Iron Deficiency Anemia: At what ferritin level do you get infusions?

Hello @jamislp,

I would like to join @amandajro in welcoming you to Mayo Connect. I can certainly understand your concern about your daughter's blood tests.

Perhaps you might find this article, from Mayo Clinic's website, helpful. Here is the link,

-Iron Deficiency Anemia:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-
deficiency-anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355040

I hope that you have had the opportunity to read some of the other posts from the members of this group about their journey dealing with iron deficiency anemia. I would also like to invite @johnbishop to this conversation for any other ideas he might have.

You mentioned that there are 10 areas that have been flagged. If you are comfortable doing so, could you share what other areas have been flagged? Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by many factors. Since your daughter will be getting infusions, I'm wondering what tests have been done to determine what might be the cause of her anemia.

@jamislp, I agree with @roch that the answer is working with your doctor and asking questions as to what is causing the low ferritin numbers. In my case, the iron deficiency anemia was due to my giving blood every 8 weeks. I'm guessing this is probably not the cause for your daughter.

Hoping you and your daughter will be able to discuss it with her doctor and find some answers.

Thank you for the response. Red Blood cell count 3.79, Hemoglobin 10.8, Hematocrit 33.5%, Lymphocytes 25.9%, Monocytes 12.4%, Total Iron Binding capacity 440, Percent Iron Saturation 7%, Unsaturated Iron Binding 411. Ferritin 7. She is starting infusions tomorrow morning so hopefully this will get her levels up.

I did not know how to post about asking a question, I am just wondering why no drs treated or even told me of my anemia, I have been anemic that I know of since my first blood test in 01/10/22, I have had 4 more blood tests since then each time anemic, it's now been 11 months and now I'm getting dizzy and nauseous, and just finally had a PA send off some blood work and came back low iron and anemia. She has now put me on Iron pills, but I am wondering why the drs don't treat anemia? I'm also wondering why I am anemic; I eat very healthy. I just wish someone would try and find out. Is anemia something that is often ignored?

My yearly blood work showed low iron for nearly 11 years it was always borderline low.

@katie101
Hi. I also test borderline low for low iron-anemic. It took awhile for Drs to suggest iron pills. I take over the counter. I’m going to ask my Dr in February about finding out why I have low iron. I also test low on red blood cell count and hemoglobin. I live in a small town where anything out of the ordinary, most Drs don’t deal with it.

It's the same here, A little town in KY, Healthcare is like a 3rd world country here. All of my numbers are low and since I started getting dizzy spells and heavy breathing which I have never had before, I went back and demanded some help. Luckily the Dr was out, and a PA was filling in and she sent off blood test to break down the anemia. Shes the first one in a year to address my anemia even though it's been seen by at least 6 Drs this year. I think I will have to start going to only PA's so I can get help. They seem to work Harder. I never thought of taking over the counter before. I guess I was scared, but the PA called in a prescription of Iron so I might get better now. Im pretty sure my stomach is bleeding inside its always on fire, but they just keep giving me those PPI things and it does not help. I hope you get to the bottom of your issue.

Well mine was very low as I understand but the PA said not in the danger level yet, LOL Can we do something before I get to the danger level, already having dizzy spells, but she did prescribe hour for me. So hopefully in a few weeks the dizzy spells will go it was getting hard to drive I had to keep pulling over when I had a dizzy spell which makes things bac because I love alone and have to drive.

I hope the infusions work. I just recently finished a second round (10 total) infusions and I’m still waiting for a burst of energy or at least, less fatigued. My numbers are still low. I’ve heard from another person who said her infusions worked immediately. Results vary. Best of luck.

She was not able to get all 10 she got 6. They no longer could place the iv. There are other ways like to place a port but not a option for her as she is in sports. She never got the burst of energy like some have. Best of luck to you as well.