I'm really quite anaemic!

[NoIronWoman]

I got a routine blood test last week, got the results yesterday while I was on call (doctor).

My haemoglobin was 8.3, iron 2 and ferritin 3.29. Normal periods, diet ok, no recent pregnancy, in my early 30s. No history of anaemia.

Another doctor insisted I got cover and gave me an iron infusion and galfer, hoping to feel a little better soon.

I was exhausted, headachy, had chest pain, pica and restless legs. Worked a 58 hour week most weeks and busy at home too. I assumed it was psychological. Probably actually an oozing ulcer - on long term esomeprazole.

Just requesting some sympathy/empathy and someone to tell me I'm not utterly stupid.

I treat my own patients better than this, I promise!

[MeadowDream]

Bless you!
Hope you're feeling better really soon! Look after yourself!


I should really get my bloods checked too

[NoIronWoman]

Thank you Meadow. Just kicking myself a tad!

[RedBugMug]

hope you feel better soon.
gosh, those levels are low.
you know that anaemia is a symptom, not a disease, so you need to find out where it comes from and treat it.

[ExplodedCloud]

3! Staggered that you were still upright!
Hope they sort you out and get your levels back up

[NoIronWoman]

Thanks people.

Bug, debated it with a gastroenterologist and we're doubling my PPI for 6 weeks.

If not resolving, then I'll grudgingly get an OGD! I'm a terrible patient, but working on that.

Bloods would indicate all else is good, but getting really good follow up and my colleagues, doctors and nurses alike, were so kind.

[SleepForTheWeek]

My haemoglobin levels dropped to 4.1 at their lowest so I know how utterly exhausting it is to function when anaemic. Mine was caused by bleeding in the bowel though - no symptoms you could be losing blood from somewhere?

The hospital didn't realise I was so bad so didn't run the blood tests till the morning (I went in evening time) and I was woken to go for a shower in the morning so they could change my bed etc. I remember having to shower sitting down on the floor!!

Hopefully they'll find the root of the cause, and manage it in the meantime.

[elephantoverthehill]

I can't really give advice to a doctor, but the Guinness and spinach diet worked wonders for me.

[MichaelSheensNextDW]

Physician, heal thyself!
(Ex-nurse here rolling eyes at you - psychological indeed. Glad to hear you're being well looked after)

[QODRestYeMerryGentlemen]

I've got a severe vitamin D deficiency also B12
Only found on a routine blood test, I'm not s medic but work in the medical field and should know better!
I'd have diagnosed it in anyone else months ago

Infuriating isn't it

Feel better soon 💐

[NoIronWoman]

Thanks for all the internet hand holding.

Michael, everyone there was amused by my symptom interpretation as psychological too!

[fenneltea]

The trouble is that the symptoms creep up insidiously so you don't really notice them until diagnosed and then everything clicks into place!
My hb was 8 and my ferritin was 4, after supplementation my hb is about 12 and ferritin 26, and its only now that I feel better that I realise how awful I'd felt. I was looking for places that would be good for a nap when out for a walk.
I hope you feel better soon and get to the bottom of the cause.

[mayhew]

It's interesting as a HCP to have these experiences. You had the creeping insidious anaemia that the otherwise healthy person adapts to until it's really bad. When you next have a patient like this, you'll have that extra insight.
I had a pph and experienced dropping swiftly from Hb 12 to 8.2 on a single day. I remember thinking, " ooh, tachycardia and breathlessness, faintness on standing". Within two weeks I was almost feeling normal as my body replaced the missing red cells.