Target iron levels

[50568789]

Had 3 blood tests over last 9 months to monitor low iron / anaemia and effect of taking iron supplement (ferrous Fumarate 210mg per day). Advised by GP ( week before last blood test) that I am not currently anaemic ( how did they know?) and iron supplement withdrawn. I was also interested in effect of supplement on RLS (no benefit noted) although not bothering GP with this, don't feel it's really on their radar.Would be interested in any comments or suggestions on the blood test results as follows, taken in Nov /May/Aug:

Serum iron 9 / 13.4 / 16.8

Serum transferrin 2.88 / 2.35 / 2.18

Serum ferritin 12 / 34 / 51

Transferrin saturation % 14 / 25 / 34

especially in relation to RLS.

[Madlegs1]

Your gums will tell you if you are anemic.

You are definitely deficient in iron.

[SueJohnson]

You need an iron infusion to bring your ferritin up, If your doctor won't prescribe one. You can get a private infusion for £800. I don't know where you live but you can get one at the Iron Clinic in Harley Street in London or in Manchester. The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro (SW England) has given infusions for RLS. If you don't live near these let us know where you do live and we may be able to tell you where you can get one.

[SueJohnson]

To determine whether you are anemic you need a CBC (complete blood count). The test measures the amount of the red blood cells in the blood, called hematocrit, and the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Typical adult hemoglobin values are generally 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men Typical adult hematocrit values vary among medical practices. But they're generally between 40% and 52% for men. I f they are lower than this you have anemia.

At least in the US a CBC is usually routinely given when you see your doctor for a checkup and then every few years even if everything is normal.

[50568789 in reply to SueJohnson]

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll be following this up with G P as first step. I have regular full blood count tests due to diabetes and atrial fibrillation, and have a good record of results so I can keep an eye on any trends. The iron tests are fairly new, started due to needing to understand if anaemia was due to any G I bleeding (eliminated). Haemoglobin and sensitivity levels are regularly at the bottom end of reference levels, as is red blood count and platelets, but nobody reacts to this. I need to find a G P who will explain all this clearly. Unfortunately it's a fairly large practice where it's pot luck which G P you get to see on the day.

[Joolsg]

Iron deficiency without anaemia is VERY common, but most GPs aren't trained to recognise it.You could push for a referral to a haematology dept that is aware of the benefits of iron infusions for RLS.

St George's, Royal Cornwall in Truro and Salford hospitals are familiar with RLS iron infusions. Or pay privately via The Iron Clinic. You just send them your results.

And your results show ALL levels are way too low for RLS.

Show your GP the iron therapy treatment sheet on RLS-UK website. Under Useful Resources.

Until UK doctors are taught about RLS at medical school or during training, this lack of knowledge affects all RLS patients badly.

[50568789]

sensitivity don't know how hematocrit comes out as sensitivity. Life is hard enough without predictive text.