Haemoglobin very low - 80 g/l - what next?

[OrlaPeel]

Finger prick test says my haemoglobin is 80 g/l.

Have been for a full blood test to confirm this and get results tomorrow.

Suspect it is dietary related as no other obvious cause.

As I am within the guidelines for a blood transfusion, would it be better to have this or to try iron supplements first?

Just preparing myself in case I am given the choice, as not sure which would be best.

Thanks

Are you symptomatic? Breathless, fast heart rate, tired, weak?

If you're not, then iron supplements worth trying first and changing diet but it can take quite some time to correct with supplements.

If you are unwell, I would say go for transfusion!

Thanks- in hindsight I have been finding some physical activity harder and am quite dizzy - just thought I was unfit and tired!

Both could still be true ...

When mine was below 80 I was given a blood transfusion and an iron infusion. I felt so much better afterwards

I hope you get sorted out soon x

Try not to worry and remember you should not decide on anything before you have the full blood results. Finger pricks aren't always accurate. You need to find out the cause of your anaemia. There are conditions which can cause severe anaemia that are resistant to iron supplementation and can cause iron overload.

You might need investigations to rule out a more sinister cause.

I agree that you need a proper blood test to look at ferritin levels, Hb, full blood count etc- not just a finger prink test! No hospital would transfuse you anyways, without a proper group and match blood test! It will give an indication of whether it might be pernicious anaemia from a lack of absorbing Vit B12, a dietary issue or something else.

In my early 20's, I had a similar reading. I was burning the candle at both ends and despite eating meat, wasn't eating well. I was getting UTI's, strange food cravings and feeling tired. It came on gradually do didn't realise at the time that I was severely anaemic. It takes 3mths for red blood cells to replicate, so even with high iron diet, low tannin, high Vit C diet and supplements- dietary correction is not a quick fix.

A transfusion is a quicker fix- but has its own issues! I was offered iron injections at the time. These are given in the buttocks, but unless given by a trained nurse/Dr used to giving a Z track injection- can leave you with a permanent black spot where it was injected. Like a tattoo. I don't know if these are even still offered, but speak to your GP about what is available and what they advise given your readings.

I'm following this thread, my sons recent blood test showed his hemoglobin levels was 1.27, I'm not sure what that means in g/l? Doctor said they are low so repeat and do a full blood count in 3 weeks. His previous hemoglobin level was 1.28 so said it may just be his normal 🤷‍♀️ he has been having some dizziness and heart palpations, funny enough the reason for the previous bloods a few years ago was for the same symptoms but he had no follow up blood tests 😏

I'm waiting for the results the full blood test so will see what they recommend. It's probably poor diet and super busy lifestyle. Thanks everyone!

Blood test shows low iron generally, haemoglobin came back as 99 (original test suggested 80!) so am going to try supplements etc first, and another blood test in a month to check if things are improving