Lab Result Questions

You iron is really low.

My ferritin dropped to 16, and I just got infusion. I get infusions every few ears then take heme iron to try to last longer between infusions.

But with ferritin at 16 I had all symptoms of low iron, including severe RLS.

Even a day after infusion - just 24 hours- I can feel a difference.

If you can get infusions- go for it. When symptoms like your start - it may be difficult to bring it up with just oral iron. Difficult and take long time.

I faxed my records to the new Bariatric office. However, surgeon is out till next Wednesday, so I can't set up an appointment.

So, I decided to take the bull by the horns and email back the PCP (that said my labs are fine) and lay it out for him. With all my symptoms I am at least anemic, low on Vitamin D and possibly dehydrated. I told its affecting my work and my ability to drive.

I will let you know what he says. I requested at least IV iron and possibly fluids. 50,000 IU of VD would be great too. :-)

Can I ask why you think you are dehydrated and why you need IV fluids? As your surgery was four years ago, there should be no medical reason why you can't bring your hydration levels up on your own.

I am thirsty all the time. Unless, thirst is related to low iron.

I have not heard of thirst being related to iron. I would bring up the thirst with your doctor, though.

My concern is that demanding procedures, when they are not necessary, may make your doctor dismissive of legitimate requests, such as hematologist referrals.

64 ounces if fluid a day is a rule of thumb. But not a hard and fast rule. I feel like crap at under 120 ounces, and usually drink about 200. We all need to drink to our individual needs.

An iron infusion can last a long time. It keeps levels for most people up for 6 months to a couple of years. But IV fluids will only hold you for a day. You'll have to drink the day after, and the day after that, and so on. Drink your fluids.

Don't bother with prescription D from your doctor. Prescription Vitamin D is usually in the form of D2 which the body has to convert to D3 to use. That means that you are not actually getting a high dose of D. You are better off buying dry (not suspended in oil or gummies) D3 over the counter and monitoring you labs until you find the right dose for you. I had to take 50,000 units per week for a long time before I got to the high end of normal numbers. Now I take 25,000 weekly and have been maintaining at around 60 for a few years.