Low Ferritin and Iron Levels - 6 months+ without the end in sight

rizzee

Hi all,

Apologies in advance for the lengthy post. I have been experiencing several health issues for the past few months, including extremely low ferritin levels, low iron, and other vitamin deficiencies.

I am a 32-year-old male who used to lead a very active lifestyle, running over 40 miles a week and participating in marathons. However, after running the Dublin Marathon in October, I haven't felt like myself. I ended up in the medic tent on that day due to a high heart rate and a feeling that I might collapse. Since then, I have been dealing with palpitations, headaches, major fatigue, and a tendency to feel like collapsing whenever my heart rate increases.

I have sought medical help and undergone various tests. I have seen four doctors, undergone four ECG tests, one echo test, and one treadmill stress test. Additionally, I have had multiple blood tests. A recent medical check in mid-March revealed a heart murmur, which my nutritionist believes is related to my low iron/ferritin levels and can be reversed. Since being diagnosed with the murmur, I have been unable to engage in exercise, except for light walks and cycles, which is incredibly frustrating.

I also had an MRI in December, which came back clear, and all my heart tests on the day were normal. It seems that my body magically behaves when I am at the doctor's office.

My ferritin levels have been as low as 17, and in the latest blood test in early March, they were at 44, still on the very low side. My iron levels are back in the normal range, as is my white blood cell count, although still low. I have reduced my coffee intake to one cup per day, and sometimes even skip it.

Currently, I am taking a daily regimen of vitamin supplements, including Vitamin B complex, Omega 3 with Vit D3, and Vitamin C along with Ferrograd Folic tablets. I previously took Nature's Health 65MG Iron tablets, but I have switched to the Ferrograd tablets on the advice of a new nutritionist.

I have upcoming appointments at the Mater Hospital in early June for another echo, ECG, and consultation with a specialist. I am hopeful that I will receive better answers there.

These health issues are significantly impacting my daily life. It is especially frustrating when I experience pain and dizziness while taking care of our newborn, and I am the one who needs to go to bed due to dizzy spells. It also affects my work, as I often have to leave the office early. I have already taken a lot of sick leave and parental leave, so the added stress is not helping. I have good and bad days, where I might feel close to normal for a few days, only to be hit suddenly with headaches, rapid heartbeat, and symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

To clarify, I am not seeking any medical advice. I simply want to know if anyone has gone through a similar experience.

Thanks

Have you had a colonoscopy and gastroscope? Bleeding from the digestive tract is commonest cause of low iron level in otherwise healthy males. Did you do a stool test? Have you had bowel changes, eg urgency, cramps, looseness, mucus, increasing constipation? I would make an appointment with GP asap, and get a referral for a colonoscopy & gastroscopy. I had ulcerative colitis and used to bleed badly from my colon, since had a curative colectomy. All digestive pathologies have to be ruled out. In meantime, if you want, you can buy a stool test online and get an idea if this is an issue whilst you wait to get an appointment