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Anaemic for 6 months - doc prescribes iron tabs but but no iron deficiency...

Posted , 4 users are following.

Mobi
Mobi

During  an annual check-up in February, my blood tests showed that I was anaemic. My GP told me that I had been reported by a hospital as anaemic back in November when I was admitted to hospital with a perforated bowel which was treated with antibiotics. (I was also given a colonoscopy in December which revealed mild inflammation; I was referred to a GI specialist who told me there was nothing to worry about.)

So in March the GP ordered more blood tests, including B12, folate and ferratin and bone profile, all of which came back as normal.

I had repeat blood tests in April and again in May which show that I am still anaemic.

During this period I have suffered from extreme fatigue and I can only walk for a few minutes without becoming totally exhausted. I also have dizzy spells and often nearly lose my balance. This problem has severely affected my quality of life.

I saw my GP yesterday (not the same one as before) and he has prescribed a course of Ferrous Fumarate (305mg) , 2 caps per day. He told me to see how things go over the next 6 weeks. 

Yesterday I started taking the capsules and today I am ravaged by diarrhoea.

I cannot understand this treatment as my B12, folate and ferratin levels are all normal and I find the prospect of having to wait another 6 weeks extremely worrying.

I am 71, an insulin dependent diabetic, suffer from IBS, COPD, and hypertension for which I take a multitude of drugs and I take warfarin for an artificial aortic valve. I also have severe bladder problems and am due to see a urologist in July. (Note: PSA blood test and ‘hand’ examination of the prostate are all normal)

Should I continue to take the iron tabs, even though my blood tests show no iron deficiency?

I have been in an extremely debilitating condition since February, and I am becoming more and more depressed with the treatment I have been prescribed, which seems to be completely pointless.

Please advise, and thank you.

 

 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • sally_14743
    sally_14743 Mobi

    Posted

    Hi

    ask to be referred to the blood management dept at your local hospital.

    they will get to the bottom of what you are lacking to build healthy blood cells . 

     

  • martin31040
    martin31040 Mobi

    Posted

    Hi, did they tell your Iron levels, ferritin and haemoglobin?, ferrous fumarate can play havoc with your digestive system, I could not tolerate it, so I bought my own iron supplement, bisglycinate iron capsules much milder gives me no problems, I open the capsules up into about 100 mils of water with effervescent vitamin C in it, vitamin C helps absorb the iron much better, I took 1 capsule in a morning 1 at night, your haemoglobin level should be between 12 to 15, ferritin iron store 15 to 150, will send you PM.
  • Lady_C
    Lady_C Mobi

    Posted

    Dear Mobi,

    i would advise you go back to your GP or Drop-in Clinic to have them review it/dosage and refer you. Ask questions. if possible write them down so that you do not forget. i know that GP consultations can be rushed but make sure you come out satisfied with some peace of mind. Its possible that the reaction you are getting may be because you are also on other prescribed drugs and may be interfering with each other. i would also suggest you see another doctor different from the one you saw as this may provide a second opinion or view.

    Good Luck and i wish you well.

    Lady C

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