Blood result iron

[kissmelittleass]

I had a full blood count a week ago and today the nurse rang me saying she's booked an appointment for me to see the doctor tomorrow evening as my haemoglobin (iron levels I presume?) was 11.7
She asked me how I was feeling and I said I have had an extreme tiredness the last couple of weeks along with occasional dizziness and a feeling my heart is beating faster at times.
She asked about periods but I haven't had any bleeding in over a year (I'm 51). My last iron level result was 12.8 a year ago and as I'm vegetarian I started taking an iron supplement of 14mg about six months ago so I'm surprised at the low result and admit I'm worried.
I am waiting for biopsy results on a thickened uterine lining and googling has me scared! I'm bleeding somewhere that's not coming out!
Anyone that can shed any light on it would be appreciated as I'm a bit anxious.

What you describe are the symptoms of Anaemia, I was given 400mg of iron supplement so your 14mg prob isn't getting close to improving at all.

I can't comment on uterine lining though other than menopausal given your age?

Wow 400 mg ? That was prescribed by your doctor I presume? That seems a lot! my 14mg is just a shop bought supplement but I don't think I've seen any shop bought supplements more than 14mg? Were your iron levels same range as mine?

Yes prescribed by the doctor the supplement for iron 1 or 2 x 200mg tablets. So the shop bought variety is just to keep things ticking if you have normal or near normal levels of iron and don't get enough in food stuff, especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan like myself. A short course of the prescribed iron will quickly put your levels up.

Thanks oldmum!

Saw my doctor earlier and she has put me on Galfer 305mg for one month and then she wants me to have a Fbc to see has it risen. Apparently it could cause stomach pains and constipation ☹️ anyway round this?

Iron supplements gave me the runs, so your experience may vary!

It usually gives constipation if it's too troublesome the doctor can prescribe something else.

Didn't cause me any problems at all, hopefully the same for you

I'm already suffering tummy pains and constipation Ibs Doctor thinks so hoping the tablets won't cause me too much trouble.. you can't win 😦
My doctor was saying that usually with anaemia they would usually refer to a gynaecologist and recommend a colonoscopy. I am already on a waiting list for a colonoscopy so that's good but could take a year waiting list is long.
Funny thing is I've been anaemic in the past and nobody has ever mentioned needing these tests!

b/c the tablets so disagreed with me I had Floradix instead. I guess Spatone is an alternative. My iron levels stayed good in pregnancy even though I was vegetarian. Could look around at other supplements, is my point.

Grapes - eat a handful every day and a high fibre breakfast and you'll be fine :)

If you've been anaemia before it's probably worth they do some other tests just to see if something it causing it to reoccur.