Confusing Blood results
Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi
I've been feeling unwell for several months. I had some blood tests done and was told my results were 'normal' and was basically left to get on with it.
Having requested a print out of the results I see that my red blood count is 4.39 and my Ferritin is 13. So yes, both are in the range of normal, but towards to the low end. Could these figures explain my symptoms, or am I clutching at straws?!
I am so exhausted all the time and it is getting me down. I have worsening tinnitus, low mood, dizziness, leg cramps at night, aching tired muscles, poor sleep. I can't keep taking time off work - I'm self employed so can't afford it. Any advice gratefully received.
0 likes, 19 replies
Sway rachel73690
Posted
I had low iron and ferritin. still iron pills. it's been almost a year and there getting a lot better. but yes low ferritin can cause fatigue. you probably have low iron as well is that on you're report? The cramping could be due to several things but one is low potassium.
lisalisatheone Sway
Posted
question---is ferritin the same as iron?
Sway lisalisatheone
Posted
it's a component of iron.
rachel73690 Sway
Posted
Funnily enough I was just looking at the potassium - 3.7 mmol/L The report says the norm is 3.5 - 5, so again, on the low side. Glad to hear you are getting better, but a year? I was really hoping there was a quick fix to get me back to work. I love being self employed but its a pain if you're unwell.
jenny19687 lisalisatheone
Posted
Not quite. Think of iron as in your blood available for use and ferritin a measure of iron stores.
jenny19687 rachel73690
Posted
Looks like you may have iron deficiency anaemia. This could account for your symptoms. Hard to tell without full test results.
karenjk rachel73690
Posted
How is your hemoglobin?
rachel73690 karenjk
Posted
Hi Karen. It says Haemoglobin estimation 133 g/L, within the normal range of 120-160.
lisalisatheone rachel73690
Posted
i had this feeling still but have an autoimmune disorder and it is linked to high inflammation levels. honestly, i would push for a sedimentation rate test and a crp test to see if inflammation shows up in the blood levels and i would also test my thyroid levels (early in morning and fasting if possible.) how long have you been feeling bad? (also, i know that inflammation can cause lower blood counts.)
rachel73690 lisalisatheone
Posted
Hi Lisa, thanks for your reply. I had my thyroid testing (TSH 3.09) but they don't test T4 or T3 individually though, and from what I've read you really need that to properly check thyroid function? I'll check out the high inflammation too, thank you for the info.
Diesel_Dummy rachel73690
Posted
I've been anemic for 7yrs now, & though its good to know ur ferritin n RBC its more important to know ur hemoglobin n iron levels. Taking iron pills or IV iron injections are do the trick, but pills are extremely hazardous to ur liver n other organs. US doctors push them even though they're not good for long term. if u want to increase ur iron safely ur better off eating foods high in iron. Examples: smoked baby clams, lentils, quinoa, lean beef, beef liver, mussels, spinach, etc
Sockpim Diesel_Dummy
Posted
Spatone is a sachet of water naturally high in iron, which can be taken long term as well.
rachel73690 Diesel_Dummy
Posted
That is great info, thank you. i'd much rather medicate with food than pills!
rachel73690
Posted
Good morning, thank you all for your replies. I've attached the blood results, as I'm not sure how to tell if my iron is low? I think perhaps I need to make another appointment with the GP.
My symptoms have been going on since last summer. I had a very busy year, (well a very busy few years really) I was so tired but kept pushing and pushing myself. Then in August I crashed and burned - constant headaches, depression, exhaustion, breathlessness, aches and pains, couldn't think straight. I had a couple of weeks off work but felt worse, so I cut my hours in half and I still haven't increased them.It is so frustrating not to know why I feel like this. Some days I feel like I'm trying to run through treacle.
Thanks again for your advice.
rachel73690
Posted
Sorry, I can't figure out how to turn then around!
jenny19687 rachel73690
Posted
You should ask to have iron studies test to include transferrin saturation, serum transferrin, UIBC, TIBC, iron, ferritin, b12 and folate. Research what iron levels in your country before iron transfusion are given in the UK its around 6/7. Iron tablets should kick in 3 months.