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Original poster

Further blood tests requested, what could this be?

5 replies

ButtercreamBaker · 19/10/2022 21:34

I have a few separate issues going on, so my GP sent me for a large range of blood tests. I've had issues with fatigue and muscle pain for a few years that they can't figure out, I've had some mild stomach discomfort recently and I've been having heart palpitations for just over two years.

I've had a letter back today asking me to book some extra bloods, and it's got me feeling really anxious (I have general anxiety, I really fear the unknown!). The extra tests are:

(ESR) ESR - Looks like it tests for inflammation in the body.
(FER) Ferritin - looks like it's to do with Iron
(IRON) Iron Transferrin Saturation - Also Iron
(IGBS) Immunoglobulins (IGS) - Looks like it checks for antibodies

I've also been prescribed some Folic Acid, so at first glance I assumed I'd just developed Anemia but then the antibody and inflammation tests have gotten me really worked up. I only opened the letter a few hours ago so haven't had chance to book an appointment to see my GP, and I'm not sure when I'd get an appointment anyway.

Has anyone had these done, or have any knowledge about what they're used to test for? I've googled it and really wish I hadn't as it was the usual cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disease.

I don't have anybody at all to speak to it about and I'm a bit of a wreck😅

OP posts:
Mumma02 · 19/10/2022 22:06

I've had/got all your symptoms but no diagnosis and also had all those blood tests. Ferritin is just a measure of your iron stores, mine are chronically low. Transferrin Saturation is another marker for iron deficiency. ESR is a really non specific marker for anything on it's own and IGBS could be to check for coeliac. These tests are probably to rule out iron deficiency and coeliac since your symptoms could be down to these. Folate deficiency is also really common. My level was 2.1 last yeat but a course of folic acid raised my levels to 20 pretty quickly. Tests are nothing to worry about.

Original poster
ButtercreamBaker · 19/10/2022 22:50

Mumma02 · 19/10/2022 22:06

I've had/got all your symptoms but no diagnosis and also had all those blood tests. Ferritin is just a measure of your iron stores, mine are chronically low. Transferrin Saturation is another marker for iron deficiency. ESR is a really non specific marker for anything on it's own and IGBS could be to check for coeliac. These tests are probably to rule out iron deficiency and coeliac since your symptoms could be down to these. Folate deficiency is also really common. My level was 2.1 last yeat but a course of folic acid raised my levels to 20 pretty quickly. Tests are nothing to worry about.

Ah thank you, this is so reassuring! I've done some more digging, and there's specific tests that he'd likely have included if he suspected something sinister. Have you seen any specialists, are your symptoms having a big impact on your daily life?

OP posts:
PrioritiseCalm · 19/10/2022 22:52

Sounds like peri menopause to me. Are you on HRT?

Original poster
ButtercreamBaker · 20/10/2022 00:44

PrioritiseCalm · 19/10/2022 22:52

Sounds like peri menopause to me. Are you on HRT?

I'm 25 so I certainly hope that I'm not starting menopause😅

OP posts:
Christoncrutches · 20/10/2022 00:48

Have you had thyroid checked?

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