Low Iron

[3 boys would love a girl2]

I agree with essnce 629 I would go and get an iron infusion. My ferritin was 8 also and I had an iron infusion (ferinject) and after a few weeks my levels went up to about 100. I concieved a baby girl about six months later and my ferritin was still at about a 100 so it didn't effect my sway. Hope this helps.

[atomic sagebrush]

I'd see a hematologist if I were you. My ferritin levels were 8 and I was feeling like death. I really wish I would have saw a hematologist as soon as I found out so I could have had IV iron infusions which would have gotten my ferritin up quickly. Instead I've been trying to get it up with iron supplements for 18+ months now and every period I have I take one step back. I'm finally getting closer to the ideal 70-90 level as my ferritin is now 50. My gyn has put me on high dose progesterone only pills to stop my periods for a few cycles so I can stop losing my iron every month from my heavy periods.

GREAT advice essnce!!!

I will actually take this a step farther and mention that ANYONE who is feeling lack of energy that seems inexplicable (especially if you're lightheaded) especialy on LE Diet OR pregnant - see a doctor and if your iron is low, do supplements or an infusion if needed. It is a night and day difference in energy levels and physical and even emotional well-being.

[Faithinpink]

Thanks ladies for all your advice on this. Appreciate it Xx

[essnce629]

I agree with essnce 629 I would go and get an iron infusion. My ferritin was 8 also and I had an iron infusion (ferinject) and after a few weeks my levels went up to about 100. I concieved a baby girl about six months later and my ferritin was still at about a 100 so it didn't effect my sway. Hope this helps.

Ahh, ferritin of 100 sounds dreamy! How did you feel at that point? Did you actually feel like you had energy? At a ferritin level of 50, I'm not freezing anymore or out of breath, but I'm still tired every day and can easily nap for several hours in the middle of the day. As soon as I wake up in the morning the first thing I think about is how soon I can take a nap! I also yawn a lot whenever I exercise (I do ballet twice a week), which I've read is a way for the body to get increased oxygen, which you're lacking with low iron.

Also, why was your iron so low? Do you have heavy periods? Or are you a vegetarian/vegan?

[3 boys would love a girl2]

Yes I felt much better when my levels were up my legs didn't burn when I went up stairs, had more energy, no restless leg, not so out of breath, had colour in my face, my feet weren't cold anymore and wasn't so lethargic oh an my hair stopped falling out! I think it's a combination of things not absorbing iron well and heavy periods.