Anemia Support Group

I've been dealing with anemia for about a yr or so. In Oct my hemog was up to the low end of normal and my ferritin went from either 5 to 6 or 6 to 7, can't remember. I had been feeling ok until this last week. I have been falling asleep at the wheel, can't seem to stay awake.(Last time this happened is when they found I had anemia) If I go from one side of the room to the other I'm completely exhausted. If I have to walk more than that I feel like a small animal (like a cat) is sitting on my chest. My breathing is heavy but not wheezing so I know it's not my asthma. My heart feels like it's pounding in my throat. Once in awhile I've been having a small pain in my chest but it's by my right breast.

So have my levels dropped? Do I need to go back into the doctor? She didn't say anything about coming back in to check them again. I spent so much time in and out of the docs office last year I dread going back. After awhile I start to feel like a hypocondriac.(sp??)

OH yes you need to keep an eye on your levels on a regular basis...ESPECIALLY if they don't really know WHY it got low to begin with!

Getting iron in your system and seeing your numbers go up only means that you are giving your body what it needs to not slide backwards...but more times than not...the MOMENT you stop or slack off with that you will go right back to being anemic!

Your heart rate can go up and your bp can go down....there are SO SO SO many symptoms...and what you describe sounds like you need to get seen right away because it takes SO long to get your numbers back up!!!!

This is a life long thing unless they find out why you are anemic and can FIX IT instead of just artificially bumping your numbers due to increased iron etc....Something is not right with the body system if you are getting anemic to begin with...

Thanks Tara. I started having more pain in the right side of the chest lastnight for about an hour straight. My husband gave me an ultimatium. Either I call and get in today to see my doctor or he will be taking me to the ER. Needless to say I have an appt.

Please keep us posted. Any information/knowledge your doc can give may help someone else here.

*HUGS* to you..and THANK GOD for a great hubby!!!

She wasn't worried about the anemia. The chest issue looks like it's "chest wall pain". Possibly an infection or inflammation in the tissue by the ribs in that area. She said that the "Chest wall pain" can mimic a heart attack. I come from a family of heart problems so that was a relief. She said if you can touch the area where it hurt and recreate the pain it's not a heart attack or caused from the anemia.

Mkempen,

You said "She wasn't worried about the anemia"??

Ok, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be!

Anemia can make you completely exhausted, exactly like you described....

Just cuz a doctor didn't pay attention to it doesn't mean you shouldn't!!

Remember, doctors know they have 15 patients waiting in line for them after you and sometimes they have to rush.

But don't let her ignore stuff that can mean a huge difference in your life!!

well said waytoohandsome!

ABSOLUTELY GET A TOTAL BLOOD COUNT! Definitely definitely definitely. I had all those symptoms when I was anemic.