“I don’t know what to tell you girl…”
F 48
5’2 145 lbs
This is what the hemotologist told me yesterday when I asked for help with my chronic copper deficiency…
For about 4 years I have attempted to get help with my chronic nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain.
I have been tested for Hematochromatosis, Wilson’s disease, celiac, crohns, pancreatic insufficiency, auto immune markers, inflammation markers. Everything comes up negative. I have been passed from my PCP to a GI dr to another GI dr. Yesterday I saw a hemotologist. I explained my symptoms. We looked at all the tests I have had, we looked at my most recent blood test results. And apparently she believes I am anemic, need to start iron supplements, and that my other values are not important and do not have anything to do with my symptoms but suggested that they are probably related to perimenopause and/or “because I know my blood tests are abnormal and it’s causing my symptoms.”
I need help. I don’t know where else to turn. I feel horrible most days and work in the fitness industry and use all the energy I have in just a few hours.
My current iron panel showed:
Iron saturation 54.5
Iron level 165
Ferritin 20
TIBC- 303
CBC
MCH 36
MCV 103
Copper Plasma
48
Ceruloplasmin
11
The hemotologist I saw yesterday wants to do IV iron infusions to correct my low(ish) ferritin. But won’t address the very low copper levels. I have a rudimentary understanding of the need for ceruloplasmin to help with iron transport.
What should my next steps be?