blood results

[Bev2952]

I’ve had blood test done can anybody explain this to me. And are my levels ok.

[SueJohnson]

I don't see your ferritin value. What was it? Otherwise what I see is fine, but the ferritin is the most important.

[Bev2952 in reply to SueJohnson]

my ferritin

My ferritin

[SueJohnson in reply to Bev2952]

It's fine. You want it to be over 100.

[Bev2952 in reply to SueJohnson]

𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗵𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 200 ? Xxx

[SueJohnson in reply to Bev2952]

100 is the normal standard but some people and doctors believe it should be 200 or 300 and you can certainly try for that if you want. Take 325 mg of ferrous sulfate or 25 mg of iron bisglycinate with 100 mg of vitamin C or some orange juice since that helps its absorption. Ferrous sulfate is fine for most people, but if you have problems with constipation, iron bisglycinate is better. Take it every other day, preferably at night at least 1 hour before a meal or coffee or tea and at least 2 hours after a meal or coffee or tea since iron is absorbed better on an empty stomach and the tannins in coffee and tea limit absorption. If you live in the US ferrous sulfate is cheaper and for most people does not cause constipation but iron bisglycinate is much less likely to. If you take magnesium or calcium take them at least 2 hours apart since they interfere with the absorption of iron. Don't take tumeric as it can interfere with the absorption of iron or at least take it in the morning if you take you iron at night. Also antacids interfere with its absorption so should be taken at least 4 hours before the iron or at least 2 hours after. If you take thyroid medicine don't take it within 4 hours. It takes several months for the iron tablets to slowly raise your ferritin. Ask for a new blood test after 3 months.

[Bev2952 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thank you so much for all that info I already take iron bisglycinate 2x20mg every other day. But have been taking it with food. I will change that.

Thank you once again 😘.

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

As your serum iron is below 60, you can start ferrous bisglycinate to raise levels. Some people do not see any improvement in RLS until serum ferritin is above 200, 300.I persuaded St George's to give me an iv iron infusion when my ferritin was 145.

Unfortunately, it didn't improve my RLS, but I've since found a new med treatment ( Buprenorphine) that covers it completely.

[DicCarlson]

More explanation of iron test results here...

bloodtestsresults.com/iron-...

You're going down the right road as "...data from a number of studies are converging to implicate insufficient brain iron status as a, if not the, key component of the disease aetiology..."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The only iron tests we have are circulating blood levels. There is no test for brain iron. The reasoning is to increase serum iron levels and it will spill into the brain and decrease RLS.

[Joolsg]

Also, ask your doctor for a review of a your medication as several meds can trigger or worsen RLS. Anti depressants, anti histamines, statins, beta blockers, PPI meds. There are safer alternatives

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

sorry for delay. I am taking Ecitalipram I believe it’s not good for RLS. But what is the option? Xxx

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

Ecitalopram triggers or worsens RLS for the overwhelming majority.If you're taking it for clinical depression, you should discuss fully with your doctor and mention trazodone. It is RLS safe. Sadly, Bupropion, the other safe option has recently been withdrawn from the UK and Europe because of contamination. I have asked GSK when manufacturing will recommence , but they have no timeframe.

If you're taking it for anxiety or panic attacks, benzodiazepenes or pregabalin would be better and both are used to treat RLS.

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

I am taking it for anxiety panic attacks. I don’t want to go in pregabalin I thought Bupropion was just for smoking cessation in UK. ( I realise it’s not available at the moment). The only option I have really is put up with rls each night and lack of sleep or come off ecitalopram…. Difficult decision. !!!! Xxx

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

Anxiety/ panic attacks respond well to low dose pregabalin. Or clonazepam. But benzodiazepenes tend to lose effectiveness after a while.Why are you so against pregabalin out of interest?

It's now first line treatment for RLS.

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

I’m just scared of taking major drugs because of side effects. And I read not to take it if you have breathing problems, I have COPD. it’s all a catch 22. Xxx

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

It's really essential that you see a doctor who is very knowledgeable about RLS and the drug side effects as both Alpha2Delta ligands ( pregabalin and gabapentin) and opioids can worsen breathing issues.I completely understand your reluctance to try drugs.

Do you ever use a CPAP machine because there was recently a study showing that RLS improved in some people using them? Maybe the extra oxygen improves iron absorption.

Hopefully you can increase serum ferritin and it will improve the symptoms.

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

thanks for your help. No my breathing isn’t that bad. It’s just I have COPD mildly and it said about the breathing. But I would rather not take strong drugs if I can avoid it. My rls is in my arms sometimes too I will keep on with the iron bisglycinate and hopefully if it gets to 200 it might ease RLS. Xxx

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

Have you never taken any RLS meds? When did the RLS start?

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

no never taken rls meds

I’ve always had it but only happened now and again. But since I had knee replacement 2yrs ago and was in Tramadol for the pain, it’s really gone bad. It can be , at its worst 5 out of 7 nights. Xxx

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

Many people report RLS starting or worsening after hip or knee replacement. There is an RLS severity scale form on the RLS UK website. Complete it over a week and use it to show your GP. It may help persuade him/her to consider an iron infusion. But infusions don't work for everyone.

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

oh that’s interesting, I wonder why?

Thanks for the info about rls Uk I’ll log on and have a look. Xxx

[Joolsg in reply to Bev2952]

sleephub.com.au/managing-re...

It seems to be linked with blood loss during joint surgery. Reducing iron in the blood & brain.

[Bev2952 in reply to Joolsg]

thank you for this information. Explains why Still need something apart from strong meds ??? Xxx

[WideBody]

Good Morning Bev2952, Your Serum Iron and Transferrin Saturation Percentage are low. The TSP is borderline. At 20% an infusion should be considered. You are at 23%. I had something called Iron Deficiency without anemia. If I were you I would certainly try Ferrous Bisglycinate EVERY day about 90 minutes before sleep on an empty stomach with some vitamin C to aid absorption. Also take Vitamin D with breakfast or lunch. Vitamin D will also help iron absorption.

To me your iron levels are questionable. Oral supplements are the least invasive and certainly worth a try.

Good Luck.