Border line Anaemia

[Cavalierrubie]

Can anyone help me please? I have just been diagnosed with border line anaemia. I had a message from my surgery that a prescription had been left at the pharmacy for me to collect. I haven’t even seen a doctor. The prescription is 210mgs Ferrous Fumarate twice a day. I have taken them for two days and have pain in my stomach. I have hiatus hernia and acid reflux and they seem to be playing havoc with my symptoms. Has anyone had same problems with this medication? I know l need to go back to dr. but is there an alternative that is not so harsh on the stomach that they can prescribe? Thanks in advance.

[ParkSchool5]

Hi, I am in the same situation as you. I have Hiatus hernia, GERD, Acid reflux. I had a message from my GP to say the same thing, that I was anaemic and my Ferritin level was only 13 which is very low. I tried the Ferrous Fumerate but could not continue it even after breaking tablet in half to reduce the dose. It made my symptoms 10 times worse, I couldn't even sleep. For the last few months I have been taking liquid Feroglobin from the chemist (you can buy it on Amazon). I can tolerate this OK. I know it's not as powerful as the prescribed tablets, but at my last blood test my Iron levels had gone up.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thank you very much for your reply. I am sitting here worrying at this moment and you have given me some hope. I was worried l wouldn’t be able to take iron and then where would l go? I have severe pain. How long did it take your level to go up? I will get some liquid Feroglobin. You must be feeling much better now. Take care.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Try not to worry. I believe it is quite common to have low iron stores, especially if you have been on PPI's for several years, as I have (8 years unfortunately). My Ferritin (iron store) level went up from 13 to 23 within about two months of taking Feroglobin. Regards.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Yes, l know Omeprazole depletes the body of certain nutrients. Unfortunately l have been on them for over 20 years 20 mg per day and 40 when in a flare up. I had Barium Swallow last year and it was ok. My hernia is quite large but the radiologist said he had seen larger ones. I have been getting more stomach problems (since the Covid jab). I am waiting for hospital appointment to see Gastroenterologist. Thanks so much for your help. You have really helped me today and l am so grateful. Keep well. Christine.

[ParkSchool5]

Sorry, I should have added ,you can also buy Feroglobin at Holland and Barrett.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thanks you are an angel.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hope you don’t mind me bothering you again, but how did you feel when you were anaemic? I feel tired most of the time and dizzy at times and just plain out of sorts. I have been feeling this for some time so just wondering if this is the cause. Thank you.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi, yes I do feel more lethargic and slow. I also find I get a bit breathless when walking the dogs and have a slower pace. Another thing I have noticed on my blood test results over the last six months or so is that my Kidney function has gone down. My eGFR has been between 50 and 60 which, looking on line, is officially considered as Kidney Disease. I mentioned my concerns to my GP but he didn't seem too bothered. I have paid to see a Nephrologist next week as I am worried. I have read that long term PPI use can cause this, but I don't know how I will manage if I have to stop them. Apparently Anemia is another symptom of Kidney disease.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Sorry to hear that. I have heard that PPI’s can cause kidney problems. I read that patients in America are suing the drug company for this reason. It is very worrying. I will never be able to get off these drugs either. I am 75 so ….. I have been on them years. I don’t have kidney problems at the moment, but there is nearly always blood in my urine when it’s tested. I have had ultrasound of my abdomen recently and it’s ok. I hope you get somewhere when you see a Nephrologist and that all is ok. It is very stressful. I pegged washing on the line today and felt very dizzy. It frightened me as l suffer with anxiety. I will be thinking of you next week so please let me know how you get on and that you are ok. Private message me would probably be best. I won’t bother you again as don’t want to be a nuisance, but l am very grateful for your help. Take care.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Cavalierrubie]

PS. I have always had dogs. At the moment l have a Dachshund called Lady. Couldn’t imagine life without a doggy lol.

