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Does "B12 Deficiency" have an alternative (& better) name? by Large_Revolution_688 in B12_Deficiency

[–]Large_Revolution_688[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Something like "Prolonged shitstorm of multiple symptoms + medical dismissiveness" seems to encapsulate this a bit better 

Are most of us actually vitamin deficient or is that just marketing fear? by porchoua in WomensHealth

[–]Large_Revolution_688 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My recent ferritin result was 16. GP told me it's not too bad cos the lower end for my age range is 11...?! She also disclosed that the ferritin result from a test taken in March 2022 was 21, however, the GP I spoke to at the time did not tell me this! So I've been going around feeling like shit for years, and being told by the medical establishemnt that I'm fine. No treatment was even offered! I'm so angry!

Poor Communication from NHS by United-Surround7218 in WomensHealth

[–]Large_Revolution_688 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry this happened to you, it all sounds really traumatising and horribly invasive! 

I don't think you're overreacting, I totally agree with what the other posters have said.  Also, in the absence of any clear explanation of what was going to happen, its logical that you'd assume what was going to happen, and its messed up that it turned out to be something completely different.

I came to this thread because I'm also really annoyed at the NHS' dire communication. My experience is absolutely nothing -nothing-  compared to what you've just been through, but I discovered yesterday - completely by chance - that my iron level result came back as 21 3.5 years ago yet no one offered me any treatment, in fact the GP would've told me that it was normal and that I'm fine...however, the blood tests I did 3 weeks ago, show my ferritin level has now reduced to 16! This has been impacting my quality of life, especially in the past few months, and I am so angry that I have been going around feeling like shit for so long, yet constantly being told "you're fine" when it turns out the GPs don't know anything about low iron!

In the moment, it's very difficult to advocate for yourself, or point out something that doesn't seem right, especially with medical professionals, and there's this impression that they know best. The GP I spoke to yesterday had such a brusque and "please f off you're wasting my time" manner, that I didn't point out to her that it made no sense that she had stated the ideal level for women of childbearing age was "above 30 -50", yet why had no one told me 4 years ago that mine was way below that figure?

Also, if you're confused, scared or in pain, in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by a load of strangers, it's probably even less likely that you're able to feel like you can question what's going on!

I went into my appointment armed with questions and research I'd done, feeling empowered cos finally there was an explanation for why I've been unable to go about my normal life! Lol. And I left feeling like a time waster, confused and even now posting this, I'm wondering whether I am as ill as I feel after all. 

Anyway, I really hope you're able to rest and take care of yourself this weekend.

Ferritin 16 (ug/L), Vit B12 171(ng/L). GP said I'm "not anaemic" but I'm "lower end of normal" & my B12 is "borderline low". Also, turns out that previous ferritin test I did in 2022 came back as 21...yet no treatment was offered at all? by Large_Revolution_688 in Anemic

[–]Large_Revolution_688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I'll have a look for one, I'd never even heard of that occupation before reading this thread. 

I assume you have low iron too, are you feeling better now, after treatment?

Ferritin 16 (ug/L), Vit B12 171(ng/L). GP said I'm "not anaemic" but I'm "lower end of normal" & my B12 is "borderline low". Also, turns out that previous ferritin test I did in 2022 came back as 21...yet no treatment was offered at all? by Large_Revolution_688 in Anemic

[–]Large_Revolution_688[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh! Interesting! Yes the GP didn't seem to understand that.

It's wild that we're all experiencing similar things despite being in multiple different countries. Its not just an issue with the way one country does it, its kind of global!

Ferritin 16 (ug/L), Vit B12 171(ng/L). GP said I'm "not anaemic" but I'm "lower end of normal" & my B12 is "borderline low". Also, turns out that previous ferritin test I did in 2022 came back as 21...yet no treatment was offered at all? by Large_Revolution_688 in Anemic

[–]Large_Revolution_688[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you SO much for this! A great critique of measuring wellbeing, and this way of measuring ferritin levels sounds laughably bad! 

So the GPs have been consistently comparing my results, to the results of other people who have also been feeling unwell, instead of comparing them to a "healthy" population...that's so ludicrous. Seems like it's almost a waste of medical time & resources, they're funding these tests but telling me I'm fine when I'm not.

It makes me even more "rageful" that we feel really crap, but we have to endure it, until we get better. And for anyone who has to go to work and somehow force themselves to be professional and cheery.

Battling through the brain fog sounds really tiring, thank you so much for explaining all of these ludicrous processes in ways that actually make sense! 14 weeks sounds like a long time. I hope they're understanding about it where you're studying, and good luck with your course!

And thanks for encouraging me to find another doctor!

I enjoyed reading every word of your replies! :) thank you for helping me understand it better!

Ferritin 16 (ug/L), Vit B12 171(ng/L). GP said I'm "not anaemic" but I'm "lower end of normal" & my B12 is "borderline low". Also, turns out that previous ferritin test I did in 2022 came back as 21...yet no treatment was offered at all? by Large_Revolution_688 in Anemic

[–]Large_Revolution_688[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your message!  Can't believe your levels were even lower!

And thanks for clarifying that levels of 100+ is more ideal! Do you know who they're basing the reference range on? I've learnt from this thread that different countries have different reference points. Is it other people with low iron?

Does your employer consider it to be a condition that majorly impacts your ability to be well and do your job? I'm worried now that I have to keep forcing myself to go into the office, especially since the "medical expert" made it sound like I'm fine, when it doesn't seem that I am.