Low Ferritin
The very first time my ferritin was 3. The hematologist I see has a rule that when ferritin is below 100 I'm anemic - some doctors use 50 as a marker. I had many symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, particularly pica (I chewed ice incessantly). Another symptom for me was restless leg syndrome and of course I was always tired. It's something I will have to watch for the rest of my life. I don't take oral iron so I rely completely on infusions. Last one was almost 18 months ago and so far, so good.
I've never had a transfusion. I know some people have needed blood transfusions, but I've only had iron infusions.
Janet in Leesburg
DS 2/25/03
Hazem Elariny
-175
Hi Everyone, I had a RNY in 2002. Didn't start having low iron and low ferritin until 3 years ago. Had an iron infusion times 3 over a week, got my iron levels up but didn't really help the ferritin. I did some research and started using a Iron Patch with Vit C. Last year my iron levels had increased, ferritin was still low. This year both are in the normal range! I don't know if your insurance will pay for the patch because you can get it over the counter. I get mine from PatchMD.com.