Iron (not ferritin) test

[Pam34]

Hello, I'm a little confused and hopefully someone can set me right. I saw the neurologist again yesterday and he was pleased with my ferritin levels (about 120) but he realised I had never had my iron levels checked. I take an iron tablet every other day (although he didn't understand why I only took it on alternate days - I read somewhere that was better but it may be one of those myths that have become fact!)

So I've had a blood test today and he will write to me with the results and any course of action. I though ferritin was the important one - what can he learn from an iron test?

Thanks, Pam

[Hidden]

Maybe you can learn if you’re anaemic or not? Other than that, no clue

[Pam34 in reply to Hidden]

Well I'm not so will just have to wait and see!

[Madlegs1]

There are three measurements for iron.

HGB (Haemoglobin) is what will tell if you are anemic. This is basically your bodies ability to make red blood cells- so if your hgb is low, generally less than 12.5, you may feel symptoms of anemia- tiredness, sore gums and so on.

Serum Ferritin is the measure for iron storage in the body. Should be between 50 and 3 or 400. Higher than a 1000, and it starts to be an issue. Your body can only store so much- then it just shoves the excess into any organs it can- your liver,heart etc. This can cause a lot of problems for those organs if they are already compromised, eg ,- liver by alcohol abuse. Haemocromatosis is a genetic condition whereby individuals cannot get rid of iron in the normal course of everyday living, and can get all sorts of life ending maladies.

Low ferritin,of itself, is not serious. You need more measurements, such as saturation etc, to determine dangers.

Look up the IDI Site on Google. Iron Disorders Institute. Very comprehensive information on all iron conditions.

The third iron measurement, is serum or blood iron,- can be about 20 to 40, and I don't know enough about that one to comment any further

I hope that explains a little bit for you.

Cheers.

[Pam34 in reply to Madlegs1]

Thanks for that. I'll have a look. He did talk about an iron infusion, maybe whatever the results come back at may indicate if I would benefit from that. My ferritin is ok and I'm pretty sure I'm not anemic. I guess I should be happy he is prepared to investigate something and not just dismiss me!

[Madlegs1 in reply to Pam34]

seems odd, if you are not showinig symptoms of anything.i would certainly do some research on that site, to be armed, before going back to him. knowledge is everything.

[Parminter]

Pam, your iron being 'okay' does not mean much. Perhaps 120 is fine for some, but it is not very high for someone with RLS, and it may be way off optimal for you.

We all need to find our personal optimal.

Perhaps your doc wants to push it up to 300 or so.

I would go for the IV infusion, like a shot, if he offers it.

[Pam34 in reply to Parminter]

If it is offered I'll certainly give it a go. I'll try anything once (within reason!). Will let you know what happens next.