Doctor not concerned but I am

[Palermo]

My ferritin levels have been in the area of 358 for a few years. I asked him if I should be tested and he said if I had it levels would be around 10,000. From what I am reading I am questioning this. On my own I have donated blood a few times now hoping to bring the levels down. Do you think I should find someone who will agree for me to be tested, and if so what type of specialist.

[Madlegs1]

You look for a Hemotologist to test for Hemochromatosis and full blood panel.

A Gastroenerologist will check for damage to organs from ferritin.

But at your level you have little to be concerned.

Ferritin can be caused by inflammation occasionally but if yours has consistently been between 300 and 400 then some blood donations ( 4 a year ) should bring it down .

[Palermo in reply to Madlegs1]

thank you so much

[BeezyB]

Are you symptomatic? Age & gender matter too on levels. You could have damage to organs & joints even at these levels over many years. I'd get 2nd opinion or genetic testing. Just my take on it. If your body feels better after donating blood then you need lower levels. After phlebotomy pressure in my chest depletes & feel overall better like sludge not traveling thru my body!!

Be your own BEST advocate!!

[Palermo in reply to BeezyB]

Not that I know of. I am 63 and female.

[craigyrose]

10000 would possible mean severe organ damage from iron overload, my levels were 1300 and the 890 and I had bowel issues so was tested and I have Haemochromatosis (C282Y) I would request (demand) the test if you are worried, All Haemochromatosis patients are starting to be moved to GI doctors so disagree with the advise that it’s only a haematologist that sorts this (mine was useless!!)

[craigyrose]

Lastly my levels are now 490 and I still feel extremely ill so please ignore people that say lower levels are not to be worried about! You know your body so demand you get tested