Severe anaemia

[IsletsOfLangerhans]

Just need to moan really. I've been very stupid and let myself get pretty anaemic over the last year (blood test last week showed haemoglobin was 7.1). Most likely due to heavy periods which upped a gear a year ago (I am 40). I'm on iron tablets 3 times a day and have started eating more high iron foods. How long will it be until I stop feeling so tired? I was managing to function ok until last week but I feel truly shit now (short of breath, achey and flat as a pancake). I've got a scan booked in 2 weeks to check for fibroids/endo which is the suspected cause of my anaemia. If anyone has any advice of feeling better quickly, would gladly hear of it!

[tobee]

My GP told me it would take up to 6 months to feel properly better. The trouble is for all the effort your body takes trying to replenish haemoglobin levels every month your periods are going to work against that. I'm sorry to not have better news, although obviously it varies from person to person. I had bouts of dizziness, breathlessness and nearly fainting. The good news is you have only two weeks to wait for a scan which should get the ball rolling getting rid of the problem rather than just trying to help with the symptoms. Until it's sorted you need to be easy on yourself as much as possible, keep taking the tablets and eating an iron rich diet. Maybe ask about getting iron injections? This is something I didn't have but I believe it can really help.

[IsletsOfLangerhans]

Thanks tobee. The repeated loss of blood every month is what's bothering me. Last time I was very anaemic was after having dd1 - had a transfusion and then iron tablets for 3-4 months. But no periods to worry about! I'm cross with myself for letting myself get into this position! I should have been taking Spatone AND eating more carefully (have been mainly vegetarian). Period is due in two weeks and worried will be back at square one.