can the Ferritin level be found in an ordinary blood test or do you have to request for it to be checked?

[ELMAGO_1]

My GP did a few tests and found I was okay, but would I not have to request a Ferritin test to see how my Iron is?

[Hidden]

You have to ask your doctor for a ferritin level test, most do not know how important it is to know when your have RLS. When you get it done and the results, ask what the number is, most doctors will say its normal. For RLS, the number has to be 50-100, if you are below that range, then taking iron pills from your doctor MIGHT help with your RLS. You take them for 3 months then go back to check if your ferritin has moved up. It can take months and months before it climbs up, and it might not make any difference to your RLS. BUT, its worth doing, so you can rule it out as not the reason for your RLS.

[Hidden]

Remeber that you should take ferritin test in the morning before you eat breakfast. The doctors use to say that this is not neccesary, but it is!

[daisyw]

This happened to me also. After reading on this site that low readings could affect RLS I asked my doctor to do a test, ferritin levels were 8, which is very low. My GP phoned me at home to say that there was a script at the local chemist's and to start taking the tablets immediately. Not perfect but I am much improved and get a great deal more sleep than I used to :). The one thing I couldn't understand was 'how my readings (Haemoglobin) were fine and I wasn't anaemic' although ferritin was so low. The Doc said that it was because I wasn't storing iron. I get my levels checked at about 9 month intervals

I would suggest getting your magnesium levels checked as well. Without reading the ferritin issue here I would not have been aware of this

[catherinem13]

Do you need to have an appointment with your doctor and get referred in order to have your ferritin levels checked? Or can you just phone up your surgery and ask for one straight away? Have read in quite a few places that it might be a good idea to check them but I'm going away soon and would like it asap! Xx

[Hidden in reply to catherinem13]

You need to see your GP and explain why you want the test and they should sort it out for you, enjoy your holiday x