More about iron deficiency ... WWYD?

[fluffyraggies]

I was just reading another thread about borderline anemia.

Last week i went to the docs as i've been getting a thumping heartbeat with any exertion, light headed at the top of the stairs at home, and generally feeling like i could just curl up and sleep all the time. Just feel so weak.

I'm 22+5 and this is different to the first trimester tiredness.

I'm not seeing my MW for another 3 weeks. Havnt seen her since 16 weeks - she very elusive on the phone. Saw GP, a new one - he took my blood pressure, ok, and did the clip on the finger thing and said i had ok oxygen in my blood. He got me to lay down on the couch and then get up and asked if i felt light headed and i did.

He basically sent me away. He didn't mention iron. Should i get a second opinion?

(Also - sorry :) - I get very phlegmy in the mornings and when i eat, which makes me cough, which makes me heave (!) and i can also hear a horrid rustle at the end of my in-breath in my lungs at night (DH can hear it too). I told the doc about this too but he wasn't very interested Don't know what to do)

Any advice?

I would phone the GP surgery & request an appoint to get a blood test to get your iron checked, at my surgery this would be an appointment with the nurse rather than the Dr. It's the only way to know.

I agree the only way to know is to get a blood test. I've had one and when i phoned for results was told my levels were normal & no action required. I was not very happy as i specifically asked to know the number result.

This is my second pregnancy and during my last i had the same symptons and my iron levels were still in normal range but i was prescribed tablets.

So i have stopped taking my multivitamen (which has a small iron amount) and started on 2 sachets of spatone a day while i am waiting to speak to my gp for the number result and after 3 days am starting to feel an improvement. I did discuss it with a lovely pharmacist and we both agreed this was a sensible action for me. I'm 23 weeks.