Now I know why

Now I know why I have been feeling like "dammit" for the past couple of months. I had labs drawn on friday of last week. Heard back from them Wednesday, via fax. My Ferritin level is 4! Basically, I have no iron. Waiting to hear back from the doctor as to what we plan to do about this. Has anyone else had a very low Ferritin level? If so, what's your story? How did your doctor handle it? I know there are a few options, taking iron orally (which would probably work, but is very slow), iron injections and IV Iron transfusions (both of which carry several side effects).

I had to have the IV iron transfusion and it took several hours. I can't really tell you if it bothered me or not because it was just a part of the cancer treatment. I'm just glad that so many little things were found while I battled the bigger thing. I still have to be checked on a regular basis but haven't had to have anything else done since October. I wasn't aware of any side effects. Of course I was so out of it back then that I was probably told but didn't comprehend. I feel great most days and am thankful that this doctor put me on the B12 shots as well. What a blessing they have been. I was anemic when I was pregnant with my daughter and a couple of other times but this was the only time I've had the IV done. Let me know which option you go with. I wasn't really given a choice.

Blessings,
DebbieDoo

Proud you are doing better! I may not be given a choice either, just waiting to hear back from md. My B12 was also low. Not as much as the iron, but low. I really think I would rather get slammed once with IV Iron than to have to recieve daily iron injections (which I hear are painful****il my level rises. All a part of being on the losers bench I suppose. Is it worth it some might ask....YES!!!!!! 

My Ferritin has been a -1. How you get -1 im not quite sure.. BUT thats what it was then the hemotologist checked it. I went thru 8 rounds of weekly iron infusions. They were about 2 hours and he said they were less risk than giving the big dosage out at once. Most gastric bypass patients he's seen have not good reactions to the 9 hour one. I had absolutely no problem w/ them. Ive actually had 3 or 4 rounds of iron infusions but finally my last ones have set me up to feeling good. That was in February. I havent had them checked again as ive had alot on my plate and no time to go...buti do know i feel TREMENDOUSLY better. Ive started brusing again and going to sleep way earlier. So im wondering if its tapering off on me. Im also taking prescription iron.. but my body just doesnt absorb it.
Good Luck. I know how feeling like CRAP is. Its totally not a good way to live. Go get you some iron ;)

Phyllis. I did the injection and then the IV infusions back  in the late '80.  The injections did nothing for me.   I think that I have read some where on here that you are a nurse and you have probaly already done this but if not please research Fe infusions.  I did good the first 2 rounds and the third time it caused my B/P to bottom.  I worked in an office where I seen it done as IV push.  I was totally petrified for the person as I knew what could happen and have seen what can happen.  If I can answer any questions for you please PM me.  I wish you the best.

Hello, I'm not s rn, I just play one on tv...lol! I do work in health care, just not a rn (yet). My insurnace (lovely insurance) will not pay for iron infusions at this point, or for me to see Dr. DeWiit (my surgeon)...grrrr! We have to try other things first. My b12 was also pretty low. My dr is increasing my b12 to daily injections for 1 week, then weekly for one monthand then return to normal injections. he is also starting me on oral iron. He has a lot of concerns over it hurting my tummy. He mention calling Dr. DeWitt to see if we are on the right track with all of this. I am pretty sure he will contact him within the next few days to get his "take" on all of this. He is a really good dr and a smart man, just not my Dr. DeWitt! I wish my insurance would cover him, times like this I would feel much more comfortable seeing him!! But, stuff happens that is out of our control. At least I hace a very caring pcp who is willing to seek Dr. DeWitts opinion!

I guess I was just thinking nurse when I was reading that you were in health care.  Sounds like your octor is on the right track.  If you do need any further info on the iron infusions feel free to ask.  I am wishing you the best with the b12.  I have also started using the nasal spray b12 and love it.   From what the drug rep told us it is supposed to get into your system faster. Ask your doctor and see what he tell you on the spray.