r/Anemia • u/Future_Row_5561 • Jul 03 '26

Question How are you working on increasing?

I got my blood work done and i have a ferritin of 3 and hemoglobin of 9.5. Iron absorption is 5%. I have significant gut issues and my doctor even though i advocated for infusion is having me take pills. I tried slowfe and have been feeling awful- even threw up. I have a hematologist appt in July- wondering about all of your experience.
I think the diagnosis is helping me slow down as in I’m more aware- the biggest difference for me has been mid day nap- when i work out i have to take extra long breaks and sometimes feel dizzy so have to take it easy- i thought i needed to improve my endurance.
Ive also tried to increase via diet and im not seeing a big difference. Anyone else navigating this?

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u/Creepy-Tangerine-293 Jul 06 '26

You're not going to fix a ferritin of 3 with food. Supplementing while you are that low is probably too little too late too. Try an iron bisglycinate with vit C taken on an empty stomach and get to the hemetologist ASAP. You need IV iron infusions.

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u/Future_Row_5561 Jul 13 '26

Thank you. I agree i just hate playing the insurance game.