2008 · 09/08/2017 16:47

HB should be over 12 to be considered 'normal' but I know women who has symptoms of anemia at 12.5 and below. As a poster above said, what is considered normal isn't always normal for everyone.

KentMum2008 · 09/08/2017 16:47

*a woman

Original poster
SilverDragonfly1 · 09/08/2017 17:01

That's okay mangomay I might quite like it anyway- I do have some odd tastes (and so does the water apparently [music sting]).

OP posts:
MsHarry · 09/08/2017 17:02

When I was pregnant my HB was 11, my doctor said that was fine! Midwife saw result at next appointment and put me straight on iron saying I had child birth to get through and potential significant blood loss. I agreed and she was right!

KentMum2008 · 09/08/2017 17:25

It beggars belief a GP would say an HB of 11 is ok in pregnancy. My GP put me back on iron any time mine dropped to 12 and that was when I wasn't pregnant! First pregnancy my HB was insanely low but because I didn't have my first GP/midwife visit until I was nearly 20 weeks (I was very young and in denial) I didn't get put on iron tablets until 23 weeks. after I gave birth to DD I lost a lot of blood and nearly had a transfusion. My HB dropped to 7.1 (they transfuse at 7) by which point I felt like I was swimming. Everything seemed to move really slowly, I was constantly breathless and dozed in and out of sleep all day. Thank goodness DD was a dream baby. Anaemia is bloody awful.

OP make sure you get you get your HB tomorrow, might shed light on why you're feeling awful.

MsHarry · 09/08/2017 17:30

I know, it was my first baby and I had no knowledge of HB levels so trusted him. He was quite old.I think it was in the first 20 wks. Midwife did lots of tutting and huffing and I got the impression it wasn't the first time. I was borderline for needing transfusion after the birth so am very grateful to that midwife.

Bryna · 09/08/2017 17:38

My last ferritin came back as 11, and I haven't been recalled, I've taken the decision to take 100% rda iron and vit c tablets. My levels were at 29 with prescribed iron tablets (3 times a day for 3mths), but 6mths after finishing the course they've fallen again, the brain fog is awful!

Boxachocs · 09/08/2017 22:54

I've just had a ferritin test come back at 8, now on 3 iron tablets a day and hoping to feel lots better soon!

Bryna · 09/08/2017 23:07

Boxachocs I'm sure you will do!Mine originally was 5, but only found as I went to hospital with pleurisy! It took a while but the difference it makes is amazing, I had put down the complete lethargy to having a toddler and being 'older' this time round, however it was 'just' my iron levels!!

PersianCatLady · 09/08/2017 23:24

ferritin at 20.5 (normal range is 10-300) and folates at 6.2 (range 2-20)
This annoys me, only in the UK is ferritin considered normal at 10.

In a lot of other countries, the normal range for ferritin is considered to be 20-200.

In the UK you can have ferritin as low as 10 and feel shocking and yet you are told that it is within "normal range".

PersianCatLady · 09/08/2017 23:25

You can buy ferrous sulphate tablet OTC by the way.

Icewindfire98 · 10/08/2017 02:03

With your symptoms I think you should take a vitamin d tablet too

nocoolnamesleft · 10/08/2017 03:43

Mangomay - the GP had probably read the NICE guidelines that say that over 11 is fine at that stage of pregnancy. (I did a quick google, because I had a vague recollection of reading something)

PumpkinSpiceEverything · 10/08/2017 03:54

My first pregnancy was like this, but my iron levels were only borderline low side of normal so I took a supplement and that was it. Didn't help much with how I felt.
This time around I've had a much easier pregnancy... thing it's just a difficult one to be honest! Every pregnancy is different, they say, and I felt like ten pounds of crap in a five pound bag with my last but feel much different (better) second time.

Original poster
SilverDragonfly1 · 10/08/2017 10:05

IceWind I have started vit D as well- I'm taking Iron+C, B12 and D, but have only started this week as blood test was on Monday and I didn't want to skew the results.

I'm going to go to the GP tomorrow and discuss it all. Luckily they are very good doctors and do a walk in surgery so it's quite easy.

Thank you all SO much for replying with your advice and experiences! I was really feeling as though I would never be well again while looking like a lazy malingerer. I'm terrified of being diagnosed with CFS and all the eye-rolling that brings along with the life changing symptoms.

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 10/08/2017 11:39

the GP had probably read the NICE guidelines that say that over 11 is fine at that stage of pregnancy
In the UK, a lot of GPs won't treat anaemia until your ferritin is below 10.

Some people can have ferritin at 10-12 and feel OK and others will feel shocking at those levels.

In the USA, they would consider a ferritin level of under 20 to be worthy of treatment regardless of symptoms.

It gets on my nerves, it is the same with the thyroid tests.

In the UK, the range for OK is huge and at the bottom end of the "normal range" people can and do feel shocking and are told that their levels are "within normal range".

I think that if people feel awful, even though their ferritin or thyroid levels are supposedly in "normal range" then they should be considered for treatment.

PumpkinSpiceEverything · 10/08/2017 20:53

Yes Persian, but that's socialised healthcare for you. In the states of course they'll treat you at the first sign, they're out to make a profit. That's why doctors there are millionaires.

PersianCatLady · 10/08/2017 21:58

Yes Persian, but that's socialised healthcare for you
I don't completely agree with you there.

I know people who are suffering from the symptoms of anaemia and their ferritin levels are around 11 and 12 and they can't get treated for it because they are told that they are "within the normal range".

That isn't just socialised healthcare, it is stupid.