Iron deficiency

[Jaquta]

Hi.  It's good to see you posting again after a long, probably much deserved, break.

My ferritin levels came back several weeks ago at 10 ug/l (down from 17 last year and after three months of iron therapy.  The norm is between 20 and 200).  My GP gave me a script for more iron tablets plus some tranexamic acid tablets.

I feel like rubbish and I want to be able to push myself harder with my running.  
Are there things I can do to help replenish my iron stores?

I am trying to add more red meat plus have vit. c with that and avoid caffeine either side of a meal.

Also, is the tranexamic acid safe to take?  My periods have gotten lighter if anything and I am rather dubious about taking it.

I'm confused.  My GP was also talking about various possibilities of which malabsorbancy was one.  Is it feasible to be tested for celiac disease?

Sorry for all the questions.  My GP is on leave for five weeks.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Jaquta]

The tranexamic acid tabs were for 'supposed' menstrual blood losses.  I don't think my periods are heavier though (and may in fact be lighter).  I don't think my GP knows why my ferritin levels are lower and seems to be covering all bases.
I'm loathe to take the tranexamic acid plus I read that they can cause thrombosis.
Maybe if the tablets were a fraction of the size ... and without the risks??

My GP keeps telling me that I am iron deficient and not anemic.  I feel somewhat cognitively impaired and use the term anemic but he keeps correcting me.

I have been taking the iron tabs too.  I guess it's one of those processess that can't be sped up.  It's not like filling the car up with petrol and it's all good to go.

I guess I feel a little anxious because I don't know what's going on with my body.
I get breathless at night and feel tired and winded walking up a flight of stairs but can run in the morning (after I drag myself out of bed).  I have spotting.  I have trouble with my vision which my GP says is vascular.  I keep getting infections.  I'm buggered.
I am worried I may be at risk of cancer due to my past history.  ??

I expect nothing too serious is going on as I'm not losing weight.

I'd really like to get out and go rock climbing and abseiling and not have to deal with all this.  My cousin hung himself just before Christmas so I feel miserable from that too.

The Winter Olympics are only marginally inspiring.  But some of the athletes are pretty awesome.  Our total medal tally for all Olympic Winter games ever is one.

I expect my GP will have a locum.  I can see another doctor at the surgery though.
Five weeks is probably neither here nor there though.
Possibly it wouldn't hurt to have a second opinion.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post.

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

It's unclear to me why you are taking the transexamic acid, unless it is to treat excessive bleeding.  A potential effect would be lighter periods, especially if that is the reason why your ferritin is so low.

I expect that you feel so awful because of anemia rather than low iron stores per se.

Eating red meat will give you iron, but the iron supplement are likely more efficient.

Malabsorption is certainly something to consider - a GI specialist might be good to consult with.

Your GP should have on-call coverage - it may be that these concerns shouldn't wait five weeks until he/she returns.

Take care!