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General health

Is there a way to tell if you're anaemic without a blood test?

7 replies

ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 08/06/2015 20:45

First of all, I will be making a GP appointment as soon as I can. But in the mean time is there a way to tell myself?

I'm pretty sure that's what it is. I feel tired all the time, have no energy and can't concentrate on anything. Even typing on here feels like hard work. I also keep getting random cravings for steak.

What else will happen at the GP apart from ordering blood tests?

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DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 08/06/2015 20:46

Pull down your bottom eye lid?

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KirstyJC · 08/06/2015 20:51

Check in a mirror - as Dame says, inside your eyelid will be very pale. Also your gums will be pale as well. And, if you're like I was, you will just look like shite.

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moggiek · 08/06/2015 21:44

Cracks at the sides of your mouth is a sign, too.

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FennyBridges · 08/06/2015 21:47

Fainting and breathlessness. Not together necessarily. Iron is in red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. If your blood cells are smaller (less iron) you have less oxygen, hence breathlessness. Could equal excessive yawning; a biological reaction to get more oxygen inside you.

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ToadsJustFellFromTheSky · 08/06/2015 23:07

I forgot about the eyelid test. I've had a look though - looks very pale and my gums look pale too.

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Clarella · 09/06/2015 22:02

My eyes were fine but my gums were pale even after brushing - almost pale blue at one point. But it was my ferritin, my hb was actually a tad high. My ferritin was about 50 which wouldn't normally be an issue but due to thyroid issues it became one, and I had severe restless leg syndrome everywhere.

I noticed the gums changing the most.

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Clarella · 09/06/2015 22:03

I had frequent illnesses and chest infections too.

I've noticed I can breathe so much better now, and lungs don't hurt when I'm swimming or running v fast.

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