Low Iron/Generally unwell

[Dollyroux]

Hi all,

I have been feeling really off over the last few weeks - tired, lethargic, dizzy etc. I went to the doctors and he suspected my iron levels are low (I've had issues with this in the past..over a year or so ago). That was last Thursday. So on to the iron supplements I go (I had been on Elevit, but now taking Fefol). I fainted on Monday, and have just been so tired and unwell feeling. I've had my bloods checked and my iron levels are low/normal. Apparently the normal range is 15-150 and my levels are 21.

My doctor also suspected I had an infection as my glands were up and had a slightly red throat so I've had a one week course of antibiotics. The bloods still show my white cell count is up, so I'm still fighting something off. My doctor says I should start to feel better soon, and it's just a combination of the iron and infection doing me in.

I'm still feeling horrible though and I'm getting a bit over it. I'm thinking of waiting a week and then going back to the doctors if I'm still feeling unwell. I just don't know if there is anything I should be doing in the meantime or if anyone has advice?

Thanks

[Visitor7]

It's so hard isn't it when you're run down, sick, with low iron. My iron levels are around 6 at the moment, and a few weeks back I got sick with a viral infection. It really knocked me for six. I'm not sure if there is anything else you can do, that you're already. Make sure you're getting plenty of rest and having plenty of fluids so your body can fight the infection. Certainly if you're still feeling this way next week see your dr again.
Sorry I'm not much help.

[Dollyroux]

Thanks for your response Jodie, it's nice to know I'm not alone.

I just feel like they're should be something that I *could* be doing to help myself feel human again, or at least if not the iron then I can find out what else it is, if that makes any sense.
Maybe I should pop off to the Naturopath or something, but it's all extra cost. I know it's my health and all, but still...

Urgh, I'm just so frustrated with doing nothing!

[Rivlas]

Have you tried a liquid iron? We were put onto this years ago as DD1 cannot absorb iron and this was the only way we got it up. We found the liquid worked quicker, & better, than the tablets. She had to go on it while pregnant and for a while after and it did the trick.
Hope you start to feel better soon.

[AliBaby]

Hi hun big you poor thing. I have been feeling crap through my preg too but my irons are okay. A few yeaars ago I did have an iron level of about 5 and I was actually had to have iron injections every fortnight for 2 months. Then everyday since i have had a ferro grad-c tablet and my irons are around 65. I cant absorb iron naturally so i have to have a tablet everyday.

SOme other things my GP told me was to make sure I have any meat with some form of vitamn c or have your tablet with an orange juice or a cheese and tomato sandwich. the vit c helps the body absorb the iron.

Let us know how you go.

[Dollyroux]

Thanks Rivlas and Alibaby.
Today is the first day I've felt human in what seems like a long tiem (prolly only 3 weeks! ) so hopefully I'm on the way up. If not improved by Monday, I'll make a new doctors appointment and discuss with him the liquid iron. Thanks for the tip Ali, I'll try to have some Blackcurrent juice with my tablets!

Thanks for your tips and support - it helps!