Low ferritin?

[Ms_J]

I recently got print outs of blood tests that were done in November (when I was diagnosed B12d) and noticed this -

Ferritin 22ug/L (female 11-307, note says <100ug/L in non-dialysed patients is likely to be iron responsive, consider iron therapy if anaemic)

Should my GP have put me on iron?

Thanks in advance!

[Nackapan]

I discussed the very same issue with my Gp. My ferritin levels dropped from 61 when all bloods were done revealing my very low b12. Ferritin went ti 29

She said within normal range. I was shaking and breathless.

On top if other symptoms.

She said to take iron fir a trial.

I felt better when they raised to 46

Took months.

My skaking stopped as did getting breathless.

I've read anything below 50 can cause some people symptoms.

So I would have the discussion too.

I'm still on iron and 3 monthly blood checks.

[Nackapan]

I ended up getting over the counter ferrous fumerate 210 as the higher dose prescribed I could not tolerate. Also solgar and spartone.

I'm sure the doctor will discuss. I'm sure if all normal on form they dont always look at all levels. No time!!

[Nackapan]

I've just read your timeframe. I had a b12 of 106 a year before you. My ferritin started dropping at the same stage as you.

I've no explanation and it's never been low before. Perhaos needed for all the repair??

[Ms_J in reply to Nackapan]

Hi Nackapan , thank you for your replies!

I get shaky and breathless too, I’m sure I’ve read low iron can cause it and think that I’d benefit from upping the level. Like we need low iron on top of all the bleugh being B12d/having PA brings with it 🙄

I think I’ll try increasing it in my diet before approaching my GP, I find him pretty unhelpful generally to say the least and I’m about to annoy him directly with a very firm but polite letter once I’ve finished reading through links Sleepybunny left for me on another post.

I have been on iron tablets in the past due to anaemia, during pregnancy with my firstborn in 2002. Actually it was after he was born that I started getting awful tummy issues. 18 years and 2 more children later I feel like I’m 73 rather than 37!

[Nackapan in reply to Ms_J]

I upped my iron in food. I dont think I absorb it like b12!! I eat meat with vit c . All the right foods. I've never needed to take iron before even in pregnancies.

Hope you get results from the letters !

[Ms_J in reply to Nackapan]

I hope so too! It’s awful feeling so poorly and them seeming to not care at all.

[FlipperTD]

Listen to your doctor.

Iron should be treated with the greatest respect. In excess, it is toxic.

[Nackapan in reply to FlipperTD]

Oh yes it should.be treated with respect. Blood tests are needed as accurate for status.

With ferritin levels everyone is symptom free at a different level 'within range'

[Ms_J in reply to FlipperTD]

Thanks for the reply. I am aware that too much iron can be dangerous but my GP hasn’t even mentioned it being low, hence me asking for advice here.

If I took the word of my GP as gospel on everything I’d be an utterly useless human being by now, unfortunately.

[FlipperTD in reply to Ms_J]

Hi. 'Iron tablets' have been a cause of fatal poisoning [of children] and I can recall one case locally of a child dying from acute iron toxicity due to taking mum's tablets.

[Ms_J in reply to FlipperTD]

That’s terribly sad for the family involved. However, I never said I was going to buy or take any iron tablets, all I asked was if my GP should have suggested/prescribed any for me.

[Showgem]

Ferritin is low but not so low that your GP would be too worried about unless you were anemic. Iron supplements are very cheap and it might be best to get your own to boost your ferritin level or ask your GP.

I found out when I got severely anemic that my Ferritin has been between <4 and 5 for years and hadn’t been picked up on by the surgery!

[Ms_J in reply to Showgem]

Thanks for replying Showgem . That’s very very low, you must have been feeling so terrible! It’s awful that it got so low without them picking it up.

[Nackapan]

Yes tha5 is so low you would think they would check your thyroid function . My hair was falling out at 29! . Didnt know if low b12 or ferritin . Shakines and out if btesth was ferritin

[bmrj]

I am breathless with a low ferritin of 10. Feel awful.