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thanks for your kind words. That's a coincidence, I have had Dachshunds for over 20 years. At the moment I have a standard wire-haired, Daisy. I will let you know how I get on next week, regards, Sue.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Thanks Sue. You are a Dachshund mum as well? My baby is a miniature, brown and tan. Had her from a pup. I always had boy dogs, she is my first little girl, and is adorable. Best wishes for next week. Christine

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hi, hope you don’t mind me getting in touch again, but was wondering how you are and if you got on ok with your appointment this week? I hope everything went well and you have some answers. I have started on Ferrous Sulfate (you can purchase over counter) Pharmacist said l might get on with it better, but still have slight stomach pain so will have to see. Regards Christine

[ParkSchool5 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Hi Christine, thanks for your message. I saw the Nephrologist on Wednesday and he confirmed Kidney disease. He did not seem to think it was due to my PPI use over the years, but rather my high blood pressure. He recommended me to go on a Statin and strict BP control. I am pleased to hear you have started on Ferrous Sulfate. Is it in tablet form or liquid? Do you find it is giving you any negative side effects, i.e. pain or discomfort in the sternum area? Regards, Sue.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to ParkSchool5]

Hi Sue, Thanks. It is good you went to Nephrologist and have caught this in time. (It makes me angry that your GP should have treated you). I hope you soon start to feel better and get good results. It’s good it’s not the PPI’s. The Ferrous Sulphate l have started on is in tablet form. I hope it is going to work, but had pain yesterday and burning. I am taking it with food to try to eliminate stomach issues. I have also ordered some gentle iron tablets from Weightworld.com. I will let you know how it goes. Regards Christine

[Beanlover in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I became very anaemic several years ago, whilst being tested for breathing issues, so no-one thought to do a blood test. I felt absolutely knocked out, had to lie down after climbing a flight of stairs, and v breathless and dizzy. I ended up having to have 2 urgent blood transfusions. My ferritin levels were 3 and haemoglobin count 6. It took a year of ferrous sulfate tablets as my GP wanted my ferritin levels up to 100. I think I was lucky I remained sort of upright. I would make sure you do find something you can tolerate, as you really don't want to feel like I felt.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Beanlover]

Oh bless you. Thanks for your reply. I have been feeling ill for sometime. I went to Drs (had to see nurse!) who decided to do special test of my heart as my ankle was swollen. That’s when they found out about my anaemia. I am hoping to find supplements that l can take as l have hiatus hernia and gerd. I am on my second trial, which is ferrous sulphate as yourself, so fingers crossed. You must have been terribly ill and pleased to hear you are better now. You poor thing. ❤️

[Beanlover in reply to Cavalierrubie]

They discovered I had a hiatus hernia at the same time as the anaemia. I was already taking Pantoprazole as a protection for my stomach lining as I was taking anti inflamatories for arthritis. They decided they had caused the anemia, so was not allowed to take it any longer, but carried on with the PPI. because of the hiatus hernia.Several years later I was found to have a problem with my heart at a pre opp assessment for a minor op. Cardiologist initially was worried that I could have had a heart attack at the time because of being so anaemic. After an MRI and CT scan they have decided not, but it surprised me that serious anaemia could have been that dangerous. Never had problems since.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Beanlover]

You were so lucky. Thank goodness. That’s the trouble with drugs they cure one thing, then give you another. I have Atrial Fibrillation but only now and again at the moment, but l believe it is progressive. It’s not life threatening and treatable but l have to take Warfarin to thin my blood as it can cause a stroke. I am always fearful of a bleed on them with my stomach problems. I have arthritis but can’t take anything only paracetamol. All these drugs interact and cause havoc. It’s stressful. Glad you are ok now and thanks you have given me some hope.

[Beanlover in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I am now taking medication for the heart issues, which are fortunately mild. Pre opp assessments seem to be a useful way of finding out things which you might not be aware of otherwise. The medication is keeping it under control thank goodness.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Beanlover]

All the best to you. Thanks for your time. It’s good to help each other and saves lots of stress. Can l just ask another question? Did your skin itch? Mine does.

[Beanlover in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I had what they call restless legs syndrome, which feels like creepy crawlies crawling all over your legs at night. Horrible sensation, but went as soon as my haemoglobin count went up. A magnesium spray can help with that. I think I got one from Holland and Barrett. I had pins and needles in my arms and legs when I was really bad., not what I would call general itching, but people can have all sorts of symptoms I think. Magnesium does seem to help, not sure why.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Beanlover]

Thank you. Take care.