
My Hemoglobin Level Is 10.5 And Pretty Much Been In


Unclear why you would need an iron transfusion
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
I also am unclear on what the reason is for the iron transfusion. It may be that this new hematologist wants to see if they can get the iron higher with a transfusion of iron, which might help determine if you have a problem with absorbing the iron pills. I'm assuming the iron level you mentioned is your serum iron.
Do you know what your ferritin level is? Have you been checked for any GI source of bleeding? Also, especially if you are Asian, have you been checked for thalassemia?
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Unclear why you would need an iron transfusion
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I'm Dr. Branch, thanks for using Ask a Doctor.
I also am unclear on what the reason is for the iron transfusion. It may be that this new hematologist wants to see if they can get the iron higher with a transfusion of iron, which might help determine if you have a problem with absorbing the iron pills. I'm assuming the iron level you mentioned is your serum iron.
Do you know what your ferritin level is? Have you been checked for any GI source of bleeding? Also, especially if you are Asian, have you been checked for thalassemia?
Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.



Ferritin is low
Detailed Answer:
Your ferritin is very low, so this is likely the reason they want to do the iron transfusions, and it seems you cannot take the iron pills. Anemia is not known to be a major factor with POTS, but it might make it worse if you already have it. I would discuss with your doctor about checking for any GI bleeding, if they haven't already.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.

Ferritin is low
Detailed Answer:
Your ferritin is very low, so this is likely the reason they want to do the iron transfusions, and it seems you cannot take the iron pills. Anemia is not known to be a major factor with POTS, but it might make it worse if you already have it. I would discuss with your doctor about checking for any GI bleeding, if they haven't already.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.



Anemia might cause difficulty focusing
Detailed Answer:
The normal range for ferritin is sometimes 20-150 ng/mL, but it depends on the laboratory and sometimes can be lower than this. But I would definitely say that your ferritin level is at the low end.
Iron-deficiency anemia, which is what you have, can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, headaches, irritability, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and the desire to eat ice and other unusual things. I believe it could also cause difficulty focusing on what you describe.
Regards

Anemia might cause difficulty focusing
Detailed Answer:
The normal range for ferritin is sometimes 20-150 ng/mL, but it depends on the laboratory and sometimes can be lower than this. But I would definitely say that your ferritin level is at the low end.
Iron-deficiency anemia, which is what you have, can cause many symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, headaches, irritability, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and the desire to eat ice and other unusual things. I believe it could also cause difficulty focusing on what you describe.
Regards



Within a month
Detailed Answer:
If the iron is effective in replenishing your iron stores in your body, and these symptoms are due to the iron deficiency, then you should see some improvement within a few weeks to a month.
What happened with the iron transfusions?

Within a month
Detailed Answer:
If the iron is effective in replenishing your iron stores in your body, and these symptoms are due to the iron deficiency, then you should see some improvement within a few weeks to a month.
What happened with the iron transfusions?



It should be fine
Detailed Answer:
I'm sure it will be fine to take iron with the POTS. Hopefully you see some improvement in the next few weeks.
Have your doctors talked to you about what might be causing your iron levels to be low?

It should be fine
Detailed Answer:
I'm sure it will be fine to take iron with the POTS. Hopefully you see some improvement in the next few weeks.
Have your doctors talked to you about what might be causing your iron levels to be low?



Iron supplements should help then
Detailed Answer:
The iron pills should help then. If not, then I would consider a possible problem with absorption, or with a slow GI bleed that may not be obvious.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.

Iron supplements should help then
Detailed Answer:
The iron pills should help then. If not, then I would consider a possible problem with absorption, or with a slow GI bleed that may not be obvious.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.

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