It's important we understand the differences in the types of iron, iron saturation and Ferritin. High Ferritin with low iron saturation means that inflammation is blocking your existing iron from being used because Hepcedin blocks it. Hepcedin is released in response to the inflammation. In our cases, the inflammation from PMR likely caused the Hepcedin to rise, blocking iron saturation and increasing Ferritin.
Iron itself may have a "normal" number. Mine did, but my "Iron saturation" went to 9!!!
Found out about it via PCP NP. She set me up with IV IRON- Venofer (1x week for 5 wks). Mine is so low, it probably is causing at least some of the pain (that is like the PMR pain?). I read about how soon IV IRON can help the pain aspects and "overall health" aspects of low iron, and it will take some time to get better (pain can take weeks to months, and other things affected as well can take weeks). The simple fatigue type symptoms should improve faster.
Just started Prednisone for my SEVERE PMR pain. The fist dose day, I had at least about 4 hours I felt none of the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, fingers, wrist pain. Also stiffness is crazy. Back of thighs stiff too.
So, for a few hours first dose felt what it can be like to NOT have pain!!! Next day, pain came back and only felt some window of relief but continued to need pain meds because it's so severe. Then 3rd day, same thing. Feel a short window within the 24hrs where pain is lessened, but still need pain meds. I'm hopeful that after about 5 days-1week of Prednisone it might completely stop all this pain, but share the concern that the pain and damage from the critically low iron might take a lot longer to resolve (weeks?), even though I'm taking Prednisone. I pray it's not. The IV IRON hasn't helped pain at all yet, but only had 2 so far, 3more to go (1x a week). Relief cant's come fast enough.
You can still resesrch re your exact iron situation and learn exactly what's up or down and why. If it's iron saturation that's critically low, get a 2nd opinion re iron supplements or IV IRON. Depends on how critical yours is. If you should get IV IRON, DON'T take Iron supplements at same time as Iv treatments. Wait until all Ivs are done, get new blood test numbers and ask your PCP if need supplements or?
Blessings to all suffering such horrible pain and or disability from it.
PS, low iron saturation also can be due to a GI bleed, malabsorption or lack of iron in diet. Have to discover which.