On Iron tablets for over 2 years

[Lindsayf]

Hi all

I've been on Iron tablets for over 2 years and Im due to have my Ferritin bloods done next week as they are still under 70.

I had surgery in June and my surgeon tested me then but my GP wants to do his own blood test. I know that I was at 50 in June and I want my levels to be over 70 as my hair is still falling out

I am going to have my bloods taken as early as possible and make sure I have nothing to eat and only water on the morning.

Should I be asking for any other bloods?

Thanks

Lindsay

[KimberinUS]

If you have been taking iron for 2 years i would think your iron level would be higher. Have you had a test for h pylori? Cause that nastiness will take your iron and sometimes does not cause any stomach issues.

[Lindsayf in reply to KimberinUS]

I've had a full blood count but don't think I've ever had that test before

[Lindsayf]

I take 2 x Ferrous Gluconate 300mg tablets with Vit C and I'm 33... it's like the GPs don't give too hoots!

[DigitalCoeliac]

It might also be worth testing to see if you're vitamin B12 deficient, as being deficient in B12 means that no matter how much iron you take, and for how long, your body still can process the iron when it hits your gut. See more about it here: bodyecology.com/articles/ar...

Also worth checking if it's worth taking a different type of heme iron, instead of the cheaper non-heme iron the NHS prescribes us. I've just ordered some Swanson 100% Pure Defatted Desiccated Beef Liver (500mg, 120 Capsules) from Amazon. As one reviewer says:

"This is a must for those prone to anaemia, who perhaps eat semi-vegetarian diets or even vegetarian diets for taste reasons rather than ethical reasons and those who cannot absorb the iron from pharmacy provided iron tablets for whatever reason. These tablets do not have side effects such as constipation, and they provide both folic acid and iron in a digestable, absorbable source. They have certainly brought my iron level up and have put an end to my low ferritin hair-loss."

Hope this helps!

Best,

Sam

[Lindsayf in reply to DigitalCoeliac]

Hey Sam

I take Basic B Complex and the one you put under your toungue every day so I don't think I'm down on my B12... Im a vegetarian so wont take anything that comes from an animal.

Thanks for your comments