Hi again, I haven't posted for a while hope your're all coping. I'm having a bit of a meltdown it happens now and again, most of the time I try not to dwell on it and stay positive about the extensive Intestinal Metaplasia, raging Gastrin levels and everything else that is Pernicious anemia and my last endoscopy revealed and focus on how lucky I am to have so many other good things in my life. Can anyone who has these issues reccomend a solution for better sleep. I feel apprehensive about taking prescribed and over counter meds because of Metaplasia and your advice would be really appreciated.
I have recently changed my GP for numerous reasons one being he kept telling me that a Ferritin result of 11 was satisfactory, my new GP says it should be treated and has prescribed an iron supplement but it is also loaded with parabens so I don't want to take it, he said the Spatone I was taking was not sufficient so where to go from here, any advice on iron supplements would also be appreciated. Many thanks
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Helliborous
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Unfortunately, the HealthUnlocked Software has recognised words in the text you wrote and it (meaning I.T. - Information Technology) states that you have Haemochromatosis which is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years.
Therefore, I need to check whether you have this condition before, I can safely advise.
Recommend : before you post, see what conditions the website has flagged and cross x to the ones that are not appropriate.
This is exactly the same predicament that Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Pharmacists have when working Frontline at speed.
Just double check what the software has worked out from the information you have written before you post. A Ferritin serum blood result of 11 micrograms per litre is not good but also putting your ICB’s reference ranges is far better.
What have THEY set them at ? Your new GP has more experience with IDA whilst the previous one was going on the Computer Syste. They may have taken a specialised interest in Oncology and Paediatrics in the Community. So wasn’t up to speed on Iron. I used to offer prescribing Iron but would say it’s Cheap and Nasty. Causes constipation.
So sorry to hear your down in the dumps but I can relate bto how your feeling. I also have the GI issues and have to be careful what I take. I was taking the spartone due to it being gentle on the bowel and stomach. After doing a bit of googling I came across the following and have found no issues with it............
Thorne's Iron Bisglycinate is our top choice for nearly anyone who is iron deficient. Iron bisglycinate is not only a highly absorbable form of iron, it's also gentler on the stomach and well tolerated by most people. Research shows that it may be more effective than other forms of iron at raising blood iron levels.
With regard to your lack of sleep. I were reluctant to try CBD and Hemp oil but out of desperation gave it a go. It not only relaxes it seem's to be giving me a better quality of sleep. 😴
Thank you for your reply Jillymo, I will look for the CBD oil, saw some in Sainsbury's will check it out. I've not heard of Iron bisglycinate before, I have used Thorne's B complex though 👍
I can second Jillymo 's recommendation of iron biglyscinate. Better known as gentle iron. I take the solgar brand and it definitely worked for me with few or no side effects. Take first thing on a morning with water and at least an hour before food or tea or coffee.
I had chronic insomnia for 20 years after the birth of my 2nd child, and was fobbed off many times. Finally I got diagnosed with hyperthyroid and B12 deficiency and started on B12 injections. (I SI as needed, approximately once a week/fortnight)
Insomnia was still a problem and I wasn't sure of the cause. After trying everything natural with limited success, I eventually begged my doctor for sleeping tablets. She prescribed melatonin (apparently the NHS will if you're over 55) and my sleep has been restored, it's bliss!
Also my last blood test showed my folic acid levels were on the low side, so I've recently been supplementing with 400mcg folic acid a day and I'm sleeping better. So I'm wondering if all the b12 co-factors need to be in balance for good sleep?
Thank you Calise, I have Hashimoto's (low thyroid) so take levothyroxine and for the past 6 months have been SI B12 for pernicious anemia once a week. I am now wondering if the B12 injections have depleted the Ferritin levels. I ordered and occasionally use Melatonin, there would be no chance of my last GP prescribing it so ordered from America and they thankfully to my surprise obliged. My daughter who travels with work told me the benefits for jet lag and so on so have used 3mg.
Heme iron is readily absorbed and not impacted in the same with taking it with some calcium, also easy on the stomach. Three Arrows is a popular brand to try. Ferritin needs to be around 100 to be considered good so you’re some way off. I believe I read somewhere that B12 is required in the production of neurotransmitters which are of course seratonin, melatonin etc. If lacking in B12, you won’t be producing the neurotransmitters in the same way as a non deficient person. This will of course cause issues with sleep I’m afraid. Melatonin is a hormone that can be taken and in the UK prescribed but you can also buy in health food shops in US. Some companies also ship to UK. This could help but I’d be looking at increasing iron and B12 as well as they’ll both impact the insomnia! Good luck.
Thank you for your advice Rachel, I have occasionally used Melatonin and it helped but don't want to use it on a regular basis. I do think the issues are iron/ ferritin as I also have restless leg syndrome. It's so frustrating how GP's don't listen and attempt to treat the whole patient. I was offered a drug for restless legs but it can have unpleasant sid effects.
You really need to have a full iron panel done to better gauge your iron deficiency. You may even need an iron infusion to get your levels up quickly as B12 needs iron to work effectively.
My brother, a vegetarian, increased his iron absorption by eating some onions with every meal and avoiding tea and coffee for one hour either side of eating. My insomnia has been helped by eating more butter before bed, magnesium, and getting up really early and going for a sunrise (well a bit later than UK summer sunrise!) walk with the dog.
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