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

I’m 50. In 2015 my hgb was 13.3. Started munching ice in 2021 and ringing in ears (after my covid vaccine) but didn’t get checked out. Finally had cbc drawn in summer 2022 - hgb was 9.9 then came up to 10.something in Oct 2022. Now got a physical and labs drawn again. Hgb 9.8, ferritin 2.6, iron 15, iron sat 4%. Primary asked if I want oral or iv infusion. I was referred to hematology next week. Will they want to start me on oral first or am I so low where I need iv infusion? Planning colonoscopy soon. Still menstrual but nothing crazy - maybe 1 heavy day out of 5.
Exhausted! Headaches. Ears ringing. Ice crunching anemic.

I am 50, my oldest daughter 20, son 16, and youngest daughter 12. We all have anemia…low ferritin. As low as 4. We have all had iron infusions and my youngest is scheduled for her first. We all have fatigue which is made somewhat better after infusions. I’ve been sitting at 20ish since my last infusion 9 months ago. My oldest brother also has low ferritin and iron infusions. My 20 year old had anemiaID testing done and so far her doctors have been unable to read results. It’s crazy what we have been through! Rheumatologist, cardiologist, and a neurologist is suggested now!!! Anyone else have a strong family inheritance of low ferritin?

Oooooo that’s a good hematologyst question an lab reports an history you know ur body better then most mds keep on your drs how bad your body signals are yelling at you!
Not everyone is sane numbers! Get thyroid tested too! And a igg series tests by Immunologyst !
I’ve been anemic my entire life and iron levels and ferritin levels differ . Must be careful not to much ferritin iron given they do have complications ! When u start craving ice or dirt time to really seek help! That very low iron

They didn't do the Ferritin level this time. My hemoglobin was 7.8 and red blood cell count 2.81. Will have an infusion today and schedule the others, I usually 8 of them once a week. I thought I got rid of the problem when I quit Methotrexate, which pushed me into blood transfusions which are worse because blood typing takes forever and the transfusion which usually starts at 1:00 a,m makes me bleary eyed when I go home. Found another reason for the possible anemia cause. Working on that now. At least I have graduated from blood transfusions. When I had to them, I was weak I could not walk.

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.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

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