Anaemia?

[KittyB52]

Over the last couple of years, I have been back and forth to my GP to find out the cause of my back pain, lack of energy, brain fog, joint pain, restless legs, dry/blurry eyes, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss. I am ‘probably’ perimenopausal.

Finally, after ‘ruling out’* B12 deficiency, coeliac disease, RA and other immune issues, he has referred me to a rheumatologist - the appointment is the week before Christmas.

However, although my blood tests were (according to him) ‘normal’, a bit of reading round makes me think I could be anaemic. My most recent results showed ferritin at 10.6 (range is 10-210) and folate 5.69 (range > 5.4).

I have started taking Feroglobin to see if that helps, but it’s only been a week or two.

I can’t stop eating and despite being a vegetarian, I have had cravings for both fish and chicken (mostly when I am preparing these foods for DD).

Does my symptoms sound like they could be due to anaemia and if so, will the Feroglobin do anything (eventually)?

Being anemic generally makes you tired. When I was at my worst I was generally feeling low, drained constantly and pretty depressed. Give the supplements a go. Also look at your diet. Get plenty of iron rich foods and watch your caffeine consumption as this can prevent you from absorbing iron. Try to avoid having anything with caffeine within an hour of eating and taking supplements.

Fatted My GP did ask if I was tired, I glanced at 17 month old DD in the buggy and said “Yes, but I will be, won’t I?” I feel drained and a bit breathless after having to haul DD about to change her nappy, which isn’t normal - she’s a big girl but not that big.

I have been drinking more coffee as well (I know, not helping myself) but it’s a cup first thing, with breakfast and supplement an hour or two later, and another coffee mid afternoon.

I force myself to go out for a walk at least once a day for fresh air and a bit of exercise. My diet is bad at the moment, although I do eat some fruit.

I don’t think my mood is too bad - I get a bit annoyed and snappy but that’s mostly when I forget where something is.