I was hospitalized back in December for 7 days. I sent 4 of those days in ICU. I went to the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. Turns out my hemoglobin was 4.1 and my iron level was at 8. I am a 51 year old female. There was no bleeding ulcer upon scope, but h-pylori infection was found. Pristine colon upon colonoscopy. H-pylori has been treated (5 different antibiotics over the course of 3 months) and last breath test of 3/20-15 showed no h-pylori detected . However, blood tests are showing iron levels have gone from 33 to 31 in 4 weeks, and ferritin levels have dropped from 8 to 7 as well. I have been taking 650mg of iron daily since discharge on 12/6/14. Iron has increased to 975mg daily as of 3/24/15. What could be causing me to not be absorbing the iron, and my ferritin levels to continue to drop? I did have 4 iron IV infusions during my hospitalization, as well as 4 blood transfusions. I still have my periods, and they are what I consider to be normal for me...regular in cycle and not heavy, 2-3 day duration. Yesterday I had a ct scan for pain that I have been having which started in December in my right hip and lower right back...pain is now constant and greater in intensity. Rt. hip bone tender to the touch and feels hot internally. I can feel something in there when I sit against the arm of the sofa, as well as laying flat on my back. Feels like I am laying on balled up socks. Nothing brings relief. Was initially prescribed Tylenol 3 w/codiene, no relief. Recently switched to Norco...takes the edge off.What could be going on???? Dr. has given no indication.