Ferritin 15 & haemoglobin 117

[CreatingHavoc]

This means I'm anaemic doesn't it? Yet the gp receptionist says results are "fine"

What is the best thing I can do right now to raise my iron if I can't tolerate ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate?

I desperately want an iron infusion but don't have 800 quid to spare unfortunately. I take a daily multivitamin and just started using the better you iron 10mg spray on top of that. I'm desperate to get my levels up and get some energy back. I've got a gp appointment on Friday, if I am told yet again that my levels are fine and no action is needed what shall I say?

I feel you. My Ferritin is 3 and I still can't get an infusion. Been on tablets for 6 months and it just doesn't improve. GP doesn't really seem to be worried or bothered about it.

No. Those results are fine, tho haemoglobin is on the low side.

@nellytheelephantscircus ouch, 3 is very low! I was around that after my first c section and almost got given a blood transfusion but they changed their minds at the last minute.

@EarringsandLipstick I know they are fine according to the NHS "normal range" but I don't feel fine and I know the acceptable levels in other countries are very different to here. It seems the only option at this point is to get myself in to debt and pay for an infusion.

That ferritin is way too low. I would be feeling very poorly. For good female health it should be around 30 to 50.

Have you tried slow release ferrous sulphate? (Ferrograd)? I can tolerate it taken before bed, the others give me all sorts of grim intestinal discomfort. I raised mine from 18 to 70 this way.

You are not in any way fine. The NHS reference values are set way to low and are only interested in clinical anaemia, which you are nearly at anyway. Many people have symptoms with ferratin under 35. I'd definitely try to save for an infusion but in the meantime take the supplements. Don't let the GP fob you off as being ok.

@Porridgeislife They did try me on the slow release last time and I couldn't tolerate that either unfortunately. If anything it was worse! I've found I react badly to other slow release stuff as well so I'm not sure exactly what the problem is there. My digestive system is extremely sensitive to anything and everything it seems.

Try drinking the spatome iron shots.

My ferritin was 6 and haemoglobin 89 and I still couldn't get an infusion

@itsgettingweird thanks, I have some of those but wasn't convinced they were helping. I will try them again. I've just been to the chemist and got some Ferroglobin as well!

I know the acceptable levels in other countries are very different to here.

I'm in Ireland. They are normal ranges.

I get that you feel tired & you should discuss that. It's not necessarily your iron levels, they are not problematic.

@itsgettingweird

Try drinking the spatome iron shots.

My ferritin was 6 and haemoglobin 89 and I still couldn't get an infusion

Spatone has tiny levels of iron. It won't help if OP already feels unwell at those levels.

Weird quoting in my last post, think it's the new platform.

I also wanted to say that I have always had low levels of iron & ferritin. I need to take iron tablets to keep within the normal ranges. But mine would often be at those levels.

I do feel diet is very important. All the usual stuff they tell you! Green leafy veg, red meat. I found it really made a difference to me.

Obviously if you feel really tired at your levels, you do need to discuss with your GP. How are your other bloods? Eg thyroid function & Vit D?

I take 2 of these a day. The Ferroglobin and Spatone have only very small amounts of iron in them.