Ferrous Sulphate

[norwegianjock]

Diagnosed Aneamic 13 weeks ago at 120 then went to 123 nit Anaemic Ferratin level at 12 so another 8 week course of ferratin Sulphate yuk. Now at 118 and Ferratin at 9 can someone explain why it went up a little now went backwards, I feel absolutely drained no energy but got a disabled husband to look after I'm only 57 had Total hysterectomy at 41,went through early menopause no hrt prescribed at that time. This all came to light has u had a Pre op for my coming up total knee replacement which is now on hold can someone tell me what happens next with the blood work. I am Allergic to Iodine, and I have Tachycardia and Asthmatic and loads of other things though won't go into them on this site. Help. I'm scared.

[taka Administrator]

Hi norwegianjock welcome! This forum has anaemia in the title but there are several different types of anaemia. Pernicious anaemia is one type - this is an autoimmune condition which leads to a vitamin B12 deficiency and which sometimes causes macrocytic anaemia. It sounds like you have an iron deficiency anaemia, which is another different type which causes microcytic anaemia. Many of us with pernicious anaemia also have problems absorbing iron too so we may know a little bit about iron deficiency anaemia, but not necessarily enough to help you much, sorry.

I'm not entirely sure what measurement the 120/123/118 refer to - possibly haemoglobin? Whatever it is I wouldn't worry too much about small differences in blood test results. Often things like how hydrated (or not) we are can change blood readings a little bit up or down and are nothing to worry about.

However, it does sound like the iron you are taking is not really helping to raise levels much so I think it would be a good idea to go back to your GP and ask what to do next. They may want to change the dose you are on or switch you to another type of iron tablets (eg ferrous fumerate, ferrous gluconate) or try something else like an iron infusion.

Were you given any advice on how to take your Ferrous sulphate? It is best absorbed away from food, with some vitamin C but that may or may not be what you have been advised to do since you mentioned you also have other health issues. Something to check with your GP or a pharmacist maybe?

Since you've come to our B12 related forum have you also had your vitamin B12 levels checked recently? A B12 deficiency can also lead to similar exhaustion type symptoms as an iron deficiency anaemia. May be worth asking your GP to check this next time you have blood tests too just in case too.

I sympathise with how you feel. When I found out I had iron deficiency (low iron & ferritin but not low enough to lead to anaemia) and it made me feel atrocious - like I was swimming through treacle with no energy. Getting my levels higher has made a world of difference to me - things like my my breathlessness and tinnitus symptoms disappeared and I have much more energy.

Good luck getting your levels up and with your knee op when it happens!

[fbirder in reply to taka]

Like taka says, it could be a problem absorbing that particular for of iron supplements.

To get absorbed the iron has to be dissolved. This happens much more easily in an acidic environment. But, as we age our stomach produce less acid, making it more difficult to absorb iron.

Certain chemicals can form a loose bond with iron atoms (called chelation) that helps the iron dissolve. Two such chemicals are citric acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). You can buy fizzy Vitamin C tablets that also contain citric acid. Taking your iron with these can greatly increase absorption.

You can also buy iron that is already chelated. Iron bisglycinate and iron fumarate are common. They are a litttle more expensive but you don’t get so many gut problems with them (lots of people get really bad constipation).