Any knowledge/experience with anemia?

[sclisa]

I've been having some strange medical things (mildly dizzy, tired, cold, etc.)going on and saw my dr. a week ago Friday for a physical. He suspected some sinus issues & treated me for that, but also drew blood at that time. I hadn't heard from him, so I assumed I would simply be receiving a note stating that all was well. Today, I received the expected letter, and all was normal except for my CBC.

For the CBC, he had checked "abnormal" and made the notation "Hgb 9.3 -- anemia noted." He wrote a note to me at the bottom of the report that stated "You need to start taking a daily iron tablet to get your blood count up (new rx enclosed). I'll recheck this at your visit in 3-4 weeks." The iron rx is for "Fesoy" (at least I think that's what it says).

Anyway, I'm just wondering: What does 9.3 indicate (I know Hgb is hemoglobin)? Is that extremely low or just borderline? Do you think this indicates "regular" iron-deficient anemia or something more worrisome? I googled a bit, but that just gave me lots of "worse case" information. lol I know I could just wait until Monday & give the office a call, but...well...I'm curious now. :o

What do you think? Thanks!

Lisa

[Laurie]

I became anemic about a year and a half ago. I don't remember even talking specific numbers with my doctor, but she told me that I needed to take a daily iron supplement and then come back for a second blood test. (My levels were normal when I was re-tested.) She told me to take SlowFe, which is time-released to be easier on the GI system. It's available over-the-counter, and she also told me to take it with 250mg of vitamin C to improve the absorption.

I've found helpful information at www.mayoclinic.com. The section on anemia describes normal levels.

I hope you're feeling better soon! (And, really, I wouldn't worry!)

[sclisa]

Thanks for the info.! I'll be sure to take it w/vitamin C. I've been anemic once before, but that was during pregnancy. At that time, my OB had me take the Slow FE that you mentioned & I tolerated it just fine. We also didn't discuss numbers then. I hope that this rx version is tolerated as well. The Mayo site was also informative -- although, based on the info. there, it does seem that my levels are rather low.

Anyway, thanks for your reassurance. I appreciate it! :)

Lisa

[strider]

I do not remember the exact number, but I think the official borderline for anemia is 12 or 13. Getting as low as 5 is considered really, really bad.

When I was diagnosed with anemia my hemoglobin was borderline but my ferritin was REALLY low. I took 125 mg per day for eight months before dropping to a maintenance dose of 50mg per day.

Most iron supplements offer less than 50mg per day. Your hemoglobin score indicates that you need more than that.

I have done well with Ferrosequels, a 50mg timed-release pill.

You should also consider taking molasses. 3T per day gives the iron that the average person needs. I would advise you to take molasses IN ADDITION to your supplement.

Normally a doctor would re-test in six months. With a score as low as yours I would advise you to check again in 3 months just to see if you are making any progress. When they do a blood test, request that they check both your hemoglobin AND your ferritin. Hemoglobin tells only half the story--ferritin is a measure of your iron stores. Your ferritin score can get really low before your hemoglobin score does. Conversely, your hemoglobin may get up into the acceptable range but your ferritin may not. If you stop iron supplementation at that point you will continue to have anemic symptoms, and your hemoglobin is likely to dip back down again.

When I was at my worst with anemia, I was having dizzy episodes, bone-crushing exhaustion, significant sleep issues, and constant cold. I just could NOT get warm. The symptoms you describe could all be attributed to anemia.

I am concerned about how low your score is. Your doctor needs to take this seriously. I can answer any further questions, and I also urge you to work aggressively to build your iron back up. You will feel soooooo much better.

Some foods to enjoy would be dark leafy greens (spinach is my favorite) or beans of any kind. Lentils cook much more quickly than other beans and pack a lot of punch in terms of iron. Take molasses also.

Best wishes--I hope you feel better soon.

[sclisa]

Thanks, Strider. Um, when you say that my iron is "really pretty low" and "I am concerned about how low your score is" and "Your doctor needs to take this seriously"....what are you saying? I'm the kind of weirdo that tends to read between the lines, and I'm wondering if you're trying to give me a message that I'm not getting?

The Mayo site indicated that lower than 11 was anemia, and that anything lower than 10 was quite low. I'm fairly certain that my doctor is taking this seriously. He stated in his note that he would re-test me in 3 weeks (at my next appointment). I will definitely consider the molasses. Do you just take it with a spoon or did you mix it in something?

I'm definitely not blowing this off and will work to increase my iron, but I guess I'm wondering: Are you thinking that this could be something more serious?

