So exhausted (anaemia)

[DipSwimSwoosh]

I wasn't surprised to recently learn I am anaemic. I'm always tired, basically. But it is really getting me down. I have 3 small children and 2 of them need to do schoolwork on my days off (part time keyworker), and it's just so hard to keep going.
I am taking iron and trying to eat as much of it as I can. I have a repeat test in a few months.
But in the meantime, I am so sick of being unable to take the kids out, and feeling like every task is like climbing a mountain! This is realky just me moaning, though any practical tips are welcome.

Eat iron with vitamin C as it helps absorption.

Thanks

I was given the mini pill to stop my periods as I just couldn't get my iron levels up. I've never felt better, I had periods for the first 6 months (quite irregular which was a pain) but now nothing.

Make sure you take vitamin C (e.g. some juice) with the tablets. Take 2 tbsp of flax seeds or some prunes everyday to try to combat any constipation. What tablets do you take? Ferrous fumerate is a bit gentler I think and has a higher elemental amout of iron than say ferrous sulphate.

It might be worth asking why you haven't been referred to get injections of iron instead. I had to take tablets for months on end, fatigued all the while to get my iron and ferritin levels up (GP refused to refer me for injections, cost blah, blah) but recently my DSis had low iron and ferritin at levels higher than mine but had injections over a few weeks on the NHS and was perky 2 weeks later! (not sure if it was done to where she lived or because she works at the hospital). Injections work a lot quicker and get ferrritin levels back up.

Good luck

Yes, ferrous Fumarate is a lot gentler and I could take 3 a day without any problems. Yes, take it with vit C, but are you having any investigations into why you are so anaemic ?

Thanks. I have a feeling they will investigate further if I can't get my levels high enough this time. My iron levels are always low but are the lowest I've had now and I really feel it.
I have ferrous fumarate but have been told to ask the pharmacist for whatever they suggest for severe anaemia. I also have vitarenew, I'm not sure if that is adequate on its own.
I am on the pill as I get terrible cramps otherwise, but not heavy periods.

Try and avoid tea and diary. .They affect absorption ..I feel for you as have been through it.good news I felt better quite quickly after taking tablets. .2 weeks I felt the benefit

Thank you all. I'll try all the tips!

Spatone water sachets with natural iron are good, can get them from Tesco, Amazon. My midwife recommended them for me when l was pregnant, and l am taking them again as going through menopause.

You need to know what kind of anaemia.

Pernicious anaemia, for example, is no longer managed by B12 injections, so whoever you take advice from needs to be up to date on the latest treatments.

Then you can ask to talk to the pharmacist, they often have a bit more time to discuss options with you.

But as soon as you know get whatever is the best course of treatment, take all advice and feel better as soon as.

Best of luck getting it sorted quickly and easily.

@CuriousaboutSamphire

Where are you getting the information from.

Since 1990 DH has B12 injections every 8 weeks for pernicious anaemia.

I took iron tablets for ages but they did little for me other than make me feel sick. In the end I switched to an iron infusion every year and the difference was remarkable.

I recently had iron infusions for anemia. Hematologist said it would take too long to get within range using tablets. I was like a corpse for a year and the difference in my energy and mood is incredible. What is the cause of your anemia? As Gp for referral for infusion. It’s very hard on function with anemia especially with kids.

Thanks again. I don't know the cause but it was first picked up in pregnancy 5 years ago.

@DipSwimSwoosh why hasn’t your doc suggested an infusion?

[quote goingtotown]**@CuriousaboutSamphire

Where are you getting the information from.

Since 1990 DH has B12 injections every 8 weeks for pernicious anaemia.[/quote]
From my GP, PCT and national guidelines. I have a collection of anaemias, including megaloblastic. Pernicious was assumed in my 30s.

I had my B12 injections stopped last year and have been on daily 1000mcg B12 tablets since.

Many people are 'diagnosed' by assumption. Very few have the full suite of tests. The assumption is that if you require treatment in your 30/40s you probably have congential PA, no intrinsic factor. So a couple of years ago GPs were asked to get their PA patients to take oral supplements after an injection. Then bloods would be taken to see if there was any drop off. Those that had no drop off could continue on the oral supplements.

This is supposed to be happening to everyone who has not had the full suite of tests for PA. The thinking now is that the regular injections can be reduced for many, maybe never or just twice a year rather than every few weeks.

I was very sceptical. No! I was bloody scared, to be honest. I've been on 10-weekly B12 injections since the 90s and always felt the drop off after about 8 weeks. I have not felt that at all since coming off the injections.

That's why I posted what I did, though I can see I missed a few words, sorry! But anaemia treatment has changed for many people! It's worth checking rather than assuming that injections are inevitable!

I think they will probably investigate further this time if it doesn't improve. I am doing all I can! Spent yesterday feeling guilty I didn't get the kids out the house though. It was enough to get through the schoolwork and cook dinner, and I had a nap midday!

Iron needs an empty stomach so I take mine at night right before bed.

Thanks. I'll start that tonight.

CuriousaboutSamphire

Thank you. DH will discuss this with his consultant next month.

@goingtotown

CuriousaboutSamphire

Thank you. DH will discuss this with his consultant next month.

I hope he gets a decent conversation about it. Not having the injections every few weeks has, now I am used to it, been quite a relief!