Low Iron- did I hear wrong?

[Crossaintqueen]

Hi!

I have Ulcerative Colitis and I’m under the care of my local hospital. My iron levels are basically always low and I’ve been booked in for an iron infusion later this month.

Today one of the nurses rang me on thw back of a blood test taken last week to say my iron levels were super low and ask if anyone had spoken to me about Iron tablets.

I explained that I actually have an iron infusion booked in later this month and she said ok, to go for another blood test on Wednesday to keep an eye on my levels, and that I’d need iron tests after my iron infusion to keep an eye on the levels too.

Now, I’m pretty sure she said my iron levels were “4”. I googled and apparently this is really low and considered critical level where you get a blood transfusion?!

Now Im panicking that I’m going to get heart failure or something but surely I just misheard, if my bloods were so low they wouldn't be so relaxed about it would they? They’d want me in straight away. The department is closed to Monday and I’m very worried. Any help appreciated!

Yes that's very low. Anything 7 or under requires a blood transfusion or iron infusion. Can you call 111? I assume you could go to urgent care and they might help over the weekend if the ambulatory service at hospital is closed until Monday.

Don't panic though. Rest! That is the key thing over the next few days, along with eating iron-rich foods, get someone to get you some spatone from the chemist etc.

There is a difference though between your ferritin (iron) stores and your heamoglobin which are the red blood cells. If your HB is 4 that is incredibly low but if your iron is 4 then this is low but not life threatening. Check which one they mean before you panic.

I may call them, just to put my mind at rest. I’m booked in for an iron transfusion but not for two weeks. I’m ok to struggle along til then but talk if heart failure spooked me a lot! I could have total misheard as Im sure if it was that bad they’d get me in sooner.

Ate an iron rich dinner today and will go and buy some spatone and orange tonight :)

@SandysMam

There is a difference though between your ferritin (iron) stores and your heamoglobin which are the red blood cells. If your HB is 4 that is incredibly low but if your iron is 4 then this is low but not life threatening. Check which one they mean before you panic.

Thank you so much. I can’t remember which one she said, I will call on Monday and ask

Try not to worry, I know easier said than done.
Mine are always low as my body cannot process a lot of things.
They will be requesting the extra test to make sure that there isn't a mistake.
The infusion is stronger basically than transfusions and unlike transfusions you have to avoid iron tablets for a certain period during and after.

If you start to experience shortness of breath then call 111.
It's amazing how used to having low levels our bodies have. It's after that first infusion/transfusion you realise how bad things were!!

Oh and when you get to talk to someone medically ask for your B12 to be checked.