westernxer Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Just found out I have it, after a blood test revealed my hemoglobin levels were well below normal for someone my age. That explains the lack of energy on long runs that forces me to stop and regroup several times over, and the shortness of breath after climbing several flights of stairs too rapidly, even though I'm fitter than ever. Let's not forget the lightheadedness every time I stand up too quickly, which has become more frequent in past months. One time last summer I nearly passed out, which I attributed to dehydration, though it probably wasn't dehydration, based on what I know now. Good thing I got that physical last week and asked for a blood test to go with it, as anemia can lead to heart trouble, the lack of red blood cells forcing the heart to pump harder, which I've noticed on many occasions. At least my heart isn't broken, but I just met someone so anything is possible. For now on I'm scheduling that annual physical. So much for immortality... Link to post Share on other sites
melodymatters Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Hello ! Nice to see you agan West ! I have had anemia on and off for most of my life, seems to be more common in woman. You prob already know that a simple iron supplement will help qute a bit, but realize that iron is constipatng so add more fiber to your diet when taking supplements. Good luck with your new friend as well as with your health ! Link to post Share on other sites
Feelin Frisky Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Eat some liver. (You might wanna check if the fava beans are imported from Japan but the chianti should be fine.) Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 The hot Samoan is anemic, eh? I've had similar symptoms lately, but I don't know if anemia was included in my recent blood workup. I will have to check! Link to post Share on other sites
johan Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Can we assume the reason for the long absence was due to general lethargy? Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) The hot Samoan is anemic, eh? Funny you mention it... had another blood test today and the nurse, who happened to be Samoan, is related to my grandmother's side of the family, which I don't know very well. She told me a story about my grandmother stretching back to the early 1900s... as told by her grandfather. Can we assume the reason for the long absence was due to general lethargy? That and a few other things, but nothing dramatic. Hello ! Nice to see you agan West ! I have had anemia on and off for most of my life! Glad to see you are doing well. Eat some liver. Yum. I'll use it to earn the trust of my neighbor's cat. Edited March 30, 2011 by westernxer Link to post Share on other sites
Ms. Joolie Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I am anemic and have to deal with that fatigue as well. I love eating beets, drinking an ORAC Energy Greens smoothie, enjoying a cup of green tea and taking my supplements to keep up my energy up. If you find the right nutritional regime for you, and stay on top of your well-being, you WILL feel better. I recommend seeing a nutritionist and talking about a supplement plan that will be right for you. There really is power in taking care of yourself. Best wishes. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 I'm thinking the supplements are what I'll be shooting for, pending what the doctor says. I'm still coming to terms with being anemic, though I've been one for at least a year or so, given my inconsistent energy levels. Sometimes it was so bad I could barely stand up and leave my workstation, and people would ask if I was okay. Always thought it was some type of seasonal allergy. Knowledge is power, so they say. Link to post Share on other sites
Eternal Sunshine Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I have had it on and off for years. I am female though and it's due to heavy periods. Sometimes I lose so much blood that I have to be taken to ER Your anemia can be due to lack of iron or b12, but mostly likely iron. Iron supplements will work but it will take agesssss for them to make a significant difference (I am talking months). I have a doc who is willing to give me iron injections when needed and it literally takes ONE shot for me to feel incredible difference in energy levels. After about 3 injections, I am bouncing lol. Most docs won't agree to it unless your anemia is very severe. The other thing is; do you know why you are losing iron? It could possibly be due to some sort of low level internal bleeding. Hope your docs are looking into it. Link to post Share on other sites
Els Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 The hot Samoan is anemic, eh? I've had similar symptoms lately, but I don't know if anemia was included in my recent blood workup. I will have to check! A F/CBC (full/complete blood count) is usually included with almost any blood workup. But checking might be good. OP, at least you know your problem. Docs have never managed to put my lightheadedness/ dizziness down to anything yet, and I've been through the gamut of tests. Iron deficiency anemia (assuming that is the type you have) is probably one of the easiest things in the world to treat, too. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share Posted April 3, 2011 The other thing is; do you know why you are losing iron? It could possibly be due to some sort of low level internal bleeding. Hope your docs are looking into it. I'll probably be seeing a GI doctor soon as my levels were so low, but I'm still waiting for results to come back regarding my iron and B12. in the meantime, I'm taking a multivitamin fortified with iron in addition to eating more iron-rich foods. You women sure have a lot to worry about when it comes to health. Menstrual flows are no laughing matter. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 I've been having B12 shots, once a month, for a long time now. My body doesn't seem to absorb it properly. Recently I've been feeling crappy again, tired, drained, no energy, cold feet, tingles all over, and heart palps.. All symptoms of low iron too.. Did a round of blood tests the other day just to check my levels. I know how awful this can make you feel, almost mimicks low blood sugar symptoms at times too. I hope they find out soon what it is! Link to post Share on other sites