Thanks,
Lisa

[Mom2legomaniacs]

I had an artery spurt out after a surgery. I ended up back in surgery 10 days later and was down about 2 pints. I was anemic. They gave me a transfusion for 1 pint but wanted me to build up the rest naturally. There are some vegetable based iron supplements that are not constipating (if that is an issue for you). And I was told to take the Vitamin C with it as well. I think that I recall that below 10 is where the anemia is called for a level.

I would call the DRs office and have a chat with someone tomorrow about this. Then you will know and won't be wondering just how serious it might be. Odds are, if they didn't call you right away about this, then it is not really bad. That is not to say that it should not be addressed right away and taken to heart. I think you should call. good luck!

[sclisa]

Thanks, Melissa....I think that's what I'll do. You're probably right about all you said -- it will just ease my mind to call, so I'll do so. :)

Lisa

[strider]

Thanks, Strider. Um, when you say that my iron is "really pretty low" and "I am concerned about how low your score is" and "Your doctor needs to take this seriously"....what are you saying? I'm the kind of weirdo that tends to read between the lines, and I'm wondering if you're trying to give me a message that I'm not getting?

The Mayo site indicated that lower than 11 was anemia, and that anything lower than 10 was quite low. I'm fairly certain that my doctor is taking this seriously. He stated in his note that he would re-test me in 3 weeks (at my next appointment). I will definitely consider the molasses. Do you just take it with a spoon or did you mix it in something?

I'm definitely not blowing this off and will work to increase my iron, but I guess I'm wondering: Are you thinking that this could be something more serious?

Thanks,
Lisa

The doctor I have right now is really, really wonderful. It is thanks to him that my anemia as well as my scoliosis/arthritis issues have been addressed.

However, I did have another doctor before this one who did not take my symptoms as seriously, did not consider a borderline hemoglobin score as an issue of concern, did not account for a significant family history of anemia, and did not test my ferritin. As a result, I suffered for YEARS with undiagnosed anemia. My health got really, really BAD as a result.

Your score is low is quite low, as you know, so it does need to be addressed. At this point the only thing you need to do is supplement and re-test at regular intervals. However, if your testing shows that you are not responding to iron supplementation, then you would want to consider an underlying condition.

While there are some known reasons for anemia, there are also many many many people who never learn WHY they are anemic. The protocol is generally to see how a patient responds to supplementation. If there are ongoing concerns they might do a stool sample. There are further steps that can be taken--but generally if supplementation works, they consider the condition taken care of.

So my doomsday warnings were based on my own experience of having suffered for years because a doctor didn't take it all that seriously. That's all--I do not want anyone else to experience that kind of misery.

One other thought is simply that taking a little iron (18mg or whatever) is just not enough. I would have expected your doctor to recommend a specific dosage rather than just saying generally to take a supplement. It takes a looooong time to build back up--it took me eight months of 125mg a day before I was in a better range. The difference in how I felt, day to day, was unbelievable.

As for the molasses, I found that taking it with a spoon left that thick molasses coated all over my mouth--blech. I usually dilute in half a cup of lukewarm water.

Again, sorry to alarm you. I will gladly answer any other questions.

Best wishes.

[Diana in OR]

My level is 10.05, so I'm slightly better than you. I definitely feel your pain. When I am really low, my muscles start to twitch, among other things like the dizzy, cold, tired, etc. I have taken the rx with minimal success. I now use Slow FE (non-prescription) b/c it is much easier on my stomach.

I also try to foods that are naturally rich in iron, as well as some iron-fortified foods.

My dr. didn't tell me this when I was initially diagnosed with anemia (2 yrs ago), but if the level gets too low, they have to do a blood transfusion. That pretty much keeps me motivated to take my supplements and eat well.

Keep us posted on how you're doing!

[Fourmother]

I've been anemic since I was a teen. Whenever I have a blood test my hgb between 10.5. and 9.5. I admit, though, that I'm only fastidious about taking iron supplements during pregnancy. In 25 years I've never found an iron tablet that would agree with my stomach. Even the slow release ones make me feel worse than the anemia symptoms. I know it's bad, but I can function by putting on an extra pair of socks and a sweater or taking a short nap. So that's what I do.

