I had a total of 76ish red cell transfusions prior to my MUD transplant 11 months ago. Although I was on Exjade for several months prior to the transplant, it wasn't long enough to make a difference plus I was still very transfusion dependent at that time. In December 2012, 1 month before my MUD transplant, my ferritin labs showed my level in the 7000 range, which was about 40% higher than the count several months prior. 6 months post transplant, my ferritin was down to 4000 without any chelation, and as of last week its down to 3100 (a drop of 900 in just 4 months). I had my 1st bloodletting this week as my blood counts are now so normal I'm fortunately eligible to start doing this.
Question: Without chelation treatments, the ferritin appears to be dropping significantly on its own. Has anyone else experienced large drops in ferritin, such as this, with or without chelation and/or phlebotomies? I'm wondering if this is normal or could be worrisome.
Thanks