Very low ferritin

[Nowmum43]

Morning,

My ferritin has always been low and never higher than 5. It's currently at 4.
I am peri menopausal and beyond exhausted.
I can't take iron as it makes me feel so sick, last time I took it I felt constantly like I was going to be sick.
I have a phone appointment in a couple of weeks to discuss, I want to as for an infusion. Has anyone been successful in getting one?
I can't keep going on like this, I wake up feeling like I haven't slept in weeks!
I work full time (in a school, so during term time) and I keep trying to go to the gym as the weight is piling on but again I have had to cancel this morning as I can barely focus 🫣

Any tips for getting that infusion would be great

Just some advice while you are waiting to get your injections sorted- try eating beef liver twice a week, or more if you can face it.
Iron tablets never worked for me, now I just eat liver cooked in butter twice a week, and my iron and B12 are fine. Also very quick and cheap.

There's a good thread with advice here https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/general_health/5079896-low-ferritin?page=1

I had two infusions this summer because my ferritin was very low like yours and I don't tolerate oral iron, I just explained to the doctor that I can't take oral iron and he was happy to order the infusions but I didn't have the NHS to contend with (not in the UK)

@Sajacas I am vegetarian which doesn't help things

NHS wouldn't give me an infusion, my ferritin was 4 and I felt like death. Also can't tolerate iron tablets. I paid for a private infusion at the iron clinic in Cambridge. I think it was £800, was told it should last around 18-24 months. Expensive but made a big difference

mine is usually a 3 or 4. Infusions don’t help me for long as I don’t really absorb iron at all. Now being investigated for stomach issues.

Hope you’re ok OP!