[Laura R (FL)]

I had an awful bout with anemia a few years ago. My Hgb was under 7 and my red cell count was 30. I was incredibly tired and short of breath. Since I have rheumatoid arthritis, I was suspected of possibly having lymphoma as a result of some meds I was taking. They did a bone marrow biopsy which was clear, but showed that I had no usable ferritin in my body. After talking to the hematologist, it seems that inflammatory conditions can prevent you from absorbing iron, so rx level irons wouldn't have helped anyway and OTC was fine for me. I also had to take Procrit to stimulate red cell production.

Talking to the doctor helps a lot to understanding what is going on and why he recommends certain things. If you are too uncomfortable to wait three weeks, then give him a call. Take the iron with Vit C, don't take it with calcium products, and eat iron rich and Vit B rich foods. Oh yeah....and rest! :)

[sclisa]

One other thought is simply that taking a little iron (18mg or whatever) is just not enough. I would have expected your doctor to recommend a specific dosage rather than just saying generally to take a supplement. It takes a looooong time to build back up--it took me eight months of 125mg a day before I was in a better range. The difference in how I felt, day to day, was unbelievable.

Ok, thanks for clarifying...I understand what you're saying. My dr. did specify a dosage and med. He attached a prescription to his note (that's where his quote "see new rx" or something like that came in. His attached prescription was for Fesoy (well, that's what it looked like when I saw his writing), but the bottle from the pharmacy just says "Ferrous Sulfate 325 mg." I take this once per day. I think 325 mg. is a pretty high dosage...but, what do I know? :) I'm taking it now, so hopefully I'll show at least a minimal improvement when I'm retested in a few weeks.

Thanks again. I'm glad you shared your experience. I'll stay on top of it, I promise.

Lisa

[sclisa]

My dr. didn't tell me this when I was initially diagnosed with anemia (2 yrs ago), but if the level gets too low, they have to do a blood transfusion. That pretty much keeps me motivated to take my supplements and eat well.

Keep us posted on how you're doing!

:eek: Yes, the threat of a blood transfusion is rather motivating, I would say. Thanks for the additional advice & I'll update when I have more info.

Lisa

[sclisa]

I've been anemic since I was a teen. Whenever I have a blood test my hgb between 10.5. and 9.5. I admit, though, that I'm only fastidious about taking iron supplements during pregnancy. In 25 years I've never found an iron tablet that would agree with my stomach. Even the slow release ones make me feel worse than the anemia symptoms. I know it's bad, but I can function by putting on an extra pair of socks and a sweater or taking a short nap. So that's what I do.

Yeah, the stomach thing is not fun, as I'm already discovering. However, I *really* want to feel better (not saying that you don't, I'm just sick & tire of feeling sick & tired lol). Yesterday, it felt as if my arms & legs were made from extremely heavy rubber. It was an effort just to do basic chores like laundry. :( Thanks for sharing your story.

Lisa

[sclisa]

I had an awful bout with anemia a few years ago. My Hgb was under 7 and my red cell count was 30. I was incredibly tired and short of breath. Since I have rheumatoid arthritis, I was suspected of possibly having lymphoma as a result of some meds I was taking. They did a bone marrow biopsy which was clear, but showed that I had no usable ferritin in my body. After talking to the hematologist, it seems that inflammatory conditions can prevent you from absorbing iron, so rx level irons wouldn't have helped anyway and OTC was fine for me. I also had to take Procrit to stimulate red cell production.

Talking to the doctor helps a lot to understanding what is going on and why he recommends certain things. If you are too uncomfortable to wait three weeks, then give him a call. Take the iron with Vit C, don't take it with calcium products, and eat iron rich and Vit B rich foods. Oh yeah....and rest! :)

Oh, I'm sorry that you had such a horrible experience, Laura! How frightening. I'm glad that you did not have lymphoma, but am sorry that you had to go through so much.

All of the information you (and others) have shared has been quite helpful. I know to ask about ferritin, to take my iron with Vitamin C, & what foods will (hopefully) help to boost my iron. Oh...and to rest...um, I'll do my best, but as we all know, that part is easier said than done. :D

Lisa

[Hen Jen]

Lisa,

I was at a 10 recently, and the mention of blood transfusion or at least iron shots motivated me, too. My Dr. has been running all kinds of test, and one very interesting thing and kind of important too, was that because of my anemia, my blood volume was very, very low. The big result from that was medications, specially cold medications affected me more, I have to be real careful now not to take a full dose. Ask alot of questions about your iron dose recommendation, I was told to take just one pill a day, but another Dr. advised 2 to 3... I am seeing that if i take less then 2 plus a prenatal, I am having exhaustion problems.

