Low ferritin and symptoms

[CtResident]

I have predominantly left-sided sensory symptoms. Burning in my thigh, banding in my shins, paresthesias in my foot (sometimes my right big toe), facial numbness (not pain of the TN variety though!)

So if my ferritin is low, wouldn't that affect my entire body, not just half of it?

And how does low ferritin possibly mimic the vast array of MS symptoms? I have heard of low B-12, or Lyme disease. But not the ferritin issue.

Also, wouldn't low ferritin match up with low iron or anemia? HELP.

Suzanne

[Quixotic1]

I do not doubt that you read something that said that what you posted.  Who ever said that is mistaken.  You are right that info on the internet is not always correct.

I should have explained that my information comes from my education.  I am an MD and I practiced General Pediatrics for 23 years, working up and treating scads of iron deficiency anemia, lead toxicity and all those things that go along with iron deficiency.  In evaluating the problem you look at the entire sequence of Hemoglobin, Red Blood Cell Indices (MCV, MCH), Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW), Serum Iron Level, Serum Iron Binding Capacity, and Ferritin.  The Ferritin level is the most sensitive test for showing low iron stores in the body.

I shouldn't have even commented on the issue, except I wanted to make the point that you can be iron-deficient and not be anemic.  I apologize for interrupting the conversation.  I hope, no offense taken.

Quix, MD

[peastalker]

Look up Low iron stores and Multiple Sclerosis. If you don't type in the searches correctly you may come up with less info. Again remember what you read on the internet isn't always true :) Or is It....

[peastalker]

I have to differ with you in regard to the Gold Standard level of testing. Both my OB and family Dr have relied on my Hemoglobin to detect anemia. And apparently the Neuro in the hospital saw nothing wrong. I think that if the hemoglobin comes up low than they would suspect, and then confirm with the Ferritin testing. I know all Drs are different. I will try and find the info for you on Iron and MS or you can do a web search and find many articles relating. Thanks for your input.

[6-paq]

Thanks for this interesting thread.

I have always had a problem with low iron (I've been denied donating blood numerous times and was always on an iron supplement when pregnant).

I figured that with all of my CBCs being normal that my iron stores were normal as well.   Perhaps that is something that I can check on.

[Quixotic1]

Tahnks for your post.  You are correct that you can have a normal hemoglobin level but still be iron deficient.  The blood count and hemoglobin are about the last things to go.  The gold standard is actually the ferritin level, and is evaluated in combination with Iron Binding Capacity.  Serum Iron levels flucctuate too rapidly and are not accurate.  Ferritin is the most sensitive.

And thank you for emphasizing that low iron stores can have devastating effects neurologically.  Thought those effects typically resolve when the iron is brought back up, but in a small growing child, severe iron deficiency can harm normal brain growth and development.

What did you find out about iron deficiency and MS?

Quix

[peastalker]

Please consider getting your Iron levels checked (Serum Iron). Before my Dx of MS I was always tired and had poor balance. Thought nothing of it, busy mom, busy lady. My Dr did a complete blood panel and said my CBC was fine 4.8 no Anemia, good red blood cells and hemoglobin 15.2 The gold standard to measure for Iron deficiency. 3 days later I was in the hospital with Optic Neuritis. I woke up with my left eye rolled up into my socket and no vision. I was scared. I was in the hospital for 9 days while they ran every test in the world. Finally on day 7 I was started on Solumederol and my vision and eye placement returned within 4 hours. During my stay I asked a nurse what my Iron levels where. She looked them up on the computer in my room they where way hard to find like on page 9 of my blood work. My CBC was on page 1 and all looked well. Anyways my Iron stores where at 17 ( range 40-175 ) We both looked shocked. I was immediately put on Iron injections. After 6 months my levels only went up to 27 and I was terribly constipated. I was introduced to a Liquid form of Iron ( FLORAVITAL or FLORADIX ) and told It would assimilate in my body better than the pill and would not cause constipation. Yeah Right! So I tried it and within 2 months my levels went up to 48. I feel wonderful, no fatigue and I lost 12 pounds without trying. I guess the increased energy burned the calories. NO CONSTIPATION, was the second best part. I began to research Iron Deficiency and Multiple Sclerosis and was surprised at what I found. I  would not try this until you know your Iron Levels so have your Dr do A IRON and IRON BINDING CAPACITY blood test and you will get a better picture. Good Luck!