Low iron plus blood in poo. Scared.

[Sprookjesbos]

Just needed a space to vent as feel like I can't admit to anyone how worried I am.

After a few months of heavier and longer than usual periods and cramping mid cycle, my GP ran blood tests to check my hormones. I am 40, and I think she was investigating possible peri.

My hormones came back normal, but my haemoglobin was 85. She said to take iron tablets and call her if I felt short of breath or dizzy.

Within a couple of weeks I blacked out at work and felt generally lethargic. I called the gp back and spoke to a different one who said just keep taking the iron.

The iron supplement made me feel nauseous and constipated so admittedly I didn't take it as often as I should have. I called back again after continuing to feel rough and they ordered another blood test. Haem was now 84 and ferritin was tested and was 3.2.

They ordered an iron infusion and asked me to do a stool sample. I've had one of two iron infusions. But my stool sample has just come back abnormal. The reference level was <10 and mine was 140.

I have been constipated and it's not unusual for me to have blood when I wipe. I'll call the GP tomorrow but just feel really overwhelmed by it all. I have a lot of other things going on in my life at the moment.

Has anyone been through similar? I'm thinking of asking if I can re-do the stool sample. I've been taking senna which has made a difference to the constipation.

Easier said than done but try not to overthink things before you've got more medical advice. One day at a time xx
Speaking from experience, not exactly the same as you but I've had blood on wiping on and off. Before a did my stool sample I was checked and treated for haemorrhoids first. GP said to do it that way otherwise the stool sample would likely pick up the blood from the piles. Have you been examined? If not maybe ask because if your constipated it could well be that you have piles that are bleeding and this is where it's coming from.
Also from a gynae perspective, your low iron could well be due to your heavy periods and nothing to do with the stool sample. Fibroid maybe?
Ask your GP more questions, you will get sorted. Hope you feel better soon x

Thanks so much for replying. You're absolutely right i should try not to think too far ahead.

I did have an ultrasound scan to investigate the heavy periods and it found no abnormalities, so fibroids aren't a likely explanation.

I haven't been examined for haemorrhoids. To be honest I feel a bit lost with it all as I've had to keep calling back only to speak to a new Dr each time. On one occasion the Dr was discussing the blood results I'd had 3 weeks earlier and informing me I had low iron like it was new information when id already been started on the tablets and had the ultrasound to investigate. It just feels really reactive, like they're scanning the notes for the first time as they call me, and I have access to the notes myself on the NHS app. I haven't seen any GP in person. I realise this is just the way of things now.

try not to worry. It could be a stomach/bowel thing (colitis etc). An ex partner had it and it caused his iron to plummet but it was resolved. Good luck . X

Thought I'd do an update - the GP examined me, found a haemmeroid but referred me for a colonoscopy anyway due to both the low iron and the blood in stool.

Was feeling pretty terrified but resigned to the colonoscopy, but have now found out they are doing a gastroscopy at the same time! Apparently this is standard for low iron and abnormal fit test but don't know why GP didn't mention this!

Just been through this. Low iron and blood found on stool test.
Very worrying and was put forward for a colonoscopy on an urgent referral. Also had an endoscopy.
They found nothing at all, no polyps, no piles etc, so I think the iron is period related and the stool test was positive due to constipation.
Good luck, most people are absolutely fine

You will have sedation OP, the procedure is really nothing to worry about.

Ask for a repeat FIT test?

Heavy periods could be the cause of everything else.

Will they prescribe liquid iron? I think you can buy it too.

Oh @Boxfreshrussell that makes me feel so much better just knowing someone else has gone through it! Did you also have a CT scan? They've scheduled one of those too.

I have some diagnosed medical trauma due to a very difficult labour and though I'm not a particularly anxious person generally, I went into a complete panic when I found out I was having both procedures, couldn't get words out.

My periods are heavy and that was why I first went to GP 5 months ago - they are heavy and irregular and long (up to 2 weeks). On investigating that they found the anaemia and seems like I've been on this treadmill ever since of blood tests, iron infusions and now the fit test.

I have just panicked that the underlying cause of the iron is actually cancer rather than the periods as they seem to have gone mad since that sample came back (it came back at 170 so very high).

I did ask to redo the fit test @JustLaura but they said no, straight to colonoscopy.

OP, I know how you feel, it’s terrifying. My FIT test was over 200, although I didn’t know that until after my colonoscopy. My anaemia was picked up through a routine test. The consultant put my mind at ease, then within 3 days I was booked in for the procedures.
The laxatives are a bit grim but fine and the procedure itself is easy, because of the sedative. I was given the results immediately. Lots of people find out they have polyps and have them remove during the colonoscopy.
No, my area doesn’t do the CT scan at the same time.

Thanks so much @Boxfreshrussell . It does sound like we've been on similar paths! I'm so glad yours was ok and you had the all clear. You have really reassured me.

My CT scan is the day after the appointment, I'm not worried about that at all, though it has made it all seem more serious!

I'll let you know how I get on!

Best of luck OP, I hope you have a date now.

Wanted to add my recent experience to the thread.

In august I had pre op bloods done that showed low ferritin, Hb and B12 levels. Repeat bloods in October showed similar results but dropping B12. Given FIT test which came back abnormally high so sent for endoscopy & colonoscopy under 2WW colorectal cancer pathway. Had procedure 2 weeks ago and no cause found. Biopsies taken to rule out coeliacs as cause.

Yesterday had first iron infusion and got second next week. Also now on ferrous fumerate and loading dose of B12 injections. Told likely either meds I take (though I was already anaemic before the one they’re blaming was started) or anaemia of chronic disease in which case there’s little they can do except supplement my iron with tablets and infusions.