What's The Cause Of My Iron Deficiency Anemia?
After noticing a recent decrease in my athletic performance, I sent a message to my doctor early last week. My primary care physician ordered blood work and sent me to a hematologist in oncology. The hematologist said it was "very unlikely" cancer and ordered more blood work. Further blood work confirmed I have iron deficiency anemia.
All my blood work was normal apart from the indices related to iron deficiency. Ferritin was low, indicating iron deficiency and not anemia of chronic disease. Bone marrow is producing a normal amount of red blood cells. I have not recently donated or lost substantial quantities of blood. I have not had any tarry stools or seen blood in my stool. A rectal exam was negative for the presence of blood. (This test involved a doctor inserting a gloved finger into my rectum and then testing the glove for blood.) I have no bruising and my blood clots normally. I have not seen any blood in my urine. I have no other ongoing health conditions.
For the last 5 years, I have run 52 miles a week. I eat very little red meat, no more than a few times a year. I do regularly eat poultry, fish, and eggs. I have had semi-frequent nose bleeds, averaging one a month, since childhood.
The hematologist put me on a high potency iron supplement -- 130mg of iron and 250mg of vitamin c per day.
All my doctors have discounted the possibility the anemia could have been caused by my running, despite there being ample evidence in medical journals that excessive exercise can lead to iron deficiency.
If it's not cancer and i'm not losing blood through my gastrointestinal tract, what is causing it? I do feel improved since starting the iron supplement on Monday, but my athletic performance is not where I'd like it to be. I don't have any further doctor visits scheduled at this time. I am to have blood work in 1-2 months to test my iron levels again.
My blood work is below:
IRON 24
TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY 380
IRON/TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY 6%
FERRITIN 5.6
VIT B12 549
FOLATE 17.62
RETICULOCYTE COUNT, ABSOLUTE 2.5
WBC'S AUTO3.4
RBC, AUTO4.52
HGB 10.6
HEMATOCRIT34.2
MCV 75.6
MCH 23.5
MCHC 31.0
RDW, BLOOD18.0
PLATELETS, AUTOMATED COUNT 206
MPV 8.7
CHOLESTEROL 127
HDL 43
CHOLESTEROL, NON-HDL 84
TRIGLYCERIDE 48
LDL 74
HGBA1C 5.4
GLUCOSE POST FAST 87
BUN 21
CREATININE1.2
TOTAL PROTEIN6.6
ALBUMIN 4.8
GLOBULIN1.8
ALBUMIN/GLOBULIN RATIO, SERUM/PLASMA 2.7
CALCIUM 9.4
AST 21
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE 51
BILIRUBIN, TOTAL 0.8
LDH 157
PHOSPHATE, BLD, QN 4.2
URIC ACID5.3
TSH,BLD,QN1.680
Anemia :: Heavy Periods And On Iron Supplements
Okay, so I was diagnosed with anemia about 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure that I've had this since I started high school, which was almost 8 years ago. 2 years ago my doc said my hemoglobin was 10.1 and told me to take iron supplements to improve it. I had to stop due to the side effects, but I recently started taking liquid iron supps. My anemia is more than likely caused by my periods, which have been extremely heavy for years, and I have to schedule an appt with the OBGYN soon. Lately, I've noticed that my periods have been getting heavier and shorter. Also, the month or 2 I've been feeling like my symptoms are getting worse. I have SOB, and I feel like I can't breathe in enough air(feels like a pressure in my chest). I also have had lightheadedness, weakness, extreme exhaustion (to the point where I sometimes have to miss school because I am too tired to get out of bed), PICA, trouble focusing, and I have been extremely pale for a few years. I thought I was just being stupid so I tried to get through this on my own for a while, but now my SOB and chest pressure won't go away and I am so exhausted that I don't know how much longer I can do this. I have a really busy schedule but I feel like my body is going to give out if I keep going on like this. I don't know what to do anymore. I didn't go back to the doc for so long because I figured my iron is probably not even going to be really low and I'm one of those people that doesn't like to go to the er unless I'm dying or in severe pain. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to improve my sx? I'm definitely going to try to go see the doc about this. It's frustrating because I feel like no one understands what I'm going through, but it seems like people on here know a lot about anemia so I thought I'd come here to ask for help.
View 1 RepliesAnemia - Blood Work :: How Bad Is My Iron Deficiency?
