Help please, feeling exhausted

[Margo]

I have just picked up my blood test report this morning, and am wondering if my Serum Ferritin is too low. Would anybody have an opinion please?

SERUM FERRITIN 35 ng/ml 15 - 300

[bluebug]

Yep it's too low.

Do you have any other iron test results e.g. haemoglobin or haemoglobin estimate?

[bluebug]

The reason I'm asking is because you could have iron deficiency anaemia rather than just a low ferritin level.

[Margo in reply to bluebug]

Thanks bluebug, that was the only test other than heart ones. I have had some bloods done in December but don't have them with me to check haemoglobin. Would I be right in thinking the results should be more in the middle? It might account for having tingling/numb mouth and feeling weird.

[bluebug in reply to Margo]

Yep.

The reason to check for iron deficiency anaemia is then your GP will deal with it.* If your level in December was just over 12g/dL (or 120g/l) then you want your haemoglobin level checked.

If not then the standard treatment for non-anaemic iron deficiency is 1 ferrous fumerate twice a day with vitamin C and water. 4 hours away from thyroid meds and 2 hours away from other food, drink and supplements.

If ferrous fumerate causes too many problems then try ferrous sulphate and then ferrous gluconate.

*If the GP is any good they will make you take iron tablets after you get your haemoglobin level up for another 3-6 months. You then will have to retest your ferritin yourself until it gets to the right level.(The standard treatment for iron deficiency anaemia is 1 ferrous fumerate 3 times per day, which can be rough on your bowels and stomach.)

[Margo]

Thank you so much bluebug. I have just rung my G.P. surgery and am waiting for one of the doctor's to ring me, as I feel SO peculiar. In the meantime I have just downed to sachets of Spartone with 2 grams of vitamin C. Thank you again.

[Margo]

Just checking the rest of my blood test result, I also have a problem with Calcium both my results are low

Calcium 2.12 mol/L 2.2 - 2.6

Adjusted calcium 2.12 mol/L 2.2 - 2.6

(parathyroids came out when my thyroid was removed, and I have to take Alfacalcidol)

so the fuzzy feeling could also be due to this bluebug.

[shambles in reply to Margo]

Ah, when I had my thyroid removed I had an odd feeling with tingling on both hands and feet. I called the hospital they tested same day and I was low in calcium. Five or so days of taking high dose calcium, I felt fine again.

[Margo in reply to shambles]

Yes shambles, it happened to me straight after my thyroid was removed I had to have a calcium drip, and was fine afterwards. I suspect with me its the calcium and ferritin which is causing the problem. Thank you