Doctor days my iron levels are low

I’m afraid not, mine did indeed turn out to be bowel cancer. That has been ruled out for you, which must be re-assuring. I hope you get some answers soon.

I have had dizzy spells on and off for the past few years. They are quite debilitating and make me feel very tired. My doctor said it’s connected to my inner ear imbalance, it does get better after a few days. I take an OTC travel sickness tablet.

I have a dizziness problem atm. Doctor has given me ear drops but they are not making a lot of difference.
There are other explanations for vertigo. I am waiting for results of blood test to test my thyroid levels (I am taking thyroxin daily but dosage may need to go up) but you should check for vertibrae spondylitsis; it can disrupt blood flow to the brain. Does your neck hurt at all.
I have some iron tablets; I will give them a try.
It's miserable, isn't it?

Yes, had investigations, turned out o.k.
I think what it is, is that doctors are encouraged to be more open with their patients now, not treat them like children who must be protected, and told not to worry. As a result, we are being told of possibilities, which is a worry, but also gives us a chance to prepare, should it turn out to be something serious.

Yes Boz I do have neck pain but more of a stiffness and put it down to wear and tear and old age. My iron levels are low and doctor is wondering why. Usual cause is loss of blood, hence the bowel test.

I have also had the bowel test (horrible experience) but will consider the travel sickness pills when I go out.
How long do these bouts of vertigo last? I have been like this for a week.

My husband has recently been told that he's anaemic, he does have multiple health issues, but has been particularly ill. He's taking ferrous fumarate but also having extra green vegetables and Marmite, which is apparently high in B vitamins. Just mention it as maybe you could have a look at your diet? Hope you feel better soon.

Bobbydog I’m assuming that your GP is requesting that you see him after 4 weeks or so for another blood test to see if your levels come up again?
If not please request another appointment.
If the levels aren’t recovering you will need to go for further tests and probably more Iron medication

if the levels still aren’t coming back up im sure you will be referred to a Consultant for investigation.

It takes some time for iron tablets to work, depending on how low your iron levels are.

My GP didn't prescribe any for me when a recent blood test showed my haemoglobin levels were low, just smiled and nodded when I said I would buy some.
They're not as strong as the ones you can get on prescription unfortunately.

They need to be taken before food with a drink such as orange juice as Vitamin C helps with the absorption.
Tea and coffee stop iron being absorbed by the body.

Your blood tests and stool sample result were negative and your GP should be following you up anyway but do phone for an earlier appointment if you are worried.

I finish my course of tablets on Monday and have to go for another blood test to see if they are raising iron levels. It’s been a nightmare on the ferrous sulfate tablets, they have to be taken on an empty stomach, an hour before food or two hours after. It took some planning to get the meals and tablets coordinated.
I just want to feel normal again and lose the lightheadedness and occasional palpitations. It’s constantly on my mind.

And they can give you constipation!

Ask the nurse when you go for your blood test if the GP has made further referrals.

The doctor will get the results the day after I have the blood test, he will let me know the outcome and what he recommends happens now.
I had my gallbladder removed 5 years ago and prior to that had 4 endoscopies, so I don’t want that kind of intrusion ever again.
It’ll be a scan or nothing.

Dizziness or vertigo can be an effect of Covid, for those who might have had it recently.

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This is interesting, and could account for why I'm feeling dizzy, tired, having palpitations, and very little appetite lately.
I was always anaemic when young. Maybe I am now.
Thank you Doctor GN.

Surely if anaemic it is better to adjust your diet. I try to have liver once a week and spinach or other leafy greens regularly but always with tomatoes or citrus to help the iron absorption. Once a week I have a black pudding and bacon roll with tomatoes for breakfast with fruit juice. Beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are all high in iron plus fortified bread and cereals.
Don’t have tea or coffee with meals and if baking try to incorporate blackstrap molasses in fruit cakes.

After having routine blood tests I received a phone call friday saying I was anaemic and making me a phone appointment for this morning ....when I spoke to a doctor who made me a face to face appointment for 2pm today......... I was worried out of my mind and thought I would be sent for various test........what a relief when told all was well bloods okay and almost a 'what are you doing here attitude'... so releived of course