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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 29, 2016 20:27:20 GMT
I posted the other day that I have had a chronic cough for 3-4 months. I finally went to the doctor and they did a chest x-Ray and some bloodwork. The x-Ray came back fine but they said that I was anemic and want me to follow up with my pcp (who is my Gyn). The doctor I saw said that the pcp would do some investigating into the cause for the anemia and mentioned possible endoscopy and/or colonoscopy. I do have heavy periods and am supposed to be getting an ultrasound for that but have put it off for various reasons. I'm not sure if the periods would cause the anemia, though. I feel like the overall blood loss is probably less than it used to be, but it is concentrated in a shorter period of time.
I emailed my Gyn and requested an appt. He ordered the ultrasound and some other bloodwork. After doing some research, I also requested a blood test for celiac disease, which his nurse questioned.
I'm supposed to call to schedule this when I get my period, which should be any time now. I'm wondering if there is anything else I should be asking or considering. I'm worried about jumping to an invasive procedure (such as hysterectomy or the GI tests).
I also posted a few months ago about possible thyroid issues, even though my TSH is normal. Now it looks like some of the symptoms could also be due to the anemia. I just want to make sure my bases are covered and I am not missing something. But I also don't want to drive my doctor crazy. Lol
If you have any experiences with this, please share!
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raindancer
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Post by raindancer on Jul 29, 2016 20:39:00 GMT
My husband becomes extremely anemic when his crohns disease flares up. He does not have any obvious signs of bleeding. He has shortness of breath, difficulty doing normal things like going up a flight of stairs, and feels lethargic. He has had to have iron infusions. I think it's not bothering your doctor to try to figure out how to help you feel good and healthy!
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Post by lily on Jul 29, 2016 20:43:31 GMT
I was just found to be anemic about 3 months ago, while my PCP was trying to figure out why my platelet count was high. My PCP sent me to a Hematologist (who happens to also be an Oncologist). They ran bloodwork and found my iron level was below the minimum and my ferritin was very very low. He started me on 325 mg of Ferrous Gluconate each day, taken with Orange Juice in the morning, half an hour before eating. Went back just this week (3 months on iron pill) and my levels are coming up and platelet count is down in normal range now. Hematologist says it is from the extremely heavy periods I have been having every few months, and recommended I speak to my GYN about them, and continue the iron pill for at least a year (I am 54).
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Post by papersilly on Jul 29, 2016 21:19:42 GMT
I was anemic due to heavy and prolonged periods. Finally had a hysterectomy and the anemia and period related problems went away.
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Post by rst on Jul 29, 2016 21:25:41 GMT
I had very severe anemia that landed me in the hospital for blood transfusions and iv iron supplementation. I did have ridiculously heavy and long periods at that time, but another factor was that I had been taking reflux medications for years which were affecting my ability to absorb dietary and supplmental iron and other vitamins/nutrients. I also took a lot of advil due to joint pain from overuse, which contributed to the reflux. So if you are on any other medications, even otc, consider how they might play a role or mask symptoms that are important to your case.
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cycworker
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Post by cycworker on Jul 29, 2016 21:33:10 GMT
I have been having iron issues. Finally tried infusions as I had trouble with pills. Haven't had a follow up blood test yet but I'm definitely feeling better/different.
I've had a colonoscopy & an endoscopy. The colonoscopy prep is hell, but I don't consider either procedure particularly invasive or difficult. I'd get them done.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 29, 2016 22:38:47 GMT
I recently had bloodwork that showed me as slightly anemic; we think it may have been due to some wonky hormones that caused a month of spotting. I am on 65mg iron (equivalent to 325 mg ferrous sulfate), but haven't been in for followup bloodwork yet. We're checking at six weeks because that's what the PA ordered, but the pharmacist said "Uh, people are usually on iron for at least three months for anemia" so I guess we'll see.
I have been taking nature made iron (brown bottle, yellowish cap and label). It was the most expensive, but it has not upset my stomach. (That was what I worried about most, because I always have trouble with multivitamins and the medical people always blame the iron.)
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Post by rst on Jul 29, 2016 22:51:40 GMT
For long term iron supplementation without negative side effects (stomach pain and constipation) Iron and herbs liquid has been the best thing we've found. It's a bit pricey, but so worth it not to have to deal with constipation.
