Hi- Just been to my doctors for the results of my blood tests I had a few weeks back. I went because I was seeing flashing lights that maybe associated with Migraine. Anyway - the results of the CT scan came back fine but my iron levels were very low. I asked him how low they were and he said they should be between 10 and 200 and mine were at level 4. Seems to me they are extremely low. He asked me if I was dieting and I told him no. I havent eaten many vegetables the last few weeks because I love pasta and Ive been cooking a lot of pasta dishes lately but in those dishes I have cooked red meat and Ive had the odd portion of spinach. I also eat nuts regularly. I dont think its related to my diet. The doctor said its either that or I am bleeding somewhere inside and this has scared the hell out of me. He has sent me for investigations which means I have to have a camera put fown to investigate whats going on inside me. I am really thrown with this. Has anyone else had low iron levels? This loow? Its ridiculous. I also went to see him with slight incontinence and an umcomfortable feeling in my bladder -- he put me on anti-biotics and said it could be an infection. I told him I hadnt seen a period for 3 months ( said I was too young for Peri!) here we go again! But anyway, he sugestsed that I may have stopped having my periods because. of stress.

Please someone talk to me about this...I am feeling so alone and overwhelmed with everything.


Gez

Hi Gez

What a mess - I am so sorry you are having all this upset and worry about what is happening with you. The Drs sounds like he is getting the tests done quickly to find out what is going on which is good. Take it easy.

First - I am glad your CT was clear

4 does sound low - has he given you anything to raise this in the meantime - diet advice - ie re iron, folic acid, vit B12 etc. When I have my period I have liver to make sure I dont get low and also up my dark green vegetables - no point in NOT getting your diet more ironed up is there?

Low Hb could be making you tired, have palps, dizzy and have headaches.....so worth considering diet while you are waiting for further tests. Dont discount the diet too quickly - liver, beef, wholemeal bread, cereals, eggs and dried fruit are all good sources of iron as you probably know. Has he given you an iron supplement? That can work quickly. Dr sounds like he is going to check for any slow internal bleeds in the intestines - did he test you for blood in your stool?

Re your bladder - He is doing the safe Dr thing - give antibiotics - I am allergic to many so dont have to go through this with my Dr. Last week when I went in with a chest infection he said - steam and Vit C - which I have done and am much better - fought it off. However - in your low iron state - you are not going to be much up to fighting off any infection. Has he taken a urine sample for testing? I use the old Robinsons Barley Water cure for cystitus type feelings in bladder - works for me at times in the month when I feel a bit twitchy down below. I have also upped my Vit C (500mg) and Vit E to help fight the infection on my chest with good effect - but high dose Vit C can be a bit harsh on the tum............

Can anaemia affect periods? You are undoutably stressed and tired - I have been through the stress theory with my Drs but my blood tests showed such high LSH/FH that I am sure it is peri.

Gez - I do hope you are OK - if you want to PM me anytime - please do - I am also in UK so you are not alone!!!

Hugs

Mele

Hi Mel~

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly..I can always count on you for your wise council and your great advice.



My doctor has given me some iron supplements but he didnt say anything about diet. He asked me if I had been dieting and I told him no but I've been skipping my lunch lately and eating pasta more than vergetables. However, I've been eating other foods such as nuts and fish and spinnach and I know these are good sources of iron. Maybe my body isnt absorbing the iron but obviously something is going on.

I am wondering if the Revival I am taking has anything to do with this. I did some research about Soya and apparently Soya can inhibit iron absorption. I am second guessing really and I feel frustrated that there is YET something else to deal with. I am so fed up Mel and feel Ive had a lot of health problems these last few years.