TheLoneSock Posted April 3, 2011 Share Posted April 3, 2011 Hey westernerxer, This might help if you're in an exploratory mood. http://www.irondisorders.org/ Sorry about your health, but I know you'll be fine. It could be far worse, this is fixable and maintainable! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share Posted April 3, 2011 I know how awful this can make you feel, almost mimicks low blood sugar symptoms at times too. I thought it was hypoglycemia at first. Now I understand why I was out of breath during those hard workouts. I'm taking it easy this week, until the doc calls me back. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 3, 2011 Author Share Posted April 3, 2011 Hey westernerxer, This might help if you're in an exploratory mood. http://www.irondisorders.org/ Sorry about your health, but I know you'll be fine. It could be far worse, this is fixable and maintainable! Cheers Thanks for the info... I'll check this out! Link to post Share on other sites
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Eternal Sunshine Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 West, can you take a break from the heavy exercise? Actually all exercise? Cardio and weights will only further deplete your iron levels. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 4, 2011 Author Share Posted April 4, 2011 West, can you take a break from the heavy exercise? Actually all exercise? Cardio and weights will only further deplete your iron levels. Guess I'll have to, though it'll be tough. I may just tone it down a notch until things improve. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 Guess I'll have to, though it'll be tough. I may just tone it down a notch until things improve. Yeah do that, otherwise you're going to feel like crap even more! One thing I'm doing until I get in to see my Dr, not only bulking up on multivitamins I bought some Ensure (also can buy Boost) is a protein shake drink that has all vitamins and minerals in it to help keep my levels up. Try that and see if it helps if you do plan on working out. When is your appointment? Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 5, 2011 Author Share Posted April 5, 2011 Yeah do that, otherwise you're going to feel like crap even more! One thing I'm doing until I get in to see my Dr, not only bulking up on multivitamins I bought some Ensure (also can buy Boost) is a protein shake drink that has all vitamins and minerals in it to help keep my levels up. Try that and see if it helps if you do plan on working out. When is your appointment? I'm calling tomorrow since I haven't heard back yet. I've been eating Protein bars, trail mix, steel cut oatmeal (which I love!) and other good stuff. Noticed I wasn't wiped out rushing up the stairs today, so that's a good sign, though I think I'll keep exercise to a minimum until further notice. Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 5, 2011 Author Share Posted April 5, 2011 So my iron levels are really low, it turns out. B12 is fine. I'll be seeing a GI doc end of month. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Well, it's fixable and I'm sure you'll either get injections or take iron pills. Or both until your levels go back to normal. Hopefully soon you'll be feeling better too! Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 12, 2011 Author Share Posted April 12, 2011 (edited) So I received my blood results today... ferritin 4 ng/mL. Normal range is 22-322. Didn't realize it was this bad. I did work out yesterday without issues, so that's encouraging. I've been incorporating more iron last two weeks so perhaps it is paying off. I do see a colonoscopy in my future though, but at least my heart isn't bleeding after that girl didn't return my call several days ago. A shame too, as she seemed so sweet the night we met up. Oh well... Like how I merged two issues in one thread? LOL Edited April 12, 2011 by westernxer Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 Yeah I noticed that! What did the Dr say in the sense of treatment? Are you going to have iron supplements presribed or take shots to get your levels back up? Link to post Share on other sites
Author westernxer Posted April 12, 2011 Author Share Posted April 12, 2011 What did the Dr say in the sense of treatment? Are you going to have iron supplements presribed or take shots to get your levels back up? We'll have to wait or the GI doc to chime in, as I have experienced bleeding, which I don't wanna get into right now. For now I'm taking the multivitamins with iron. Don't want to start any aggressive iron supplementation without determining the root cause. Overall, I feel okay as we speak. Link to post Share on other sites
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