Low ferritin but normal hemoglobin

[Brad P]

Hi all

Last summer I had a bad flare up and a lot of Gi bleed. My ferritin and hemoglobin bottomed out twice and I needed 2 blood transfusions and later 4 iv venofer treatments that finished early Sept. I've had 3 Remicade treatments this fall. Been feeling much better but this past week wasn't feeling good and was tired and sleepy. Turns out my ferritin bottomed out again but my hemoglobin is stable. I haven't had any pain and no serious indication of Gi bleed. I had some dark brown stool this week but not black. It's been brown to light brown since late Aug. Just wondering if the low ferritin cause is likely bad absorption seeing how my hemoglobin is good or is Gi bleed a likely candidate. My specialist is aware but doesn't seem too concerned.

Thanks

 

[aypues]

What about your iron levels? These would precede a drop in hemoglobin.

 

[Scipio]

The low ferritin indicates you are likely iron deficient. The combination of being iron deficient but not anemic (i.e. w/normal hemoglobin) is surprisingly common in Crohn's. Much more common than in the rest of the population.

I suggest keep trying to build up your iron stores. I take an iron tablet every morning on an empty stomach and with a vitamin C tablet, both of which serve to enhance iron absorption.

 

[my little penguin]

Ds has low ferritin normal hemoglobin
That said he did try iron supplements per his GI instructions
And they caused watery diarrhea
(Lots of types and brands and with and without food etc..)
So for now we just monitor ferritin until it gets too low or hemoglobin drops etc..,)

Please check with your GI before you take any supplements since they will know what type and dosage is needed for your history

 

[Maya142]

My daughter had a very low ferritin and an almost normal hemoglobin (it was a little low, but nothing alarming). We tried iron supplements first but they did not bring her Ferritin up and caused abdominal pain.

Eventually we had to go to iron infusions because her ferritin was so low and those worked well. We saw a hematologist who said because her ferritin was so low, she must have been bleeding for a long time without us noticing (this was before she was diagnosed with Crohn's).

I would consult your GI about an iron supplement.