Anemia

 I am having problems with my iron levels. I currently take 3 proferrin a day but it's not cutting it.  My hemoglobin has dropped in the last 3 months from 11.6 to 10.3 and my iron was 36 in March and is now 25.  I don't have my ferritin number or other labs yet. 

My family doctor wants me to go back to my surgeon (made the appointment) to see if they want to do a scope to see if I am bleeding (some sort of oozing ulcer thing he has seen with these surgeries? that causes blood loss). I am going to do a stool sample to see if there is blood in it and take some prilosec. I am also getting a uterine ablation done next month, I hope that will help as well!

I am kind of freaking out. Should I go to a hematologist? I don't want to mess around with this. The weird thing is I feel good, I don't feel weak or overly tired. I guess I could just be used to it.....

Also, are iron shots or transfusions better?

*Edit *
Im sorry I am no help to you and hope someone here will chime in shortly.

Im sorry you are having troubles. 

I am local if you ever want to do a DS get together!  Or if there is a group I would like to get involved.
Hope you solve your issues soon.   

JJ 

 Where do you live? I am not good about reading these message boards any more. I only come here when I have a problem haha.

It's fine to check if you are bleeding, but I'd guess you aren't.  I think you just aren't recouping your iron from your period every month because you are likely having a problem absorbing oral iron.

I do think you should see a hematologist.  The procedure you will need is an iron infusion (a transfusion is whole blood). 

You should also check other levels to make sure there is nothing else contributing to the anemia (B-12, folate, etc). 

 My family Dr was talking about doing iron shots so I was just wondering if I should do that or just go for the iron infusion (used the wrong word before, oops!!) with a hematologist. I think I will make an appointment with one.

I really don't think I am bleeding either but a stool sample is an easy, if unpleasant, way to rule that out I guess. My period has gotten heavier in the last year or so which is why I am having the uterine ablation. Please keep your fingers crossed that it help a lot!!!

I did get my B12 and folate checked the results aren't back for everything yet. My B 12 has been really, really, good.

I think I'd probably like an infusion or series of infusions.  Large dose, straight into the bloodstream.  I have heard some stories of people that get IM injections and that they can leave pretty bad bruises or even "tattooing."  Some people feel that they are absolutely fine and have no problems though.

You need infusions. If your PCP does them, great. You don't need a hematologist for that. Any doc can infuse if they have the setup.

The ablation might help for down the road, but you need to get hopping on this. Even mild anemia can really sap you.