low ferritin?

I had my annual labs early due to my protein being low in November. It's back within acceptable ranges but my ferritin level is 5.7. My B12 and folate were normal. My RBC was slightly low at 3.77. I am awaiting my surgeon's response on this, but am wondering if anyone else has this problem and what your course of treatment has been, is that level low enough to need an iron infusion? I have a lot of problems with my menstrual cycles and have been considering the uterine ablation procedure to help with the pain and bleeding. I'm wondering if the low level is more related to the problems with my cycles or malabsorption and diet. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all Rachel

when you say your b12 is normal,does that mean your keeping them over 1000??? don't let them get down... Lots of times you can supplement the iron and bring it back up, it's hard but it can be done... Good luck Darlene

I am always anemic and it sucks. I too had horrible menses and considered ablation....tho I was not a candidate for it.....I had a very thin uterine wall and he was afraid of burning right thru and screwing up bowels/intestines or something. He said it wasn't worth the risk. After months of bleeding I had a hysterectomy in Oct 04! (no BC helped in the slightest) ANYWAY~I am still on prescription iron.....I am on a new one made specially for woman with B vitamins in it (tho that doesn't really matter since we don't absorb much be thru our intestines anymore) I am supposed to go in one of these days and get my labs redrawn.....I might do it tomorrow morning. I will let ya know if this new fancy iron is doing any good.....it is hard to get the levels up and permantly....might always deal with it Wishing you the best....Take Care jesi

Hi Rachael, I posted this reply on the main board, but I'll post it here too. I will be 5 years post op in July and have had problems with low ferritin. I have had a series of 2-3 iron infusions every six months for the past 2 years. I have needed them when my ferritin level got below 6. This past December my ferritin level didn't register! It just showed up as less than 2 on the lab results. Needless to say, I went straight from the hematologist's office to the infusion room. If you're not already seeing a hematologist, ask for a referral. PCPs and Surgeons don't have enough information on it since it's not their specialty. My PCP didn't do anything when my iron level kept dropping and dropping and I finally insisted on a referral to a hematologist. She was appalled that he had not sent me for an iron infusion. I felt completely exhausted all the time, weepy, irritable. I wanted to sleep ALL day long. Your hemoglobin CAN be in the normal range, and your ferritin can be low. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your blood, so it's important for it to be at a normal level in order for us to feel "normal." With that being said.. I will give you a little background on my situation. I do not absorb ANY iron by mouth. My PCP tried prescription iron (a few different kinds) 3 times a day for 6 weeks, and at the end, my level had dropped. That is when I asked for a referral because I could not go on feeling the way I was feeling. The iron infusions take about 6-8 hours each, in the hospital. They will do a small test dose and wait for 30 minutes, if there is no reaction after 30 minutes, they will start a Benadryl IV. After that is done, they start the iron infusion. You should be hooked up to monitors (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, etc) the entire time. There is a risk for a serious allergic reaction that can be fatal. If you're monitored closely, you would be fine. They had to slow down my drip a few times when my blood pressure went very low. The first few days after the infusion I feel VERY sick with a headache. After about 3 days I get terrible stiffness and pain in my joints. The hematologist said it's normal and caused from the iron synthesizing in your body and joints. After about a week, I feel like a million bucks!!! The few days of discomfort is SO worth it! My first sign that my ferritin and iron are low is that I crave popcorn! Sounds strange, but I KNOW I'm low when it's all I want to eat. My Dr. said it's a pretty normal (but strange) craving. Chewing ice is a common one also, but I never had that symptom. Whew.. I'm writing a novel! Anyway.... Please ask for a referral to a hematologist.. It's important to get your levels back to normal. They deal with this type of thing a lot more than a regular PCP or surgeon does, so therefore are more comfortable ordering an infusion. One more note... the hematologist suggested that I get a hysterectomy to reduce the monthly blood loss. I have horrible and heavy periods and that only adds to the serious anemia problem. I have not made a decision on it yet. I wish you the best.. and get that level up! You will feel so much better! Laurie