I initially found out I had mild iron deficiency about 6 months ago and the GP didn't tell me to take anything. I've been taking floradix on/off (finished a bottle) and redid my blood work with a new GP. The results seem to have gotten slightly worse, but this new GP also just recommended to take a multivitamin. Neither doctor seemed concerned. Anyway, here are the latest results (this new doctor didn't test ferritin; my old result 6 months ago was a 3)
Hemoglobin - 11 (low)
MCV - 78 (low)
MCH - 25.2 (low)
RDW - 15.6% (high)
TIBC - 538 (high)
UIBC - 480 (high)
Iron Saturation - 11% (low)
Iron Serum - 58 (normal)
Vitamin B12 - 348 (normal)
Anyone know exactly how bad my case is? I am located in NYC; if anyone has a good doctor that takes iron deficiency more seriously, can they recommend the doctor?
Blood Work :: Is This Iron Deficiency Anemia?
These were done during a regular physical exam and my regular dr. said I was definitely anemic, but she never did do an iron panel. After thinking back on my symptoms, I had several..headaches, tinnitus, fatigue, rapid heart rate with exertion, and shortness of breath with exertion. Three weeks ago I was started on iron supplements. Here are my abnormals or near low normals from 3 weeks ago:
RBC 5.45 (4.00-5.36)
Hgb 12.5 (12-16)
MCV 74 (81-98)
MCHC 30.9 (31.2-35.2)
RDW 24.2 (11.0-14.5)
anisocytosis present
hypochromasia present
ovalocytes present
She determined that my anemia was due to menorrhagia and I then made an appt. with a GYN.
The GYN looked at these labs and said this is NOT anemia. She then ordered an iron panel, which she said was normal:
Iron 142
TIBC 356
Ferritin 14
She called today and again said this is not anemia, but some other blood issue must be going on. She mentioned thalassemia and suggested that my regular dr. refer me to a hematologist. I am so frustrated and confused. I can't see my regular dr. until Mon. but I'm thinking it's still anemia?
Iron Deficiency Anemia? Here Is My Blood Work
Here are my lab results:
WBC 6.6 (4-10.8)
Ly 25.8 (20.5-51.1)
Mo 9.7 (1.7-9.3)
Gr 64.5 (42.2-75.2)
Rbc 3.74 (4.2-6.1)
Hgb 10 (12-18)
Hct 30.3 (37-52)
Mcv 80.9 (81-99.9)
Much 26.8 (27-31)
Mchc 33.1 (33-37)
Rdw 14.5 (12-15)
Plt 218 (130-400)
Mpv 8.2 (5-10)
My iron and ferritin were normal (don't have a copy of the results, just was told they are normal). Also, b12 and d are normal.
What kind of anemia does this look like? I DO have a history of iron deficient anemia, but my ferritin was like a 3.
Below are my symptoms. Saw the doc about a week ago, and symptoms are much worse than then. I am on an iron supplement.
Extreme exhaustion
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Chest pains
Extreme lightheadedness/dizzy spells/near syncope
Basically I am hardly functional. I have gone home early and missed a couple days of work, because I literally couldn't do it. I have had to spend almost whole days in bed. Very small things wear me out. I was placing items in a box (that was on my lap) at work today and got weak and short of breath.
Does this not seem crazy for a hgb of 10?? I have been in the 8 range, and while I felt really, really bad, I was not this dysfunctional.
Also, I have been having the dizzy spells/lightheadedness/near syncope and some actual syncope for over a year. The drs are still trying to figure this out. They are a good deal worse right now.
Any thoughts or advice?
Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia - Two IV Injections A Day
I have a friend who has had iron deficiency anemia since she was like 18 years old from what i heard. She's now having severe iron deficiency anemia and is having two IV injections of iron a day and the doctors do not know the cause still. She's on gluten free diet and oral iron therapy doesn't work on her. Now her situation is getting bad by the day. Does anyone know anything that could suggest a reason for this ?
View 2 RepliesIron Deficiency Anemia And Vitamin D Deficient
I have been iron deficient all my life, but it's at a critical point right now. I see a hematologist on September 14th. It takes everything out of me to get up each morning and go to work. I come home and just want to sleep. I am freezing cold all the time and eat ice constantly. I'm extremely moody and my husband doesn't understand my condition, so I am turning to the internet for support and help. I'll be getting an iron transfusion and blood transfusion as well. I don't absorb iron like everyone else as I had a gastric bypass in 2008. I am also not absorbing my Vit D 50,000 IU pills once a week either. I'm just at my wits end here.
