Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: MDL on February 24, 2016, 07:10:49 AM
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Hi,
after being refused to be seen by 2 haematologists now, because my thal minor wont be causing my symptoms, I have given up and will now be trying to "help" myself. I am nervous about taking iron but have purchased some spa tone. My Dr wont do a full iron panel but from these latest results can someone please advise if I should or should not be taking iron? thanks
serum iron 18umol/L (7-26)
Transferrin Saturation Index 27% <20% suggest iron def >60% suggest iron overload
Are there any other results you would need? As I say I have not had a full iron panel
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The serum ferritin would be the other value tested. Often, TIBC is also done. I feel the TIBC is more relevant because it shows if your body is trying to absorb more iron. While your values are low normal, they are within range. it's hard to say it's iron deficiency with these values. If any of the other tests were done, those results might bring a little more clarity, but for the record, these numbers seem typical for thal minors.
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Thanks Andy,
I had serum ferritin done in June last year and it was 26ug/l no ref range, but nothing recently.
I have been taking spatone along with b complex and high dose b12 for a week now so I guess I can only wait and see I feel any benefit
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A one month trial of iron should reveal if you need it. Your ferritin is also low end of normal. I think your iron is probably on the low end of normal but not deficient. You may benefit from a short period of additional iron. B-12 needs constant replenishing, as it is water soluble. It won't hurt anything to take it regularly.Recent research showed that thal minors would benefit from being on the high end of normal for B-12. Folate can also be of help.
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Thanks again Andy. Since writing this post the haem has written back and asked to see me so will be interesting to see what they have to say!!