Help!!!! What the heck does it mean when you have a ferritin of 11 but an iron saturation of 98% (normal is 25-50%...is this transferrin iron saturation?) and iron (not sure if this is serum iron, it just says iron) is 47 UMOL/L (normal is 11-27).
I'm sooooo confused!!!! My hemoglobin is now normal at 120 (reg 115-165) and hematocrit is just a little low at .360 (reg .37-.47). My hemoglobin is up from 102 since taking nexium now for three weeks for an ulcer. So, obviously I'm feeling wayyy better than what I was but still have some fatigue. I'm trying to make my way up to 5 km with jogging and I am terribly weak for a day or two after jogging.

My doctor (GP) had me taking 900mg iron supplements but I kicked that back to 300 after feeling horrible from it. Still, I was worried that I was poisoning myself with too much iron. Now I get these blood results of iron and have these discrepancies. Am I taking supplements when I shouldn't be? Am I poisoning myself with iron? OH. Another thing that is off is the UIBC (...something Iron Binding Capacity). It is at 1 with normal being 19-51. I don't know what this refers to.
If anyone can shed some light, I would *really* appreciate it but I also realize that it must be like beating a dead horse when you have to keep repeating things or answering questions over and over. Even if you just post some links to the information I am seeking, I would be grateful.
Thanks so much!!!
SusanH

Hi Susan,

As someone with hemachromatosis (iron overload disorder) I strongly urge you not to take any more iron supplements, especially since your saturations are high. Please visit http://www.americanhs.org to read about this disorder, and consider seeing a hematologist to find out if you might have it. Doctors should NEVER prescribe iron supplements to patients unless they know for sure that person does not have iron overload. It is a widely spread disorder that few people realize they have until it has already caused damage to the liver, the heart, etc.

I hope you find the information you need. Best of luck to you.

Cathy

Hi Cathy,
Thanks for your response. I have been reading about iron overload and I'm glad that I stopped taking the supplements for now. I see the surgeon tomorrow. Hopefully, he can shed some light on the discrepancy in iron saturation and ferritin levels. One thing I do know for sure, is that I *never* want to suffer through anemia symptoms again! It is completely debilitating and I feel for everyone going through it.
Sue

Hi,
I posted about my levels being like that.
I was wondering and hoping not to be to nosey what you might of found out.
I don't want to be down to past yuck with anemia like last year. Latly I've been alittle lightheaded but nothing compared to last year. But, I also worry why mine changed and what it might mean.
Hope you are doing OK.
Later,
Mike