Search Dr appointment!

[Iamstegosaurusthethird]

I'm 21 weeks pregnant and have been taking iron tablets prescribed by the Dr since 16 weeks. I still feel awful so I went back and got another blood test. Just phoned to check the results and the receptionist said the Dr has requested a follow up appt regarding my iron levels. I can't get one till Tuesday which is frustrating as last time they just left a prescription at the desk. Do you think I've been asked back because there's something more serious going on or is the doc just trying to let me down gently that nothing is wrong I'm just pregnant!

Not sure how search got in front of the thread title

It may be that the doctor wants to talk to you about diet and other factors relating to iron levels? If the iron tablets aren't doing enough perhaps there is something else going on - there are various causes of anaemia and iron alone won't make them all better. I wouldn't assume it is anything serious at this point though, but if you're worried could you ask the surgery for a telephone appointment tomorrow?

They probably want to check you're taking the tablets too - no point prescribing more if someone hasn't been taking them which is quite common especially with iron tablets. (GI side effects)

I've tried they only do appointments three day's in advance. She suggested I call in the morning for an emergency appointment but that seems unnessecery if there's not much more wrong plus it's a sit and wait system and 2 + hrs with a toddler in the waiting room is not fun! I'd do it if I knew I'd get an increased iron prescription as I feel so shit but not if it's just for advice iyswim

Well if you've been taking iron tablets for 5 weeks and your iron levels are still low, of course they're going to want to see you to discuss it further.

I doubt there's anything sinister, they just want to review you properly. Just leaving prescriptions to collect with no follow up wouldn't be good practice.

I was really clear at the previous appt that I've been talking the tablets religiously with orange juice plus trying to up my dietary iron and cut out all coffee and tea. I just want some energy back and stop sounding like a steam train as my DH so caringly put it!

Thanks sidge it's just that's what they've done when I've been anaemic in my previous pregnancies so this seems slightly different. I just need to learn a bit of patience