Anaemia - symptoms and recovery

[superdoodle]

Hi

After many months of feeling generally unwell, shortness of breath on exertion etc a blood test revealed that I was quite anaemic (Hb 7.7 instead of 12-13.5).

I had a blood transfusion and an iron infusion a few weeks later, that raised my Hb back to 11. I'm now taking Ferrous Fumerate with the aim of raising my levels back to normal and keeping them stable.

I've had a ct scan/gastroscopy/colonoscopy which thankfully revealed nothing sinister. I have an autoimmune gastritis which inhibits the breakdown of iron. It's not known yet whether the iron supplements will be enough to boost my levels or whether I'll need long term regular iron infusions.

I still feel pretty low and worry that my memory and word/name recall etc are below par. Is this normal? I'm stressing now that I have a memory problem but am hoping this can be attributed to the anaemia and will pass with time. Has anyone had a similar experience and, if so, how long did it take for you to feel fully functioning again?

Thanks.

Hopeful bump!

I believe memory 'fog' can be associated with pernicious anaemia (B12 levels). They may be low too if there's an absorption issue. Maybe check this out with your GP if you've not already done this.

Depending on your age memory problems can be a symptom of peri menopause.

I've had very low haemoglobin and ferritin levels too. I'm sure you already know this but avoid caffeine at least an hour either side of taking iron and take it with Vitamin C/OJ.

Memory fog is common with anemia - If you still feel foggy you may need another iron infusion - I always feel clearer a few days after an infusion feel crap the first few days after though.

I immediately thought B12 deficiency when I read your post. Have a look at the symptom list here

pernicious-anaemia-society.org/b12deficiencyandperniciousanaemia/

I’ve been anemic since I was a teenager and my memory is absolutely awful. Brain fog, anxiety, headaches, no energy.. does that sound similar?
I’ve never taken iron tablets as they make me ill but I’m now only just trying fumerate like you. My b12 is fine it’s my ferritin that’s low.

Thank you so much for all your helpful replies.
I’ve been back to the GP today. She checked my blood results from the hospital and confirmed that B12 wasn’t tested. So I’ll have a blood test on Monday to check full blood count, B12 and folate.
Oh yes, and I’m certainly perimenopausal at 47. I guess that doesn’t help!
To cap it all off I’ve also just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and prescribed Carbimazole.
Hopefully I can get everything sorted soon but it all feels a bit overwhelming.

Hello
I’m looking for some more advice please.
The vitamin b12 results are in at 293 (normal range is 211-911). My doctor says as this is normal I can’t have any vitb12 injections.
I’ve had a look online though and it seems in many countries a level of under 400 is treated. Has anyone had any success in getting treatment if just over the minimum?
I’m getting desperate now to feel better again.
Thanks

Hopeful bump

I tried to get my GP to agree to treatment for B12 deficiency but wasn’t successful. I did manage to get him to agree to further testing after sending him a letter quoting NICE guidelines. I had help from a fantastic group on Facebook - it’s Pernicious Anaemia/B12 Support group. A lot of the people in that group order their own B12 supplies and self inject because their GPS won’t treat them.

I am sure they would be able to offer you advice. Good luck!