I am feeling much better after a few months, I hope you feel better soon. I can't believe the level of tiredness I lived with daily.

p.s. a stool softener every other day or so seems to help.
stool softener good, laxative bad...just my experience!

[sclisa]

Lisa,

I was at a 10 recently, and the mention of blood transfusion or at least iron shots motivated me, too. My Dr. has been running all kinds of test, and one very interesting thing and kind of important too, was that because of my anemia, my blood volume was very, very low. The big result from that was medications, specially cold medications affected me more, I have to be real careful now not to take a full dose. Ask alot of questions about your iron dose recommendation, I was told to take just one pill a day, but another Dr. advised 2 to 3... I am seeing that if i take less then 2 plus a prenatal, I am having exhaustion problems.

I am feeling much better after a few months, I hope you feel better soon. I can't believe the level of tiredness I lived with daily.

p.s. a stool softener every other day or so seems to help.
stool softener good, laxative bad...just my experience!

Thanks, Hen Jen. I know I'm exhausted, and I can't wait to feel "normal" again. Right now, I am supposed to take 1 pill per day, but the dosage is 325 mg. I'll be sure to ask him about it, though. I've also been doing some research on getting some additional iron through dark green leafy veggies. I'm going to experiment with green smoothies in order to get more on a daily basis. I've had them before and liked them...now it's just a matter of doing it on a daily basis.

Anyway, thanks for your advice. I had to chuckle at your "stool softner good, laxative bad" comment. That's advice I will remember! :D

Lisa

[sclisa]

I just thought I'd post an update since some of you so kindly asked me to the last time I posted about it. I haven't posted much because I'm. so. exhausted. But I have been keeping up by reading everything. :D

Anyway, to review...my hcg level 6 weeks ago (approx.) was 9.3 (not good). My dr. had me begin taking 325 mg. of ferrous sulfate (iron lol) daily. He checked again about 2 weeks later, and I was 9.2. I was just checked yesterday & I'm up to 10.4 (less not good)! Not exactly where I need to be, but hey, at least it's moving in the right direction.

On another positive, I found out that I have excellent cholesterol (total, good & bad), triglicerides, and liver enzymes. So, yay me. <I'm trying this new concept called positive thinking. It's not natural.> :lol:

I'm drinking my green smoothies & trying to remember what it was like to not feel completely drained all the time. Hopefully, energy will be a reality soon enough.

Lisa

[Jean in Newcastle]

I'm glad it is moving in the right direction. Hopefully as your level goes up you will feel better soon.

[Amy in Orlando]

Like Fourmother, I've been anemic since my teens. I skirted along the issue for a long time. When I hit 39, however, I really had to step it up and take care of myself. I'm fine with most slow release iron pills, but find I tolerate them better after dinner than in the morning. I also take Vitamin C. Additionally, I try to squeeze iron-rich foods into our regular meals. It helps.

My iron is now low-normal - just like my mom's. No underlying cause. Socks, naps and sweaters are good too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[sclisa]

My iron is now low-normal - just like my mom's. No underlying cause. Socks, naps and sweaters are good too. I hope you're feeling better soon.

Interesting...since I just turned 39! No, actually, I turned twenty-nineteen. :D
Naps are always good! :iagree: with all of your wise suggestions -- thanks!

Lisa

[Sandy in Indy]

Interesting...I read this thread because my mom (who is 84) was just told she's anemic. Her count is 9.3 (she thought!).

What catches my eye is the comment about dizziness. Mom has been dizzy for a L O N G time and undergone oodles of tests without determing any cause. I'm wondering now if being anemic has caused this problem. It's certainly something I'll be researching!

Thanks for the heads up about the Vit. C. She's notoriously stubborn about not taking vitamins, but maybe I'll convince her that it will help.

[strider]

I am glad things are moving in the right direction.

Remember it does take a looooonng time to get those iron levels where they need to be.

Keep having those labs done every three months or so to make sure your levels are climbing. Once you are considered "normal" you might think about continuing iron supplements to maintain that normal level--I take 50mg a day as for maintenance. Or you might choose to maintain by taking molasses--it's gentler on the stomach. You should also plan to get labs done at least yearly to make sure you do not become so badly anemic again.

Thanks for letting us know--keep us posted. I am glad things are better, and hope you are feeling much better soon.

[sclisa]

Yep, yep, yep....right now, doc's checking my levels every month. Hopefully, if things continue to improve, I can graduate to every three. Right now, we're becoming best friends. :D Thank you for all of your kind words & wonderful advice. Seriously, I really do appreciate it.

Lisa