Anyone have problem with low ferratin (iron) level)

[MJ13]

I've been post op from my TT Since Dec 06.  My regular doctor told me I was low on ferratin and need to take iron supplements for 6 months then have blood test run again.  If this little iron pill is the majic bullet to help my energy return to a more "norma;" level..I'll it for a while.  Has other people experience chronic fatique and was help by iron supplements??? Please Let me know...would love to know if on the right path to getting some of my old energy back!!

Thanks,
MJ

[mel848pink]

I had back in feburary a blood test purley for asking for one and saw that my ferritin was very low at 5 I took ferrous sulphate for 3  months and it went up to 21.The docter said to keep taking them for 2 more months then stop.I have been off them for 3 months now and then went to the docter after going to the dentist.I was asking about a strong metallic taste in my mouth.The dentist said I was fine i the mouth but it could be a sigh of low iron or b12.I am now waiting for blood tests results.
I also have hypothyroidism and have been stable on 100mcg thyroxine for 5 years now.I would be interested in anyone elses comments on this.I have been feeling more tired but then having night of restless sleep and my heart sometimes I can feel it thump.

[redheadaussie]

I have severe anemia if I do not take any medication. Have been like that all mylife, so is my mother and a sister of mine.
  I used to take up to 5 tablets a day, but found they did not help. Only the liquid form actually brought me up from fainting to feeling much better.
I was checked for pernicious anemia and do not have it. It seems to be just a genetic thing for me.
Ferrous Sulphate is the best for absorption. Tastes like **** so mix it with juice. I take a product called Spa Tone much nicer but still very iron taste. You should be able to get that in UK as it comes from Wales. Little expensive but so worth it!
Good luck!

[bunny235]

My ferritin is low at 12. I take three iron pills spread throughout a day and my ferritin keeps dropping. I feel tired as heck

[pagirl160]

ATTN THOSE OF YOU WITH LOW FERRITIN: Have your doctor research 'pernicious anemia' - a form of anemia where your body no longer has the enzyme which assymilates B12 into your system. Because you no longer have this enzyme - you are unable to absorb B12 in vitamin-form. You are at serious health risk. If your ferritin is anywhere close to 10 - you are in grave danger. Get a 2nd and 3rd opinion if necessary.

This condition was just covered in a true story on the Medical Network Channel, where one woman went undiagnosed/misdiagnosed for TEN YEARS! She was near-death. Long story short - she had pernicious anemia. 2 ounces of wheat grass daily will help greatly - only in liquid form, found at places like Jamba Juice and health food stores. If you don't have the enzyme to absorb and assymilate the B12 - you can take all the iron in the world and it isn't doing any good.  Many doctors are totally clueless when it comes to this condition.

[ttmoni9]

I also have low ferritin
but the iron tablets I got make me sick. It says iron in form of amino acid chelate.
which iron tablets are easy on the stomach? is Ferrous Fumarate good?

[Rachel4]

I agree with Craniac3.  I take my iron in the evenings with a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron. I was told to wait an hour or more after eating before taking my iron and to wait at least 6 hours before or after taking thyroid medication (which is why I decided iron in the evening after dinner is the best method for me).

Low energy can also be due to B12 deficiency.

Lucky me. I had low iron, low B12, and hypothyroid. But now feeling so much better thanks to supplements, injections, and medication. =)

[Craniac3]

Yes, take iron with Vitamin C. DO NOT take it with CALCIUM!!!

Do NOT take thyroid meds with IRON, CALCIUM, FIBER or pretty much any supplement. Separate by 4 hours.

If you take a PPI, it will negatively affect absorption of everything, iron included.

Pretty much don't take anything with fiber. It'll just move the good stuff right on through you!!

[claire2000]

I've been feeling soo exhausted I can't move. So glad I can read all of your info. If you can help, I'd like to post some of my info and tests results. I had my thyroid and iron tested. Ferritin came back low. Haven't heard from dr. and I have no idea what to do. I can't deal with being this exhausted. So here I am finding out my own research - which can be conflicting - any assistance would be great!
FERRITIN                                                 17           22-291 ng/mL
TSH                                                 1.9    0.2-5.5 uIU/mL
TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY 368    228-428 ug/dL
IRON                                                 134    35-160 ug/dL
TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY, UNSATURATED 234    92-365 ug/dL
TRANSFERRIN % SATURATION                  36    15-55 %

[Christy1950]

MJ13, see you body knows what it wants and when....

[MJ13]

Thanks for the advice everyone.  

Christy,  I been taking my iron supplement with my multivitamin and calcium chews at night and didn't even know that was a good way to do it.  

[Christy1950]

Yes low iron levels run in our family, my mother and my two sisters and myself are always prone to low iron and take suppliments off and on for years. When I feel like I have hit a brick wall I know that my iron levels are getting low so I go back on my suppliments for one week solid then every 2 days until I am off them. Normally they are with vitiamin C and calcium for better absorption. I have been told that this is a hereditary thing so I just keep an eye on my energy levels but sometimes I am so busy I forget and then I start getting what I call "bone tired" that is more than just tired and I know I am running low again. I have also found that taking a mineral liquid for a few months gets my up and going again.

[MKlacza]

Hey there-

I am way too familiar with low iron. Did they run blood to see if you were low or anemic? Yes, if you are anemic, taking iron can make you feel a whole lot better.

[kitty9309]

My ferritin is low, but docs don't think I need iron sonce I am not anemic.

I am however, taking an iron supplement and will be rechecked in a few months through work.

I'm not sure if it is the magic bullet, but I know my level is too low.

[ChitChatNine]

Hello MJ13 .. no iron experience here ... but thinking of you and the UK!