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Blood test results back.. low 'seretin'.. what?

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Char12
Char12

So my blood tests have just come back and the receptionist told me I have low levels or b12 and 'seretin' but sounded a bit hesitant in her pronunciation. What is seretin and could it be a cause or my depression? I'm starting to wonder if she could have mispronounced serotonin but I'm not sure if that can be tested through blood. 

I've been told my gp wants to see me again. Can anybody explain what these results might mean and what might be the next steps from here? Thanks

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • julie1111
    julie1111 Char12

    Posted

    hi its something we need . how come they tested you for seretin x
  • Emis_Moderator
    Emis_Moderator Char12

    Posted

    Hi,

    It may have been ferritin. If you were also having B12 measured are you being investigated for possible anaemia or iron deficiency?

    See http://labtestsonline.org.uk/understanding/analytes/ferritin/tab/glance/ and

    https://patient.info/health/vitamin-b12-deficiency-and-pernicious-anaemia

    Regards,

    Alan

    • Char12
      Char12 Emis_Moderator

      Posted

      Ah okay that would make sense. She was taking blood to test whether I had an underactive thyroid. Would low levels of ferretin  and B12 be enough to cause depression? Also, are these easily treatable and will my depression go once treated?
    • Emis_Moderator
      Emis_Moderator Char12

      Posted

      The link to our article on B12 deficiency above quotes below but this is something you will need to talk to your GP about.

      If left untreated, problems with nerves and psychological problems can develop. Psychological problems may include depression, confusion, difficulty with memory or even dementia. Nerve problems may include numbness, pins and needles, vision changes and unsteadiness.

    • Char12
      Char12 Emis_Moderator

      Posted

      Honestly a bit worried now because I've been feeling these symptoms for years. It's gotten especially bad lately though. I have become a vegetarian within the past year too which has probably made things worse.
    • Callamatie
      Callamatie Char12

      Posted

      It's probably an iron deficiency then if your vegetarian, which can easily be solved by taking iron tablets. Best to see your GP 1st so they can discuss it with you.
    • Callamatie
      Callamatie Char12

      Posted

      Found this quote on wiki about ferritin

      'Vegetarianism may contribute to low levels of serum ferritin, with one study finding 19% of vegetarians tested with iron deficiency'.

  • patricia85842
    patricia85842 Char12

    Posted

    Hi Char while treating my depression my GP sent me for blood tests.  Mine also came back with a deficiency in vitamin B12.  They treat it by you having 6 injections every other day and then every 3 months
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