Low Ferritin without anemia question

I have been struggling with many health problems over the last few years.  Very serious ones.  My ferritin this week was found to be 4.  Can anyone else share with me what your symptoms were?  I am scheduled for my first iron infusion next week.  How long did it take for your to feel better?  Thanks for anyone who shares.

Most people I know who have had infusions feel better almost instantly- within days. I hope the same holds true for you.

I just had my bloodwork done and have low ferritin level, also. My other iron levels are all good (and better than they were last year). My surgeon does not recommend a transfusion because he says I am not anemic. He will test my levels again in 3 months.

If you have access to a medical bariatrician, get another opinion regarding your low ferritin.  Don't wait till you can't put one foot in front of the other.  Thanks for sharing.

You may want to have your doctor check to see if you have Thalassemia.  I am of British and Irish descent and generally it is found in people of African and/or Middle Eastern descent. Thalassemia imitates Anemia but is generally genetic and one DOES have plenty of Iron but with normal blood tests does NOT show.

It is rather common to have low ferritin a few years  after RNY.   I deal with low ferritin and get iron infused every few years. 

I typically feel better 2-3 weeks after...I don't like infusions, but I rather have that than feel the side effects of low iron. For me they are depression, RLS, being tired, foggy thinking. . etc. 

My gut is very sensitive to iron. The iron our body does not use gets filtered by liver and will end up in our gut - so I get the cramps, discomfort, indigestion, etc... For 3-4 days after infusions. Knowing that - I made sure I eat light, easy to digest food, and don't plan any major stuff for a few days after infusions. I also make sure I load on proteins...iron binds to proteins so I make sure it is enough in my system.. Plus other minerals... And vitamins. I take a few more vit C to help the body deal with the free iron. 

Good luck. 

At 5 years out I developed Iron issues. I had been taking 2 Sundown Perfect Iron tablets (50 mg Carbonyl Iron) with 1000 mg of Vitamin C all these years. My Iron levels were always great until this year. In May my Total Iron was 39, Ferritin was 6, and Saturation was 8. I had to see a Hematologist and I had 2 Iron infusions in June. I started feeling better around 2-3 weeks later. I was tested again in July and my Total Iron was 75, Ferritin was 187, Binding was 329, and Saturation was 23. I am being tested again in 6 months and was told oral Iron is not recommended and I will need Iron infusions again when my Iron levels drop.