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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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What Could Low Ferritin Level While Being On Treatment For HTN, GERD, Hypercholestrolemia And IBS Mean?

My husband, age 62, lifelong non-smoker, limited caffeine consumption (1 serving per day), and no ETOH, currently on treatment for HTN, GERD, hypercholesterolemia, and IBS. He had a negative colonoscopy 6 mos ago. A year ago he had a bovine aortic valve replacement and a single secondary CA bypass. Prior to the heart surgery he was very anemic. That resolved with oral iron. Now at his annual physical he has a normal H&H but very low ferritin (15). His mother had a coagulopathy and his sister has IHS. He was tested for IHS but the test was negative. I wonder if there are other tests that could be done (blood tests) re iron stores issues. Our PCP has just said he needs to go back to GI for a repeat colonoscopy. I think that a narrow look at a potentially wider issue. What do you think?
Tue, 19 Feb 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

I can understand your concerns as there is supposedly low ferritin values. Normal range for male is 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL) for males.
I would advise you to go for the proper Hemogram, Peripheral blood smear and Iron related all the test.
It may be possible that it is just least absorption or less assimilation of body and thus added Iron, Folic Acid, multivitmains and mineral should help him to have proper storage and better Ferritin values.
It is also of interest to know that he may have to stop PPI for some time as it is known to affect the absorption of Iron.
Another way is to go for injectable Iron.
Since colonoscopy was negative 6 months ago, it may not be needed to be repeated unless there are symptoms or signs related to it.
IBS and GERD can also cause such problems due to altered bowel functions and habits. Good control of IBS is also needed.
Repeat the tests and you will get further guidance for proper management.
Pomegranate is the best natural source at the moment.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon.
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What Could Low Ferritin Level While Being On Treatment For HTN, GERD, Hypercholestrolemia And IBS Mean?

Hi, I can understand your concerns as there is supposedly low ferritin values. Normal range for male is 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/mL) for males. I would advise you to go for the proper Hemogram, Peripheral blood smear and Iron related all the test. It may be possible that it is just least absorption or less assimilation of body and thus added Iron, Folic Acid, multivitmains and mineral should help him to have proper storage and better Ferritin values. It is also of interest to know that he may have to stop PPI for some time as it is known to affect the absorption of Iron. Another way is to go for injectable Iron. Since colonoscopy was negative 6 months ago, it may not be needed to be repeated unless there are symptoms or signs related to it. IBS and GERD can also cause such problems due to altered bowel functions and habits. Good control of IBS is also needed. Repeat the tests and you will get further guidance for proper management. Pomegranate is the best natural source at the moment. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon.