Folic Acid And Other Bloods - British Heart Fou...

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Folic Acid And Other Bloods

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star
16 Replies

Yesterday I was emailed the results of my multiple blood tests (the massive Clopidogrel bruise is now fading) and my single urine test.

Basically all fine but my HbA1c could be a few points lower, and my total cholesterol and my LDL whilst well within range are up slightly. Whilst I am now off iron tablets (digestive system sti recovering) my folic acid level is borderline so I am being prescribed a supplement for a strict three months only! I have only heard of this for pregnant women but then in 2019 I was moved from Extremely Vulnerable to Vulnerable as I was not pregnant to have it reinstated in March this year! Is there something I should know? 🤣🤣🤣 Do I need an agent? 😁 Like my weight gain I think most of these issues are diet related, something I have limited control over in my current situation.

Being me I did some research and have found out the Gabapentin I am onfor phantom pain can reduce your folic acid levels. However there is no way I can reduce it at the moment as I still suffer bouts of phantom pain. Medication is not an easy issue!

I just hope the folic acid is gentle on my stomach?!

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MichaelJH
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16 Replies
Healthyheart1 profile image
Healthyheart1

Here's hoping you will be OK Michael JH. Regards Sheena x

God I used too get some legendary headache’s on gaba 🤕

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to

I occasionally wake with a muggy headache which I blame(d) on other things but an interesting thought..

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to

Gaba made my head explode, did absolutely nothing for the pain and made me seriously suicidal. Horrific stuff.

080311 profile image
080311

I was put on folic acid along with the iron last Christmas, had a 4 month course, one a day.

It didn’t seem to give me any problems, just the usual from the iron!

Pauline

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to080311

My iron one seemed to get worse with time! ☹️

cowparsley profile image
cowparsley

Quite a journey you`re on Michael.Very best wishes xx

Nettekin profile image
Nettekin

Hi michael. I was on folic acid during my 2 pregnancies and don't recall any particular side effects. You are sure you are not............ Aren't you😁? X

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toNettekin

Best have an ultrasound! 🤣🤣🤣

Retirement65 profile image
Retirement65

Hope it all settles soon for you Michael medication is wonderful but alas can give some of us side effects I’m sure as it’s a short time your on them hopefully it won’t be too much of a problem take care 🙂

Maisie2014 profile image
Maisie2014

Try to get your iron from your diet Michael. When I was pregnant (many years ago) I had to change my diet to up my iron intake. I had a small orange juice before each meal as I was told the vitamin C would help me absorb the iron from my meal. Times have changed and medical opinion changes about iron supplements so I tend to refer back to my old fashioned ways.

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply toMaisie2014

After my bypass my iron levels returned to normal by diet alone. Currently the issue is folic acid which may be related to other medication.

MountainGoat52 profile image
MountainGoat52

Michael, I'm just wondering in what form you are taking the folic acid. I take mine (to correct my high homocysteine level) by way of an over the counter (Boots) Vitamin B Complex tablet. I have no stomach issues with this.

Bizarrely my GP was totally unaware that I was taking Vitamin B even though the Pathologist at the local hospital had advised of the need for this in writing. Thankfully I have managed to persuade my GP that my folate and homocysteine levels need checking annually when my bloods are taken. You certainly need to be on your own case over such matters.

Gerald

Ninjanoo profile image
Ninjanoo

Hi Michael,

I had to go on folic acid tablets following blood test results. I was only on them a couple of months but did have to chase them for another blood test afterwards as they forgot I would need another one to see if the levels had gone up! So maybe worth checking they do a follow up one for you. (Although it may just be my practice that are a bit slap dash!!) 😂

Hallo Michael. I know you do a lot of research into your condition(s). I wonder if you have ever referred to those published by the Cochrane trust which I understand to be the gold standard in collating and judging prior research?

Best wishes, John

marigoldb profile image
marigoldb

Just read about you having to take Folic acid tabs. I’ve been on them prescription 5 mg for over a year, and haematologist says to stay on them! Just one more little yellow pill! GP says it’s only a vitamin! But has to be on prescription as that dose can’t be bought over the counter. In my 80’s maybe lots of things, but not pregnant !!

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