View 1 RepliesHemochromatosis :: Anemia And Iron Overload At The Same Time
anemia and iron overload at the same time.
View 7 RepliesIron Deficiency Anemia - Lost The Ability To Store?
Does anyone know what the Drs. do if they can't get your hemoglobin back up to within normal limits? They say I have lost the ability to store iron. I have had 4 infusions and have very little results.
I'm scheduled for 8 more. I am a little alarmed because the Dr is disappointed that I haven't recovered better. How much trouble am I in here?s.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Night Nose Bleeds
I think I may have iron deficiency anemia my mom had it when she was younger and I have really bad nose bleeds in the middle of the night I have also fainted and I don't want to go to the doctor. Just wondering how dangerous could it be?
View 2 RepliesIron Deficiency Anemia? Small Streak Of Blood In Stools
My husband (41) has some routine bloodwork which showed iron deficiency anemia which is uncommon in men. His hgb was 12.5, hct was 40, iron was 41. He has been referred to a GI who want to work him up with colonoscopy and egd. He has not had any bowel changes and digital exam showed no blood. However in January he said he noted a very small streak of blood on the toilet paper after passing a very hard stool. This happened a few more times after. Until the sore area healed. We are terrified of colon cancer since iron deficiency anemia is so uncommon in males. If he hadn't had the bloodwork, we would not have even known there was a problem. Does anyone have any insight on the iron deficiency and potential cancer?
View 3 RepliesIron Deficiency Anemia - Supplement With Minimum Side Effects?
husband has been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. Was referred by doc for colonoscopy and endoscopy but we have decided against this as he had a stent fitted in January and is on Ticagrelor to stop blood clots forming around stent. If they cause even the slightest damage when doing those procedures he could have a heavy bleed and as he doesn't have a common blood type we don't want to risk this as a blood transfusion may be delayed while they get suitable blood. His hemoglobin level is 81, ferritin is 5 and folate is 5.2. What I would like to know is what iron tablet people recommend that does not cause too many side effects as we have to discuss this with the doc on Friday.
View 12 RepliesUterine Fibroid Embolization - Iron Deficiency / Anemia With Heavy Bleeding
I am now 12 weeks post op. I am due my period on Friday but I started with light bleeding yesterday and today I am waiting to see if the bleeding gets heavier. At least it's nearly 4 weeks since the last period. I got some Mefenamic Acid to take if I get pain which I have done since the op on both sides of my bikini line when I have period . Pre op I used get bad pain in my stomach. My tummy was shrinking but now I'm at period it's blown up again. Doctor won't give me iron tablets now cos my blood test states that I don't need them. I don't understand this cos I was falling asleep in the afternoon without them so can't be bothered arguing with them so just buy them myself now ( I have been taking over the counter ones since I was refused them last week on prescription. How can my iron level be normal when I still have the heavy bleeding that causes the Anemia?
View 1 RepliesHair Loss :: Anemia (low Iron Level) Losing A Ton Of Hair Each Day
I began seeing bald patches on my head: one rather large one and 2 smaller ones. I also am losing a ton of hair each day. I have been diagnosed with a ferritin level of 8 and an iron level of 28. I am taking 325 mg of iron 3 times a day along with other vitamins. Approximately how long before I see an improvement in hair fallout and regrowth. I am also seeing a dermatologist for corticosteriod injections to help with regrowth in the completely bald spots. I am strongly considering shaving my whole head?
View 4 RepliesAnemia :: Bruising With Anemia?
I noticed that I bruise very easily lately. I was told back in February I had very low iron so was taking 325 mg of iron (ferrous sulfate) 3x a day! I took this for 3 months, had my iron levels checked AGAIN and my iron went DOWN MORE instead of up!
I was having major leg cramping at night-- that has gone down since I've been taking a muscle relaxer EVERY night due to my TMJ acting up at the same time. I am still taking iron supplements and trying to eat more iron but due to TMJ it is hard at times. I drink TONS of water.
