Blood Results - Low Ferritin

[Superlady]

Hello. anyone out there who likes to interpret blood results?
I have been suffering long covid since April (GP diagnosed and referral to long covid clinic August time, not had any sessions yet).
I'd had a few blood tests and stool chest x-ray to rule anything else out prior to the long covid diagnosis. I'm really struggling to just accept it and clutching at straws to find a cure for the crushing fatigue. I have been given some iron tablets after a bit of pestering, said my iron is slightly on the low side so they wouldn't hurt. I'd asked what my B12 results were and turns out they haven't tested that so now I'm feeling like we might not have ruled all other causes out. therefore, I requested a copy of my most recent blood results and can see my ferritin is entry level at 11... I'm wondering what the other results mean?

WBC 5.9
HB 132
PLT 288
RBC 4.13
HCT 0.39
MVC 94
MCH 31.9
RDW 12.0
NEUTROPHIL 4.1
LYMPHOCYTE 1.3
MONOCYTE 0.4
EOSINOPHIL 0.1
BASOPHIL 0.0

probably all normal but I'm just desperate to feel better now! xx

If you would like people to comment accurately on your test results, you need to add the reference ranges or add screenshots from the NHS app. Ranges vary from place to place.

If your ferritin is 11, you are, by the NHS's own definition, iron deficient and your GP should be treating you.

This was screenshotted from the iron protocol group on Facebook.

11 is low. GP standards are way too low for ferritin levels. Some people may feel fine with ferritin levels of 11, but i imagine most feel like death warmed up.

thanks @DeedIDo have attached the results with ranges used. I just don't understand why my GP seems to think I'm not iron deficient. he suggested I increase my antidepressant (I'm on a low dose of Prozac) but I'm not depressed I'm tired! x

@123ROLO Death warmed up is pretty accurate!

Some of those results are close to the bottom end of the range, so probably less than optimal.

In the meantime, all you need to know about iron deficiency anaemia is on this link cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anaemia-iron-deficiency/

Everything in normal ranges but some on the lower edges. If you pay for your prescriptions just buy some ferrous sulphate from your local pharmacy- will be way cheaper than the prescription charge. Take them with orange juice and up your fibre as they can make you constipated and be prepared for black poo, but you'll feel better very quickly

I take ferrous Fumarate for low ferritin.

Did they do thyroid bloods?
Your Hb would be at the bottom of range in my area, and you should be given iron supplements for your ferritin level.
B12 needs testing and also Vit D, both of those can make you feel shocking if you’re deficient.

In your shoes, I would be asking for a full thyroid profile… TSH, T3 and T4… and also B12 and Vit D. Until the results of those are back, I wouldn’t accept a diagnosis of long covid

My ferratin was 15 and I felt horrendous. Absolutely awful fatigue, breathlessness, palpations. Low mood and felt anxious as well. I actually said to my DH that I thought there was serious going on and that I was going to die! Doctor still said it was fine, just borderline. After 4 weeks on supplements I felt like a new woman! Don't underestimate how bad it can make you feel!

Is iron always called ferritin on the results, I have some results from July tht Ive only just picked up today and it says 'serum iron level (SK1381)' 15.1

But I dont know if this is ferritin which is iron?

Serum iron and ferritin are not the same thing.

Thats helpful, that means that they didnt test for ferritin then, its not in the mix of results, I felt that I had anaemia back in the summer, came back with very low folate results and Ive been taking a prescribed supplement but Im wondering if my ferritin is a problem also

@cavily1806 thank you I do have this on prescription have been taking it for a few months so these are my results with prescription iron. X

@User65412 this is how I feel, so crap. Glad your feeling better.

I'm surprised your GP didn't think your iron was low at 11. I recently went to see my GP and he did a blood test, got results back that my iron was 10, and despite not being anaemic yet, I am iron deficient. He immediately prescribed iron tablets to take 3x a day and told me to take them for 3 months, and if it's not high enough after that (he said level should be 100) I would need to take them for another 3 months.

Your ferritin results are not on the results sheet so cannot see the range. You are not anaemic as your Hb, mcv etc are all normal so if you are already taking iron supplements then that should bring your ferritin up with time. Agree on getting other tests done for thyroid, B12 & vit D though.

I took Floradix liquid when I was very low on iron following the birth of my child. It is the only iron supplement that didn't really upset my stomach or make me constipated.

I could have written your post ! I too am suffering from long covid (Feb21) but have also been feeling dreadful with the most crippling fatigue/exhaustion, painful joints, headaches etc recent bloods show my ferritin at 15 and Dr has put me on 1x iron tablet a day for at least 6 months. Hard to know what’s LC symptoms or anaemia but just want to feel alive and as though I have some energy again.

If your ferritin is 11 you need iron. I find iron supplements hard to tolerate but my gp recommended active iron for women and I tolerated it very well because it’s not absorbed tin the stomach but the duodenum.
You would feel tired if you’re ferritin is low.

Other blood results within range.

Mine is very low I'm currently taking spa tone twice a day with vitamin c and zinc sending hugs xx

@Jandanric hello! Im going through the same! Not sure if its the long covid or low ferritin! How are u now ? Xxx

@Superlady hey! How are you? Did anything help? Xx

@Starrr123 hi! Really sorry I’ve not responded until now. I’ve gotten nowhere to be honest and having a big fatigue setback at the moment and unable to work, I too tired to work and look after my kids let alone myself. Despite taking 200mg iron a day my ferritin when last checked has increased from 11 to 15 - gp still telling me I’m not Anemic and not offering any more help, recently agreed to test my thyroid at the end of the month.
i think I’m coming to terms with my chronic fatigue being the result of long covid and I just have to wait it out until I get better :-(
not in a great place mentally tbh.
how are you now? X

@Superlady hi! Thats ok :) im soo sorry to hear you arent any better :( im so sorry!
im on 322mg of iron . 200mg i would take morning and night? my ferritin i got to 38 and then u stopped taking my iron and i think its dropped again. My gp said keep taking it.
all my friends ferritin is around 100! So it definitely doesnt help!

i got covid again (4th time ) in feb and im alot worse! I got POTS from the first infection. And now my chest pains and tachycardia is alot worse!! also made my tinnutis alot worse since having it from covid!
dont push yourself! On good day still dont so lots! Drink lots of water and ate u taking any extra vitamins?

covid has changed my life! Im 28 and im somedays i dont leave the house! But somedays i do things! Pace yourself and just give yourself time! Ita horrible especially when you hAve children to look after. I have a 2 year old (nearly)

i have a weekend away for my bestfriends 30th! And im sooo scared because i havent been out! I wont be drinking much, ill be time watching and just wanna go to bed !
hope your ok , and with time things will get better xx

I haven't had my iron levels checked for a while, but previously i hovered around the same numbers as you.

I have been taking some additional supplements and definitely feel an improvement.

I've been taking 20mg gentle iron from Holland and Barrett.

In addition I've been taking a lactoferrin tablet and cow liver tablet.

Have a read up on them