Ferritin/complete blood count/iron panel results advice please, do I need supplement for iron

[Nekko]

Ferritin 32 ug/L (30 - 400)

MCV 80.2 (83 - 98)

MCHC 396 (310 - 350)

Haemoglobin 113 (115 - 150)

Red blood count 4.38 (3.80 - 5.80)

White cell count 7.11 (4.00 - 11.00)

MCH 28.1 (28 - 32)

Haematocrit 0.40 (0.37 - 0.47)

Platelets 247 (140 - 400)

Iron 6.1 (6 - 26)

Transferrin saturation 13 (12 - 45)

Diagnosed with iron deficiency in 2014 with ferritin and MCV below range. MCV still below range now. Low ferritin treated with iron infusion in May last year, above results taken 3 weeks ago.

I have symptoms of feeling cold, tiredness, hard stool, hair loss, weight gain, pins and needles, cramps, bone pain, dry skin. Any advice appreciated thanks

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Yes, you need another iron infusion. Then supplement at maximum dose (3 tablets daily)

Your vitamin levels are all dire because you're under medicated. Did GP increase dose by 25mcg

Thyroid hormones can not work when vitamin levels are too low so it's essential to improve these. Then gut can begin to repair

Have you had your overdue B12 injection.

Are you on strictly gluten free diet

[Nekko in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks yes on gluten free diet now and I have not had B12 injection. Still waiting for it to go ahead

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nekko]

Then you need to chase this up, or nothing will happen. You need it before Christmas break

Did you get 25mcg dose increase in Levothyroxine?

[bluebug]

When you had the iron infusion where you given advice on how to keep your iron levels up?

If not when you get the repeat one make it very clear it is a repeat issue and ask what you need to do to keep your iron levels up.

[Nekko in reply to bluebug]

Thanks no I was given no advice about how to keep iron levels up. Haematologist discharged me after iron infusion saying I don't need to maintain level at all and I have no need to see him again

[bluebug in reply to Nekko]

Looks like you are going to have to be more demanding as you have iron deficiency anaemia again - point out it is not only painful and a hassle for you but costly for them.

Problem is some GPs refer to specialists and are told what to keep an eye on the patient but then don't bother doing anything unless the patient starts asking questions.