Elevated Ferritin Level

[kathy0529 41]

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any issues w/their Ferritin levels post surgery? I am 8 months out and on my past test results I went from 324 pre surgery to 640 8 months after surgery. Per the paperwork, the range is 10-170 ug/L. I am very good about taking my Vitamins and Calcium the scheduled 2, then 4 hours apart and my other Iron levels are good. I am going on vacation for 2 weeks, but have scheduled an appointment w/my PCP for when I get back. I just wanted to get any input from others who may have had this same issue?

Thanks so much!!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I just checked my test results since I just had them done last week. Unfortunately my doctor only test for Iron and I'm smack in the middle for that. Standard range is 28 - 170 ug/dL. My level was 63.

[Sherri297 81]

Hi Kathy,

You may want to do some research on a genetic disorder called hemochromatosis. There are several blood tests used to diagnose it, also a DNA test. I have it and so does most of my fathers family, our bodies accumulate excess Iron and don't release it as one would normally do. If not treated it causes a multitude of diseases such as liver cirrhosis, joint pain, heat disease and the list goes on. The good news is that it's very treatable, mainly by phlebotomy (blood donation).

[kathy0529 41]

@@BLERDgirl Thanks for your response....I checked my Iron and my value was 64! He did the recheck of the Vitamins, not the Iron, this time to see about the Ferritin. They said they weren't concerned the first time since all my other levels were good.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Hopefully all is well.

[kathy0529 41]

Thanks @@Sherri297!!

I have seen that mentioned when I've googled about the elevated Ferritin levels. It will be interesting to see what my PCP says. Unfortunately I haven't met her yet and this will be my first meeting w/her since she took over for my previous PCP right before my surgery. I have the appointment set up and made sure to stress that it is to go over my bloodwork. I'm off to Europe tomorrow so I'll see my PCP about a week after I get back to see where we go from there!

Thanks again!

[Carmen Scott 0]

Hi Kathy,

I am experiencing the same problem right now and wondering if this has any relation to my surgery. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2001 and ever since my ferritin levels have been increasing. All of my other blood work is fine but the ferritin level. This past level, it was a little over 1000! I am scared to death. My Iron level is completely fine though which is really odd. If you find anything out, please email me at cmr810@aol.com. My Pcp has since cut my Vitamin D from 50,000 IU twice a week to 1000 IU daily and I was taking 325mg(65mg) iron daily which he has told me to stop completely although he doesn't think it is associated with the high level. He has ordered a Hematoachrosis gene blood test which I probably do today. This is usually genetic and I don't know of anyone in my family that has had this . What comes next, not sure but this is very weird but I googled this and we are not the first bariatric patients to question this. I. Sure wish a bariatric Dr would answer...