Low ferritin and Uc

Many UC'ers are anemic/low iron. You may not have visible bleeding but a "slow leak" so to speak especially if you have active inflammation going on. I see a hematologist and he checks ferritin along with hemoglobin. Most GPs and GIs are just looking at hemaglobin. You can still have a normal hemaglobin and have very low ferritin levels. Eventually though your hemaglobin will drop if you don't get that ferritin up.

like byebyeuc said, it's common to be anemic with UC. i've had severe anemia for years now. it's ok at the moment, but i've had 19 iron infusions and 5 blood transfusions because of it. it's been one of my biggest problems so i understand how annoying it is.

my favorite iron is nature's plus chewable irons. i let them dissolve under my tongue so they don't have to go through my digestive tract. works better that way. i hate having to get infusions so i only do it when my doctor makes me.

I have consistently had low ferritin. The rest of the anemia markers have been relatively normal aside from a particularly bad time two years ago. Infusions bump it up to normal range and then it drifts back down slowly. Started taking oral iron gylcinate recently so will see how that works to maintain ferritin when I get results for latest blood test.

It's a good idea to have your ferritin checked regularly.

And Marathon5, you should also know that long distance running may also be a partial cause of the low iron.

http://www.pathologystudent.com/?p=2290

Aside from the running and the possibility of a "slow leak" causing your low iron, it is also possible that you are not properly absorbing the iron you are eating or taking orally. My own personal experience was that I was chronically anemic until I adopted a gluten-free diet.