What Causes Low Ferritin When Iron is Normal?

[dustybrown]

Does anyone have the answer to this question here? I also have a slightly low red blood count.

[rigelbee]

Interesting....    
I do not have an answer to your question.  However, I am very interested in any responses you may get because I just saw the preliminary results of my last blood labs and my Ferritin was low.   Do you, by chance, have Hashimoto's thyroid?  Or any other autoimmune disorders?

I am trying to figure out some of these things as well.

Thanks.

[dustybrown]

I have a positive ANA test and a strong family history of autoimmune disease including RA and thyroid disease including both Hashi's and Grave's. I find out on Wed. this week if I have the antibodies.  

[rigelbee]

Hi Dustybrown,

Is your positive ANA a new thing for you?  Or, have you been positive for a while and are still searching for the cause of the positive ANA?   I do not know where you are, but it is probably Wednesday for you.  I am hoping for good news for you on your test results.

I have Hashi's - have had for 27 years.  I am still interested in the low ferritin question.  It will be interesting to hear if any others have the same.

Here's to your health and good test results!
RBee

[stella5349]

Low ferritin is the stored iron level.

[dustybrown]

My ferritin was 43 and my doctor check marked it. My total iron binding capacity I just now noticed is kind of low too. It's 289- reference range (228-428). My RBC was 4.1, which I know is low. On most reference ranges 4.2 is considered the cut off for the low end, but my lab's range was 4.0. My great grandmother had Pernicious Anemia and my Grandma had Anemia and RA. I am wondering if I am becoming Anemic??? or if this is part of something else happening to my body. This CBC test was from July. My endo just performed one last week. I see him today. It will be interesting to compare numbers.

[dustybrown]

I have had the positive ANA for a year now and only have a fibromyalgia diagnosis, but do not totally believe in it- especially with all of the documented illness in my family. I am sure at some point something will be proven in my body to doctors, so that they can treat me properly.

[stella5349]

don't wait for them. Keep pushing for answers.

[rigelbee]

Hi Dustybrown.   Hi Stella.

Hmmm...   I am going to have to go look because I thought my ferritin was about half of your ferritin.  Maybe I am not remembering correctly....

Ugh.  The old Fibromyalgia diagnosis....     I have been told that as well.  By two rheumys, a neurologist, and I lost count of how many other docs.   I am pretty certain what I have is NOT fibro.  However, as my PCM keeps telling me, "It isn't fibro yet... but it might end up being there."     My answer is,  "Well, why is the medical community just watching this and waiting for it to TURN INTO something!  Let's stop it!"

Are you dealing with chronic pain?  How long?  Where is your pain?

Is your ANA pretty high or just slightly elevated?

I am hoping for good news for you today!
RBee