Ferritin levels

Posted , 4 users are following.

i have been on the diverticulitis board, because I had this condition and had a bowel resection, an Iliostomy bag for 3 months, and then reversal surgery 2 months ago.  Have had strange symptoms, pins and needles in legs, dreadful headaches, fatigue, cannot get warm at all, aches and pains, memory problems.i have had very low iron when I was younger ( I'm 62) .  Surgeon ( who is terrific, really thorough) thought it could be be anaemia because a full blood count came back showing this, so he had me go for blood tests specifically for iron related levels. He thought it might be b12 related, but it was my ferritin levels that are very low. He said because I have had stomach problems for years, plus all of the surgeries etc this is the reason. My question is , has anyone else had these symptoms from low ferritin? Thank you for any replies I might get. 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Your symptoms sound more like a B12 deficiency, which is very common after an ileostomy. Ask for a course of injections. 
    • Posted

      So sorry I haven't answered your reply. Thank you for that. Surgeon said very low ferritin, but seemed to think b 12 was ok. I'm not so sure, although I have found all different iron problems have very similar symptoms. Have had infusion last week. Hope it kicks in soon. So sick of it all after the surgeries etc. I think my iron has been low for a few years now, but not picked up. Had low iron in my child bearing years. I think it's extremely low now. Shocking palpitations, very scary, hair loss etc. thanks for the reply. 

  • Posted

    Hi Rhiannon,

    I had colitis for 20 years then a total colectomy with an ileostomy, followed by a reversal with j pouch. I have had a number of bowel surgery's after this and have suffered with anemia for the last 18 months.  I have had a blood transfusion when my HB was down to 47 along with 3 iron infusions, last one on Monday.  No one seems to know why I am anemic but I read that 56% of people who have had total or partial bowel removal suffer from iron deficiency anemia...as of yet my consultant hasn't come up with a reason why I am getting this, but I am hoping he will come up with a treatment plan so that my levels do not keep dropping.

    Hope this helps.

    Bernie

    • Posted

      So sorry  I haven't replied. Lots of appointments. Yes bowel surgery definitely a cause for this my surgeon said, although I have had very low iron when younger, and no bowel troubles then. So has my sister, daughter, and niece, and a maternal aunt with pernicious anaemia.Surgeon  has found my ferritin levels critically low, so had iron infusion last week . I'm feeling dreadful, really bad heart palpitations ( very scary) and my hair is thinning, breathless too. How long did your infusions take to work? I only had mine last Tuesday so 6 days ago. I'm desperate for some improvement. With all of my surgeries this year, hospital for dehydration from Iliostomy, I'm at the end of my tether. You would know exactly how I feel. Thanks for the reply, so sorry it's taken me so long to answer, hoping for some advice from you. 

  • Posted

    I really don't know much about ferritin, my sister blood tests show low ferritin level. she is 22y and has symptoms of dizziness, tiredness.she is trying to consult some medical specialist in new jersey.

    • Posted

      My symptoms are dramatic, hair loss, low energy, no appetite, pain and much more. I'm having a b12 injection on thursday so hope that helps. Hope she gets help. Let me know.

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