any ideas what is wrong with me?

[thirtysomething]

have an odd asssortment of symptoms which I'm convinced must be related somehow here goes:
constant, excessive thirst (but def not diabetic, tested recently), overhwelming tiredness not related to how much I sleep, diarrhea daily, reduced ability to store iron (not anemic in strict sense but always low ferritin no matter how much iron I take), low mean cell volume (think that means not enough red cells?), v. slow metabolism and inability to lose weight even on weightwatchers, cramps in feet and calves, tingly hands, hypersensitivity to pain in bones (i.e. light pressure on ribs, thighs etc v. painful)

I know it's a strange assortment of symptoms - have had all this for about 3 years and constantly tested for underlying causes of anemia but nothing found so far. Also periods v light as on pill so not a factor.

Feel constantly crap and unable to exercise as so tired and breathless so it's starting to get me down as would love to lose wight. Any suggestions v. gratefully received!

yes have had full bloods taken and it always comes back with just low ferritin and low mean cell volume, occasionally high platelet count

Have you had your thryoid checked?

And what's your diet like?

sounds like underactive thyroid, but no doubt they have tested for that

Do you have dry mouth, joint pains or stiffness?

Have you been tested for coeliac disease or similar intolerance/allergy?

How long have you been on the pill? Have you had a change of pill type?

I was thinking thyroid too. Has it been checked?

Poor you - sounds awful. You must keep on at the medics till they work it out, you can't carry on like this.

I have been pondering this.

If you are still anaemic even though you are taking iron, you are not absorbing it. This points to some sort of malabsorption problem.

This would fit with the diarrhoea - perhaps iron isn't the only thing your gut cannot absorb.

Some of your other symptoms such as the tingly hands point to low calcium - perhaps you are not absorbing calcium from your diet?

Perhaps this is all due to an endocrine problem, given that your endocrine system controls how everything else works?

So - could you be asked to be referred to an endocrinologist? And in the meantime, ask to be screened for coeliac disease, with the possibility of referral to a specialist who deals with metabolic disorders?

I am NOT trying to diagnose online - just trying to think where you might find some help.

What colour is the diarrhoea? If it is black or tarry (like tar) you could be bleeding from your gut. this would also cause anaemia, and should be investigated early.

Urgently - not early.

People with IBS may also experience other symptoms, which include:

• Rumbling noises and excessive wind

• An urgent need to rush to the loo and incontinence

• A sharp pain felt low down inside the bottom

• Tiredness

• Dizziness

• Headaches

• Backache

• Muscles and joint pains

• Passing urine frequently

• Ringing in the ears

• Belching

• Indigestion

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

• Anxiety and depression

wow just come back to check and loads of responses and some really useful suggestions thank you all so much! Hadn't considered that the thirst and diarrhea could be linked. Did have investigation for coeliac disease about 18 months ago (endoscopy) and it was negative, have also had thyroid test and it's on the lower end of normal. don't think it's IBS as it doesn't seem to be triggered by anything I do/eat and is always the same every day. I am veggie but eat very healthily and was never anaemic etc when pregnant. Am going to be referred to a consultant again to start more tests but no doubt will take ages...am intrigued spinspin by your pylori suggestion - could I have that for years and not know? Again thank you all for taking time to respond!

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