Ferritin of 45 and breathlessness?

[Tima69]

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

[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 Administrator in reply to Tima69]

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]

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 in reply to KimberinUS]

Hi

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

[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 in reply to acdoore]

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.