I did a uring sample this morning and handed it in at the surgery this morning and hes put me on a course of anti-biotics too so I start taking those today. I am not sure if anaemia can affect periods. Do you know for sure if this can be the case? I have had some very heavy periods in the past and often wondered at the time if it would eventually zap my iron levels but never really got tested. I havent seen a period for 3 months now so I'm not sure if past heavy bleeding could have done this to me. The guessing game is driving me crazy. If its my diet than its fine..I can do something about that..but other factors being a cause is scary. Sorry for such a negative post Mel but I do want to let you know that your post has helped and I'm going to try and eat iron rich foods to see if it helps.

I hope youre okay.


Gez~

Hi, I had very low iron (ferritin as well) once too. Yuo know why? My thyroid was out of whack....that causes lots of symptoms as well.....and soy can interfere with thryoid hormone replacement...not sure how it might interfere with the actual thyroid function of someone not on thyroid replacement...but it may....some folks on the thyroid board had to get off soy supplements because of it...they felt so much better once they did.....For me once I got my thyroid a bit back in place a bit, my iron improved....not the best, but better. I agree...eat meat and greens and take iron supplement...apparently it does take a while to raise it. Joan

Hi Gez

You sound really miserable and I dont blame you - so much going on.

You know - I have had laryngitis for the last 2 weeks - not just a dry cough but I am fed up with it - the constant feeling unwell that I have had for the past year and this on top - it just never lets up and sometimes we just have to vent and say 'Why me?' I dont think that is a problem for now you doing that - we all need a hug sometimes - sorry mine to you has to be virtual!!!

As far as the soya is concerned - mmm - I take soya but not concentrated form - only in the foods I eat like tofu and soya milk - I cant take too much cos I think it upsets my innnards a bit. I try to have a balanced diet with not too much of anything.....

OK - take it as read we all need to eat a healthy diet whatever and for you as you are now on antibiotics - go for the fruit and veg and fluids and iron rich food - moderation in all things (of course red meat is the best and quickest way of getting iron into the body via diet) - and TAKE it easy while you are like this - watch Wimbledon (did you see that offical who just fainted on centre court poor guy - must be hot out there) - grab a DVD - I have got a copy of Calendar Girls from a charity shop so am looking forward to that this w/e - and put your feet up!!!!! Until you KNOW what is going on - you can treat yourself gently with a good diet - it cant do any harm can it? Have a nice bowl of fortified breakfast cereal in the am - and chill. Tannins (tea) affect iron absoption I think - but important is that plant iron is best absorbed when you have Vit C present

As far as hormones and stuff are concerned - our bodies are so out of whack with peri - other hormones could well be out too - my thyroid and haemaoglobin have been out of the norm range at times - not much but enough to let me feel it.

I know this sounds pretentious and I dont do it very well myself (infact I am useless) - but dont worry about what hasnt happened yet - concentrate on eating well and relaxing - cos that is what you need anyway - I wish I could take my own advice - but I get in a right stew as well

The iron tablets should kick in really quick - what for the constipation though!!!!!

PM me if you need to Gez - Ill keep an eye on the board for you in this mini heatwave we seem to be about to have.....

Hugs

Mele

Hi - A few years ago my iron was low too )I don't recall the number) and I had a colonoscopy - that was fine. I took iron supplements for a short time. I've had blood work since and it's been fine. Don't know why it was low. Get everything checked out, all the test they send you for. Good luck.

Hi Gez - just checking in to say HI and hope you are OK

Mele

Hi kar4242..thanks for your e-mail, I appreciate it.


Mele~ Thanks for checking up on me. I'm feeling a bit down and I have this vague feeling of unwellness. I am trying hard to be positive but I've got to the stage where I am just sick of doctors. I feel like they have medicalised me and I am always wondering what they will find next. Its not a way to live and I feel like I just want to turn my back on the medical profession and live my life. I am sick of Peri and all the physical/emotional/psychological stuff that comes with it. I've really had enough of this but I'm stuck and there is nothing I can do..nothing any of us can do I guess except be there for each other.

I hope youre doing okay Mele and I'll let you know what happens if I ever go for this investigation..I'm not sure if I will.

Gez~