Ferritin 19: Following on from my last... - Pernicious Anaemi...

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Ferritin 19

BluebellPettle profile image
10 Replies

Following on from my last post..

I got my results today - ferritin. I declined the b12 test as I’ve been having injections for the last 1.5 years every 8 weeks

My ferritin is 19! Bottom range 15!

‘Doctor signed it off as normal’

What bearing does this have for me please?

I have been taking spatone during pregnancy and since although I must admit I’m not religious with it lately.

I am breastfeeding- more concerned how this will affect baby.

Stuck where to go now, as the last time I had an appointment with GP booked she didn’t ring.

Thanks for you help

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BluebellPettle profile image
BluebellPettle
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10 Replies
GayleD profile image
GayleD

Hello. I’ve suffered from low ferritin for years but as my overall iron was okish, the doctors never did anything. When I started dropping my iron levels they prescribed liquid iron as I couldn’t tolerate the tablets . Whilst my iron improved my ferritin levels didn’t.

I joined the Facebook Group The Iron Protocol this year and it’s only now I understand how I can improve my ferritin levels and I’m feeling a little better as my levels improve. I’m sure you’ll get much better advice from this group but I just wanted to share as this site definitely helped me. All the best x

BluebellPettle profile image
BluebellPettle in reply to GayleD

Hello I’ve just joined this group thank you. I find it a little confusing though to be honest. Do you just supplement ferritin with iron? I’m already taking spatone as the tablets don’t agree with me

GayleD profile image
GayleD in reply to BluebellPettle

Hi. Yes if you read about ferritin in the top of this site, it explains the role of iron and how some is stored as ferritin. As mentioned on here ingesting too much iron can be dangerous so it’s best to seek medical advice.

I hadn’t realised that iron gets absorbed better when you take it with vit C rich foods and to avoid dairy for an hour around taking it, so all these tips on the site really helped me.

I had to switch to the liquid iron as any other sources I really struggled to tolerate so my GP suggested this as a last resort before transfusion.

BluebellPettle profile image
BluebellPettle in reply to GayleD

Ok thanks that makes sense. I already take spatone in organge juice and stay off caffeine as much as poss. The tablets don’t agree with me either. But I know the spatone isn’t as strong

alderney profile image
alderney in reply to GayleD

I didn’t know there there was such a site, I will look into it today as my new surgery stopped my prescription.

Thanks for mentioning it.

Best wishes

Nackapan profile image
Nackapan

There are safe vitamin supplements aimed at breast feeding mothers. This should support you Your Health visitor should know about them.

Its quite normal after birth . Ferritin raises significantly during pregnancy but gets used rapidly.

Up your food intake . Eat more meat and plentiful of carbs and fruit and veg.

I remember many years ago being ravenous feeding. Now is the time to eat lots. Have another blood test in 3 - 4 months.

Your babys supply of iron usually last up to 5-_6 months hence the time they need other solid food.

Again your health visitor will tell you what supplements babies are given now . Usually vit d or a multivit.

Your body is working hard still do take care

Gambit62 profile image
Gambit62Administrator

whilst ferritin is generally a good indicator of iron levels it doesn't tell the whole story and you really need a full iron panel. There are some infamous cases of doctors who treated for iron deficiency based on just ferritin only to cause an iron overdose in their patients.If you do want to supplement then I would suggest speaking to a pharmacist.

Hil101 profile image
Hil101

Hello, my ferritin was always below 10 (including while pregnant with and breastfeeding 4 children). I was eventually diagnosed with coeliac disease at age 52 and ferritin then gradually climbed (over years) and made it to 100. I also got much thicker hair, more energy etc once I stopped eating gluten. Have you been tested for coeliac antibodies (just a blood test)? Anyone with persistent low ferritin should be and I never was. A good consultant told me ferritin should be at least 70 for us to be properly well. Low ferritin also affects cognitive function. I hope you find a solution.

BluebellPettle profile image
BluebellPettle in reply to Hil101

Hello

No i haven’t been tested for coeliac. I don’t think I Have that though. I used to suffer terribly with IBS but this has stopped with b12 injections.

I have a lot of hair loss though. Which still happens. I and a bald Patch in pregnancy!

Sleepybunny profile image
Sleepybunny

Hi,

The UK guidelines below suggest anyone with unexplained B12, folate or iron deficiency should be tested for coeliac disease.

NICE guidelines Coeliac Disease

nice.org.uk/guidance/ng20/c...

Coeliac Blood Tests

coeliac.org.uk/coeliac-dise...

Have you had any thyroid tests?

In UK GPs often only test TSH which won't give a full picture of thyroid function. There are other thyroid tests that can be done.

Suggest you put any thyroid results on Thyroid UK forum on HU.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected or recently diagnosed

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

Iron Studies

labtestsonline.org.uk/tests...

UK B12 documents

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

BNF Hydroxycobalamin

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

I am not medically trained.

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