How low would HB need to be to insist on iron infusion!?

[Newnamefor2021]

So, I've bled now almost everyday since August 2020. I was on iron until Jan 2021 for iron deficiency anaemia. I was added to the list for surgery in Oct 2020 (ablation, sterilisation and exploration). I don't tolerate iron well, GP has always said tough, just take it as much as I can as I am not anaemic enough for infusion. Iron makes me very sick, very painful stomach cramps, vomiting, upset tummy, just basically like a sickness bug. So it's pretty horrific for me.

I was due to get bloods repeated but there is blood vial storages so not doing unnecessary tests here and I can't ever get an appointment with my GP. It been an awful 15 months with bleeding, fainting and generally feeling so ill all the time. I'm sore from pads etc, I can't stand for ling which affects my jobs and my family life, I feel so helpless.

Anyway, had pre op this week, which is good (although I had pre op for another surgery I need in oct 2019 and I'm still waiting on that one). They did bloods and called and say my HB is 71, nurse said she will contact consultant and with levels that low she thinks they will call me in for infusions, which would be good, but I have to speak to GP first.

Just wondering what the clinical level where they are indicated are. I did try googling and can't see it, wondering how far off I am that I can try and insist they help me properly this time, I'd like to be able to not worry about fainting constantly and be able to cook without sitting on kitchen floor.

@Blackopal

Totally understand re the food. I gained weight over the three years, some of simply down to constantly looking to boost energy. I also started to crave really odd foods that I never eat, extreme salty foods. However, the hrt has made the most difference for weight loss.

I am glad your GP sounds like she is taking this seriously. I would say once your symptoms are treated you really need the cause more thoroughly investigated.

Thanks. Glad the HRT is working.

I am getting odd cravings too, I really wanted marmite this week and I'm not a fan 😆 and rice with vinegar 😆

Cause is simply blood loss, I have a maximum of 4 days a month when I'm NOT bleeding. I have 10 days when I can't go far from the toilet without flooding though everything.

I'd told reception I needed bloods but they told me computer says no as it's not urgent. 😳

Hopefully surgery will happen now once it's sorted.

But what is the cause of the blood loss?
This is really important.

Have you been investigated for things like fibroids/endo etc?

@Blackopal

But what is the cause of the blood loss? This is really important.

Have you been investigated for things like fibroids/endo etc?

Oh I see, no idea. They will have a look around in the surgery I'm waiting for.