Ferritin levels

Hi Judy3,

I am also a patient of Dr. F's. Your hemaglobin levels may be very normal because your body is using what iron there is to support the red blood cells, which then causes deficiency elsewhere. If you follow this link it is a pretty good answer to your question.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080215064821AALLCQc

Here is a list of symptoms that can be caused by iron deficiency.

1. State of exhaustion
2. Difficulty of concentration
3. Depression
4. Dizziness
5. Sleeping problems
6. Contraction of neck muscles
7. Headaches
8. Hair loss
9. Breaking and splitting nails
10. Restless leg

Many of these symptoms are also found in a low functioning thyroid. I was able to get iron levels up but it did take a while, so be patient with the slow iron. I have heard of badly anemic people getting IV's in a doctors office. Anyway, both thyroid meds and iron meds take a while to work so again this may take a little time.

As an aside, I saw Dr. F last week and am now off all antibiotics. A little scary but we had to do it because of yeast. We are doing line maintenance on my picc line. Interestingly she started my appt. with an explanation about the difficulties of the staff being overwhelmed etc. I suspect that she may be aware of the comments that were made online (as well as direct complaints from patients). I told her that I was there to see her which is the truth. Maybe it will get better with time.

bcaring

judy3-

I'm been watching for someone to talk about ferrotin levels, just never got around to doing it myself, part of that being anemic.

I too am anemic and I started oral iron capsules (ferrex) which for some reason my body rejects as my doctor says "the modality" not the iron that was the problem.  (Any form of iron inn vitamins or Rx is too much for my belly to process).  My LLMD suggested that I have IV iron once a week for 6-8 weeks and then 1 monthly for 1 year or as my lab tests show as needed.

My LLMD actually found the babesia because no other docs could find the source of my anemia.  I was having seizure like activity at night, severe leg/foot cramps and such fatigue, until  I started the babesia TX with mepron/zithro and I've had my first IV of iron.

I could not believe how much better I felt after the IV iron!  Woh, Baby, catch me if you can!  I felt great for about 3 days.  I'm slowing down again and I can see that I'm on the right path. 

My LLMD said as long as I have the babs in my body attacking my red blood cells I will continue to have anemia.  It makes sence to me.

Maggiemoo

Hi Judy 3 and Maggiemoo,

Judy - I contracted lyme most likely in the early 90's and became symptomatic in 1995. Told I had fibro and cfs and I managed to rearrange my life so I could work part time and rest the other days, less stress, etc. In 2003 I got very ill with neurological symptoms of bells palsy, cognitive problems, deep muscle spasms, anxiety, hyperacusis, terrible pain, and many other symtoms. I was diagnosed with lyme and bartonella. Treated in 2003, relapsed in 2004 and treated again, felt good for about a year and then relapsed again. I do live on 5 acres of woods with deer and have two dogs so if it was reinfection or relapse or both, I don't know. Went to Dr. F in August of 2007, tested positive again and this time with babesia which explained why I was sweating all the time, even in the winter. I have been treated very aggressively with IV's for 13 months. I am now off the antibiotics but keeping the IV line open just in case. I would prefer to go on a maintenance of orals if necessary.
Dr. F is very good, tough to get a hold of, and again her office just does not respond in a timely manner. You may not hear from them or it might be two or three days later. Dr. F does not want to believe this and she also does not want to believe that the phone system that was implemented is not working well. With the number of people in the office you should be able to get a voice. Maybe a part time temp to answer at least so there is a voice who can then delegate the messages to the appropriate person. Dr. F knowledge deserves to have her practice represented in a professional manner and have a reputation as a well run office. My opinion and I wish I could talk to her but we are vulnerable in a sense because we need care.
I am feeling like a different person a year later and I know some would not agree with the number of antibiotics and the amount but I was going to die - I have no doubt about it. So, I am going to a dinner tonight and I have not been to physically or mentally been able to handle being in social situations in several years. Too overwhelming.
I have Dr. F to thank for this, so even though I do not agree with the way the staff handles call backs and patient support, I will continue to see her. My insurance has paid for my IV's so that makes it a little easier to take also. I do my IV's at home because I live in PA. That also might contribute to not having a "relationship" with the staff.
Take care Judy and Maggiemoo. I wish I could get IV iron. I bet you do feel good afterwards.
bcaring