hypochromasia

[Janouska]

hello. I recently had blood tests as have been feeling unwell- strange feeling in head and tiredness. The tests came back normal except for ‘hypochromasia 10.6%. It was 1.3 in April. The only different thing in my life since April is taking statin and I had the virus in June. I have been taking iron supplement as my ferritin had dropped from my normal 90 to 34 in April.

Should I be asking for further test? I’m getting fed up with feeling unwell although I haven’t fainted and it is not all the time.

Any advice welcome. Thank you

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I don't have the answers to why you are feeling this way but if it were me I would be saying that something cannot be right as you feel the way you do and you need to find out why so you need to ask what can they do next as you cannot carry on feeling this way

Hope they get to what is the cause and that you will let us know how you get on x

[Janouska in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you for your kind support. My gp was quite dismissive and I didn’t ask the obvious question ‘ why has my blood changed’ or why do you think I feel like this. I think because I have suffered from depression and from anxiety since my eye problems they have decided it is ‘just’ anxiety. But it’s so random I’m not convinced. Anyway am not bad at the moment so hope I am getting better. If I don’t I will be chasing my gp again,

Take care. You are such a good presence on this forum x

[BeKind28- in reply to Janouska]

Hello

I totally understand your frustration at been dismissed and the thought as you have anxiety and had depression they put everything down to that as I have severe anxiety to and get the same so many times but I have learnt to tell them politely just because I have anxiety do not dismiss how I feel I sometimes think it is an easy way out for them when they do

I am glad there is an improvement though and I really hope it continues but if it doesn't then you let them know and make sure you let them know this is not anxiety or depression and you want them to find out what it is

Hope everything goes ok x

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Janouska,

I am sorry that you have not been feeling well. I think that it is always a good idea to talk with your doctor about any health issues/questions that may be bothering you. Better safe than sorry, I think.

I read that hypochromasia can make you feel very tired. Plus, it can contribute to poor sleep and poor blood circulation. Indicators may be pale skin tone and even sores in the mouth. It was suggested that a low amount of vitamin B6 and poor absorption of iron from the diet might be major contributors to this condition.

You might want to discuss this condition with your doctor and see whether you might be low in vitamin B6. It was also suggested that increased exercise might help and eating more foods high in iron content. I would definitely suggest talking with your doctor about your condition.

Best wishes, and I hope that you can soon feel better. 😊🌼

[Janouska in reply to Smitty1956]

Thank you. I have been trying along a multi vitamin and iron but it’s not making much difference. I think I am going to have to pay to physically see a dr. I was so physically active and did try a jog last week but felt bad. It doesn’t help being 64 as my dr says I should just take it easy. I need to keep active for my heart though and actually don’t consider I am old! I guess I am to him as he is very young😀

[isobelhannah18 in reply to Janouska]

That's a shocking thing to say that you should take it easy because you're 64! Can you see a different G.P. or change practices?

[Smitty1956]

Really, you are not old! I am 67, so I have managed to pack in more of what I like to call wisdom and experience—not old age—than you. 😄

You are just going through something right now, and you don’t feel well. Please see a doctor and have a chat and/or tests to help get it sorted. You deserve to feel much better. Take care and let us know what you find out. ❤️

[Janouska in reply to Smitty1956]

Thank you for your encouragement. I only feel old when unwell. The rest of the time think I am still 40😀

[Cee-Cee1 in reply to Janouska]

As my much adored 93 yr-old neighbour often tells me "you're only a child to me" - I'm 63!! I also think my brain hasn't caught up with my age yet, I get such a shock sometimes when I catch sight of myself in the mirror! 😂🤣 As the other posters have said, I'd do my best to book another appointment with a different GP at your surgery, you could always go down the private route if you've no satisfaction after that. Carol