Ferritin of 45 and breathlessness? - Pernicious Anaemi...

Pernicious Anaemia Society

32,623 members23,984 posts

Ferritin of 45 and breathlessness?

Tima69 profile image
6 Replies

Hi

I've been investigated for lack of energy and breathlessness, tested positive for H. Pylori (and treated six months ago). Recent letter from general medical consultant to my GP shows last blood test:-

Iron 28 (range 10 - 28)

Ferritin 45 (range 15 - 200)

Consultant has told GP that any "sinister cause" for my symptoms have been ruled out and that (and I quote) " I don't think the breathlessness can be put down to any haematological cause" and discharged me from the General Medical Clinic I was attending for tests.

I'm still getting breathlessness walking up stairs and hills.

Surely a "healthier" Ferritin should be somewhere between 70 - 90 for females?

What now? I'm so confused ......

Tima x

Written by
Tima69 profile image
Tima69
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
Tima69 profile image
Tima69

Hi Eaox

Thanks, yes I have.

B12 was 290 when last tested 18 months ago.

Folate is 54 % of range

Vitamin D 30 nmol/L. (but live in Scotland?!)

I also have vertical ridges on fingernails and no "moons" (except on my thumbs)

GP said B12 was "in range" and no macrocytosis (MCV 87 was with range of 78 - 98)

Oh, and Father had PA!

Tima

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator in reply toTima69

point out to your GP that 25% of patients presenting with B12 deficiency do not show signs of macrocytic anaemia - it is a symptom and not a defining characteristic.

Also, the serum B12 test is not a gold standard test - it will miss 25% of people who are B12 deficient (and pick up 5% who aren't) if used as a single measure. Symptoms are important. If you have neurological symptoms then you should be treated promptly.

Source of this information is the BCSH (British Committee for Standards in Haematology) guidelines which they can access through the BNF but can also be accessed here if you are in the UK

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

would also be useful to compile a full list of your symptoms

pernicious-anaemia-society....

KimberinUS profile image
KimberinUS

That d level is low and your b could have dropped between its test date, 18 months ago, and treatment of h phlori date and since.

Did they test after treatment of h phlori to verify treatment worked because i read that it doesnt always work the first time. Could have reduced it thru treatment but it can come back if not followed up.

Tima69 profile image
Tima69 in reply toKimberinUS

Hi

No, H.Pylori was not retested after treatment so I will mention that as a possibility when i next see my GP.

acdoore profile image
acdoore

Can i just ask what the ridges on fingernails and moons mean? I have the ridges and caught a nurse looking at them when taking my pulse but she never said anything.

Tima69 profile image
Tima69 in reply toacdoore

Small vertical lines or bars on your fingernails (easier seen in good daylight and under a magnifying glass). Moons are the small white semi-circulart shaped marks at the base of each fingernail. Google it and select images under results for some examples.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Breathlessness

Hi everyone. I have an appointment tomorrow with General Medecine regarding my breathlessness....
Softpaws profile image

Breathlessness

Does anyone else suffer with breathlessness even though their bloods are 'within the range' as...
morgan45 profile image

Low iron and ferritin levels?

I have low iron. My HB is 9 and my ferritin levels are just 4. I also have many vitamin b12 and...
rustydog profile image

Can someone advise me about my ferritin and folate levels please

HI I first posted on here in September last year asking about my vitamin B12 levels which were over...
tmoxon profile image

Drs not taking ferritin seriously

My now retired neurologist was adament on treating my very low ferritin. For reference it was 7....
Purplegirl2 profile image

Moderation team

See all
Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator
Foggyme profile image
FoggymeAdministrator
taka profile image
takaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.