[shamon86]

I have been battling severe fatigue, rashes, night sweats, depression and anxiety for well over 2 years. I had a sleep study which revealed very mild sleep apnea but other than that nothing.My PCP brushed it off, so I sought a second opinion from another primary who said my heart rate was too high and sent me to a cardiologist. Cardiologist said my heart rate (resting 80-100 bpm) was normal for me and age and body type. Back to PCP who said my SED rate was a little high and maybe see rheumatologist. Nothing wrong with me according to him so go see an endocrinologist.
God bless her she looked at everything and said I had hypothyroidism, anemia, and a vitamin D deficiency. For the last year after seeing her, my thyroid levels are normal as well as Vitamin D and iron are normal. Well for the most part, my iron saturation levels are still low even after taken iron supplements. It can't be due to my period since I haven't had one for the last 4 months (birth control). I thought that once everything evened out I would feel better, but not much has changed in terms of the way I was feeling. So my endo refers me to a hematologist whom I have a visit with in Wednesday as she thinks the fatigue is due to low iron saturation. She wants to see if I'm eligible for iron injections.
I'm worried the hematologist will brush me off as the saturation levels aren't too far from normal (I'm at 13.6 percent and recommendations are 15-34 percent). I'm feeling like this is my last hope so I really want him to take me seriously and do everything he can to help.
So my questions are
-How can I get him to take me seriously
-If by some miracle he does agree to injections what should I expect. Has anyone had them done? Did they help?
-Did your doctor do any additional tests to find out why your iron saturation was low (i've read that some of the causes could be internal bleeding and such).

I'm sorry for the long explanation, but any input would be appreciated.

So my questions are
-How can I get him to take me seriously
-If by some miracle he does agree to injections what should I expect. Has anyone had them done? Did they help?
-Did your doctor do any additional tests to find out why your iron saturation was low (i've read that some of the causes could be internal bleeding and such).

What makes you think a doctor won't take you seriously? I'm not sure exactly what you mean by that. Doctors diagnose and treat based on symptoms and their training and experience and test results. If they don't find a physical problem they will usually ask about stress levels and any recent events that may be causing stress and anxiety/depression.
I'm pretty sure those "normal" iron numbers are not set in stone.
Are you being treated for depression and anxiety?
I'm not a doctor and have never had an iron deficiency so I can't answer that question. My gf has low iron due to poor absorption.
If you have injections (my gf refers to them as infusions, she describes them as a bit more than an injection) the least you can expect is mild stomach upset.

[shamon86]

The problem is that the doctors look at the blood work and see everything is normal so they dismiss my concerns because yes I'm being treated for depression and anxiety. The fatigue however started before I was diagnosed with MDD and GAD. I've been on many different medications.

Originally Posted by shamon86

The problem is that the doctors look at the blood work and see everything is normal so they dismiss my concerns because yes I'm being treated for depression and anxiety. The fatigue however started before I was diagnosed with MDD and GAD. I've been on many different medications.

Before I was treated for depression and anxiety (the second time) I was convinced I had Multiple Sclerosis.
I had friends in high places who got me an appointment with a top neurologist specializing in MS. He examined me and assured me I didn't have MS. I was somewhat disappointed I'm embarrassed to admit I was so sure from my symptoms and things I'd read that I was in early stages of MS and the president of the local MS Society chapter was convinced too. As it turned out I had Peripheral Neuropathy from unknown causes. I stopped reading medical books and articles on disease.
I understand that you had a doctor who thought that maybe your iron wasn't quite up to standards. But as you said, the other doctors thought your test result was normal.
I can't say that your aren't iron deficient as I'm not a doctor. But a doctor will make the final determination regardless of other circumstances. It would be great if you were iron deficient and a few infusions returned your energy levels. Just keep in mind that depression and anxiety can cause many confusing sensations and physical symptoms can present in many ways with anxiety and depression. Fatigue is right near the top as far as physical symptoms.
I wish you well

[AncientMelody]

What was your ferritin level?

[Fresia]

I understand your concern about not being taken seriously because I too have had that happen and seen it happen with a mental health diagnosis, being chalked up to it, and not paying attention to the other signs of something else going on. Be straight forward, do not exaggerate, tell the facts of what the symptoms are and how the symptoms are affecting you, that you would appreciate their help, and your concerns. You will be taken seriously.

George H made some valid points to consider but also keep in mind the symptoms you are experiencing are common for not only low iron but also for the hypothyroidism and vitamin d deficiency. I hope they are looking at these as well to get these managed too. Especially do not dismiss these and solely focus on the possible iron issue. It is amazing the havoc they can cause in and of themselves, so combined, I can only imagine how you must be feeling.

The other side of iron to remember is that doctors are reluctant to prescribe injectable iron because it is so easy to overdose and can cause just as many problems, if not more and harder to correct, as iron that is too low; it is delicate balance to keep. There are things that can be done to increase the absorption or oral ingested iron such as taking with orange juice. Also finding more foods high in iron such as green leafy vegetables and beans, there are lists online. Something that can be done meanwhile if not already doing it.

Hang in there and wishing all the best to get the help you need.