tired and breathless

[Amesbury]

I have PA and Si every 2 weeks. Recently I’ve felt very tired, really exhausted, and breathless on the slightest exertion. I sort of “gulp” air sometimes. I remember feeling like this when I was diagnosed. My GP told me a few months ago to stop the folic acid supplement as my level was high. I was very low when diagnosed. I’ve started taking folic acid again. Also my ferritin was just in the normal range and going down so I wonder if that’s fallen. I’d appreciate your views.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Sorry to read you're exhausted.

How high was your folate level when tested?

Some forum members find they need a B12 injection every week or even daily.

Do you think you're getting enough B12?

Perhaps you could ask your GP if you would benefit from taking an iron supplement.

What was your ferritin result when last tested?

Local pharmacist might also be worth talking to about iron supplements.

I'm not medically trained.

[Amesbury in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thanks for your reply. I can only see “ at top of range” for folate. For ferritin it was 32 (range 30-200). I’ll ask for ferritin to be tested again and up by B12 injections for a while. It’s hard to think things through when I’m exhausted so your reply has helped.

[Ghound]

Hi, I need B12 injections weekly to keep well, also for my ferritin to be at least 60. My ferritin levels always gradually decrease until I begin to notice anaemia symptoms and have to supplement again.Hope you feel better soon, best wishes x

[Amesbury in reply to Ghound]

thanks for your reply. Yes I’ll increase my injections. I tend to wait for symptoms and I’ll try and stay ahead of them. My GP says that if my ferritin is in range that’s okay but I think I need it to be higher for me to feel well. I’ll talk to the pharmacist.

[Ghound in reply to Amesbury]

You're welcome! Haha, I don't take my own advice sometimes 🙄

Just like you, when I'm relatively well I forget to keep on top of my health until I suddenly realise I'm just dragging myself through each day !

Keep well ! x

[Mixteca in reply to Amesbury]

Unless your GP is an expert on B12 deficiency I'd ignore what they say. My ferritin and folate levels are 'in range' but way too low for me and way too low for my B12 treatment to be effective, the consequences of which are devastating - don't go there!

[Technoid]

Given your ferritin is almost at the bottom of the range, could certainly be a factor. What dosage of folic acid were/are you taking?