HB count normal now but still not feeling 100%!?

Posted , 4 users are following.

So due to blood loss over a 4 month period I was anemic. Started showing symptoms 3 months ago. Shortness of breath,

Chest pain, headaches....etc. I've been on poly iron 2xday for almost 8 weeks now. My HB is now 11.9 and normal is considered 12. So technically I'm not anemic anymore. However, I know my ferritin was super low a couple months ago(5.5). The doctor didn't recheck that. I know I have to continue to take the iron for 6 months to get my stores back up but is it normal to still have some shortness of breath and chest pain? I've made huge improvements but I'm still not 100%. Anyone know if this is normal and/or how long until I feel my best again!?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Stacey, everyone is different so it could take another month or it could take three months.  I am still working on getting my ferritin up, at last check it was 44, and I still feel a little woozy sometimes.

    Maybe your doc could check your ferritin at your next blood draw?  Also make sure you avoid your iron tabs the day of your blood test as they may falsly drive up the number.

    Also have you resolved your bleeding issue?  That is probably key to feeling 100%.

    • Posted

      Yes I have resolved the bleeding. I resolved it before I even started the iron. So yes, that's good! I think I will have my doctor check my ferritin. Thanks for the Information, I did not know that about taking iron the day of!

    • Posted

      So I found out today that my HB is up to 14 which is great! However... my Ferritin is only at 6. 2 months ago it was at 5.5. Could this be why I'm still feeling chest heaviness and a bit of fatigue ya think?

    • Posted

      Yes I would think so, that's a very low ferritin. What did your doc say? If I were you I would continue with my iron supplements for the time being.

    • Posted

      He told me to continue taking iron for the next 6 months. As far as my symptoms....I've had some neck pressure as well so he thinks my chest/neck issues could be globus sensation so I'm currently trying to treat possible GERD.

      I know....it's been one thing after another for me. Thanks for your response!

  • Posted

    I also just been diagnosed with folate deficieny, feel very depressed tired and irritable, lost a lot of weight, no energy... been treated with AD's on and off for 19 months. Just lately I have come off Venlafaxine with the help of diazepam . AD's never worked for me, so I am thinking it has been my folate for some time.....So Stacey can you or anyone else relate to any of this... would so appreciate any help, as I am so worried...... many thanks Hilary

    • Posted

      Yes Hilary... I can relate to being tired, irritable, and depressed. I also have had a lot of anxiety. I am usually a very level person but since being sick, I'm not. It seems to be getting better but I think it's hard for anyone to feel happy when you are sick and don't feel right. Especially when it goes on for several months. I am not familiar with what ADs are!?

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