Iron Deficiency Anaemia??

[ferlew]

For a few years now I have had to attend the local hospital as an emergency because I feel so wretched.
It happens 3/4 times a year, I am very aware when things are not right.
The last two times my Hb has been 5.7, and yesterday 6.0. I feel I shouldn't have to go in as an emergency, but that this could be managed in a day unit with a regular transfusion.
Today I spent 12 hours in there having 2 units of RBC and 1 of iron.
Had cameras up, down and every whichway, I did the recent bowel cancer test and no blood detected there.
Am I missing the point here or what?

[Buenchico]

If your GP and the hospital staff are baffled, I doubt that there's much that anyone here (even the might Sqad) might be able to contribute on the issue.

However if all those camera investigations have ruled out any form of internal bleeding as the cause, then (assuming that there's not a lack of iron in your diet) malabsorption of iron possibly needs to be considered. Have you any other symptoms (such as irregular bowel habits)? If so, coeliac disease might be playing a part here.

[Mamyalynne]

Have you enquired whether there is another way you can present for treatment other than via A&E?

[Hopkirk]

Can't you just take iron tablets regularly to supplement your diet?

I'm a regular blood donor, and eat very little meat so I take iron sulphate to keep my iron levels up. No prescription required.

[ferlew]

I do take regular iron tablets.
Mamya, trying to get past the receptionist for a blood test before I get too low seems to be a no-no.
"We are not doing regular blood tests" "We don't have the phials" It's only sheer desperation, and on the point of collapse that I dig my heels in and ask, no insist - that I have one. But I am afraid of being branded a 'difficult patient'
I had one done yesterday at 2pm, and the GP was on the phone at 5pm urging me to go to A&E, as my bloods were only 6.0. and the lab had been in touch. I pointed out that they won't do transfusions overnight, and he checked with them and rang me back saying to go after 9am this morning.

[Barsel]

ferlew do you take Vitamin B12?

[Mamyalynne]

Seems dreadful to have to push you to the point of collapse before any action is taken, a poor way of handling this.

[ferlew]

Barsel, I was on B12, until the first lockdown....when I went to book my regular jab, they told me I didn't need it. So it's just about 2 years since I had one.
Mamya, yes, ths is what I want to avoid, it seems so wrong that I have to be in that situation to get any help.

[Patsy33]

That is so wrong Ferlew. Having to insist after nearly collapsing. I can understand not wanting to make too much of a 'fuss' of fear you might get struck off. This is what people are scared of. So sad.
I was wondering if you might not be able to absorb Vitamin B12?
All the best to you x

[anneasquith]

Ferlew, Next time you see any medical staff, find out why your HB drops so often and dramatically ?

[richtee]

Hi Ferlew,
You are not getting the best service from your doctor are you? You have obviously been checked over for "leaks", and none found.
Without too much detail, I am not a doctor, so what I say has to be taken with caution. As mentioned earlier, it is possible your body is not processing your iron intake correctly-malabsortion. Roughly speaking your body needs between 14 to 18mg iron intake daily from all sources. dependant on age and sex.I have a daughter who is on 120mg tablets per day, plus dietery intake. If she drops below this, she suffers as you do- fatigue etc. Google will tell you that these levels of iron intake can cause organ damage, but that is what she is on, and everything is ok then- bit of a keep fit fan! Keep an eye on the colour of your nails- just look at them with your hand unclenched- they should be pinkish if all ok, whiteish if not as a simple guide. Your doctor is the one to sort this- people on here like me can only suggest, so please try again to get him to help. Good luck

[rowanwitch]

I don't normally chip in with a rare possibility but it's not something folk see unless they work in a specialist area. As it's a recurring problem I would think most of the malabsorbtion conditions have already been eliminated. It might be worth asking if you could be referred to an immunology clinic, as there are a number of auto immune conditions where your body destroys its own red blood cells. These haemolytic anaemias are not common but are usually treatable once identified.

[bednobs]

i would have thought rowan that given the history AIHA may have been ruled out.

[ferlew]

Had a dreadful restless night, so I rang my GP surgery this morning.
Did my best to explain the situation, and said I felt rebuked by staff at the hospital.
The outcome is, one of the senior GPs will be ringing me tomorrow to see what we can sort out for future episodes.

[Hopkirk]

Well done. Keep pushing them for a proper investigation.

[ferlew]

Just a little update on my silly situation.
I saw the consultant Monday, I asked pertinent questions, for example.....
Am I making sufficient red cells. Do I have some kind of blood cancer.
Is there anything killing off my red cells. He assured me all tests had come back with nothing amiss. He says there is nothing to indicate I am bleeding "top or tail" (his words)
The plan is now for me to go and swallow a capsule camera to rule out any bleeds in the small intestine.
I am so fed up of all this.

[Mamyalynne]

That may show up something that can move things along.

[calmck]

I know haematomachrosis usually causes high iron levels but it can cause anaemia. Have you been checked for this

[ferlew]

I honestly do not know.

[imlegit]

u can take iron pills ?

[barry1010]

He does take iron tablets