Holy grail

[Curlygal]

I have achieved the holy grail...the GP has asked me to attend an appointment *in person* !

My haemoglobin is low and my ferritin result was 3 (range 15-200), so the doctor asked me all sorts of questions about my gut, my periods, my stool and bladder. I guess they are worried about a GI bleed although I don't feel that is likely. I feel pretty wretched today but yesterday went for a walk. I haven't felt 100% since I had h-pylori and then diagnosed with B12 deficiency a year later. I'm vegetarian but have never been anaemic since I changed my diet 30 years ago. I do take a PPI. Just hope they find the reason and fix it! Right now I'd like a complete GI transplant! 😬

[Hidden]

I'll join you for a transplant😆 .PPI is probably the culprit , are these prescribe for you?

I was on these for a short period of time and made everything worse.

[Curlygal in reply to Hidden]

I have been on the PPI for about 4 years, I try to keep to the lowest dose I can. Have also tried to stop but found it impossible. I'm sure there's something up with my guts but GPs so far haven't been interested, generally get told reflux/dypepsia/IBS. In other words they haven't a clue and it never gets taken any further because I don't have red flag symptoms. I had an endoscopy a few years ago and it was normal. Maybe I'll get referred back to gastroenterology, but I don't have any bleeding, diarrhea or constipation. I do have abdominal pain, gas and bloating, sometimes reflux and occasionally oesophageal spasms. Sometimes the stomach pain travels to my back. Hopefully they will rule out anything sinister like ovarian cancer 😕

Roll on the transplant!

[Hidden in reply to Curlygal]

It could low stomach acid, try having something like several red grapes before eating, or something acidic water with lemon slices. Not a quick fix but it's worth a try for several days.

[Nackapan]

My daughter had the symptoms you describe had very low ferritin level. Low folate vig b12 d ect. Had an endoscopy. She was not absorbing or able tk digest properly.

S long story but what I wanted tk mention wax she eats in a completely different way now. .

Found fodmap guidance ax a start to a meticulous elimination diet yk find out how to absorb more nutrients.

Her ferritin is now 10. Sk still needs improvement but a start

Hb within range.

Tested for celiac but endoscopy clear

Shd is much better gluten free

It's been DIY with her food.

The hospital dietician supports her.

Hope you get some answers and appropriate tests .

[Cherylclaire Forum Support]

Good that they are taking this seriously and not writing it off as just dietary and IBS. Glad also that they want to look at you.

With undiagnosed chronic condition/s, I think it's best to put your faith in one GP who notices visible changes/symptoms, has the confidence and experience to trust what their own eyes are telling them and listens to what you have to say about the rest before deciding what to do/request next.

Well done for getting this far. Good luck and keep going.

[waveylines]

Definately worth looking at Fodmaps and checking for coeliacs or gluten intolerance. I had a lot of gut problems not resolved with b12 injections though these were very regular. Gluten intolerance was the issue-having been gluten free for 5months am amazed by the difference this has made as my gut problems are now almost fully resolved. Im now wondering if it was the gluten intolerance that caused the low B12........and whether I will need b12 injections long termly or not. All I do know is that if I reduce the b12 injections symptoms come back so it maybe seperate or a consequence who knows!!