I have had itchy legs in the evening so I scratch them and I noticed the other day my thigh, the outside of my right thigh (quadricep really) is BRUISED, like bad! I also notice small bruises on my ankle bones which I have NO clue where I get them from. I see my doc again next week and will bring this up. Anyone else have this going on? I also black out a lot when I stand up, but that has been going on for years. Usually if I get up too fast.
p.s. my thyroid and kidney function came back normal. I had a whole panel done, with blood work. I think my vitamin D was a little low but I take extra of that with calcium at night.
Anemia :: How To Get Some Vitamin C?
My most recent hemogram shows that my ferritin is at 0.7, and that scared the pants out of me. I also have low hemoglobin, my serum iron is nearly at normal levels, just a few points below normal. I have to wait for my doctor to come from his medical absence before I can show him the tests.
Until then I'm taking the iron supplements I was prescribed 2 months ago. I want to take some vitamin C to help with the absorption, but I have a little issue: I'm allergic to citric acid, so orange juice or other citrus fruits are out of the question.
Any suggestions on what I should eat to give my iron levels a push? Or should I just get a vitamin C supplement as well?
Anemia With Very Low Immunoglobulin?
I was told I have anemia a long time ago and have been taking B-12 shots for years. now the DRS tell me I have very low immunoglobulin? Can anyone tell me more about this? I also want to ask does anyone with anemia crave peanut butter?. I also have found myself chewing ice. I never had done this.
View 2 RepliesLymphoma :: Always Cause Anemia?
does lymphoma always cause anemia?
View 1 RepliesAnemia And Thyroid
OK here whats going on with my health.in 2009 I had what drs told me it was "panic attack" later on started feeling depressed along with body aches and nausea and lost of appetite and headaches. Well I was told it was caused by depression so was prescribe drugs .i had them a few weeks but stopped taking them because they were just making me feel really sick .I was diagnosed with lupus in 2011. Before being diagnosed with lupus it took several yrs for doctors to diagnosed me with lupus. They did several lupus test until it finally showed up. Few yrs ago I started noticing that when I would swallow something in my throat would bother me and was dealing with hoarseness but drs didn't really care about it.in 2012 I went to see my Dr about stomach discomfort and some chest pains and too much gas and was told I probably had an ulcer so prescribe me some meds. Never cared to take them. Last yr September 2015 I went to see my new Dr about feeling tired,sleepy,nauseous,lost of appetite,lightheaded,insomnia, stomach discomfort,headaches. She did blood work and told me to go back in two wks. Well for some reason I never went back sooo I ended up going back last week for the same feelings except worse.I was now feeling dizzy,anxious,sad/depressed, brain fog,aches on legs and arms,fainting feeling,heart palpitation just out of it. Lucky I got to my Dr office safe because I would feel dizzy while driving. Well Dr noticed I never went back in sept to get blood results so she tells me that they have been calling me to let me know I was anemic and my thyroid was off. The calling part was mybfault because I changed my phone number and never called the Dr to change it. Well no wonder I have been feeling this way and worse! So she has me do another blood work and tells me to go back and see her in two wks and gave me iron pills. Have to take 2 a day 325 mg. And some stool softener pills and some meds for my ulcer. Today is Tuesday and still need to wait 6 more days to see my Dr. My problem is that I'm not feeling very well and my depression is getting worse and my anxiety too and all these other symptoms too excepts the dizziness has calmed down a little but still get dizzy. I also noticed teeth marks on the side of my tongue. Don't know if my tongue has gotten a little swollen since ei have the marks. My question is if she noticed I was anemic last yr why wouldn't she just prick my finger and see how low I have it. What if I need a blood transfusion. She didn't give me anything for my thyroid so what if that's the reason why I'm feeling really sluggish and really depress. The more the days go by the more depress and anxious that I get .i have trouble taking naps during the day because I don't feel right. I have 5 kids to take care of and I can't focus on them 100% because I'm feeling bad. Can't wait to see my Dr and see the results of my iron and thyroid. I never had issues with my thyroid now it seems like I do. Could it be because of my lupus. Keep in mind I never took meds for my lupus or my ulcer so there are no meds that could interfere with the blood work. I am a person that believes in taking supplements instead of drugs but the way I am feeling I am willing to take anything to make me feel better again because its not fare that my littles ones have to ask my older kids that they want something because I'm laying on the sofa feeling really Bad
View 4 Replies