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Post by 950nancy on Jul 29, 2016 23:33:49 GMT
My doctor couldn't figure out why I wan't anemic (but very close) with my 27 day periods and blog clots the size of lemons. For me, the hysterectomy was a blessing! Hope you get this all figured out quickly.
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Deleted
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May 18, 2024 10:42:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 29, 2016 23:38:53 GMT
I was very anemic for years. I use to bleed very heavy during my period. Had an ablations, stopped bleeding, no more anemia at all.
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Post by librarylady on Jul 30, 2016 1:42:28 GMT
Was anemic for years. Took iron pills and folic acid and still could not get the numbers up. Then I stumbled upon a site that said caffeine binds the iron so that it can not be absorbed. One should not have caffeine within 2 hours of taking the iron supplement.
I was taking a slow release iron tablet, so I just eliminated caffeine from my diet and was finally able to get my iron count up.
After menopause, I have not had anemia problems.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jul 30, 2016 2:50:31 GMT
I was just found to be anemic about 3 months ago, while my PCP was trying to figure out why my platelet count was high. My PCP sent me to a Hematologist (who happens to also be an Oncologist). They ran bloodwork and found my iron level was below the minimum and my ferritin was very very low. He started me on 325 mg of Ferrous Gluconate each day, taken with Orange Juice in the morning, half an hour before eating. Went back just this week (3 months on iron pill) and my levels are coming up and platelet count is down in normal range now. Hematologist says it is from the extremely heavy periods I have been having every few months, and recommended I speak to my GYN about them, and continue the iron pill for at least a year (I am 54). oh my lORD!! I have this exactly story!! my platelets have been high for over a yr. Was having heavy periods, sent to hematologist, etc. I also have fibroids and an ovarian cyst. They put me on iron, and also put me on progesterone to control the periods, and I am FINALLY!! getting back to normal. My platelets are sill high though, but better. They also tested me for Gluten intolerance. Be warned, my insurance declined payment on it, and it was 700$. So I had to go thru a whole denial process, but they finally agreed to pay it. They didn't see the need for it related to the anemia. Obviously other Dr's have seen it too. Luckily it was negative, as I would have DIED being guten free. hA. |
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Jul 30, 2016 19:01:03 GMT
Question for you....
Did you have a CBC done when you had the thyroid blood test a few months ago? What was your hemoglobin then? Did you become anemic between then and now? Or did you only have a thyroid function test?
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 30, 2016 22:24:02 GMT
Question for you.... Did you have a CBC done when you had the thyroid blood test a few months ago? What was your hemoglobin then? Did you become anemic between then and now? Or did you only have a thyroid function test? It looks like the last time they did a CBC (before the other day) was in March, 2015. At that time my hemoglobin was 11.2. This is what the CBC looks like now. When I had my annual in March, 2016 he only checked my TSH, prolactin, glucose and c-peptide serum as well as cholesterol panel. I was complaining of fatigue, feeling cold all of the time, continuous PVC's (which I have seen a cardiologist for) no sex drive, feeling weak, etc. He basically said that I was getting older and it is normal for those things to happen. I pushed to have the TSH and asked about other hormones as well, but all he requested was for the ones listed above. He also referred me to a sexual health specialist in the clinic. I saw her once and she said that she would order more complete hormone testing, but my insurance did not cover any of the $700 cost that they charged me to see her (she didn't do any testing at that time, just the consult) and no insurance adjustment either. So, I have not been able to go back. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 30, 2016 22:26:48 GMT
I don't know if my results are considered to be extremely low or not, but I am so tired and have very little motivation to do what I need to do during the day.  |
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melissa
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Post by melissa on Jul 30, 2016 22:29:12 GMT
I feel like I have a CBC if I sneeze! LOL. So surprised it was not ordered along with a comprehensive metabolic panel back then. Glad you have a diagnosis at least, now on to finding a reason and correcting it. Menopause corrected my long time anemia.  My hemoglobin has been normal once my periods stopped. |
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Jul 30, 2016 22:31:52 GMT
Yeah.. 9 is pretty low. Not worrisome, put you in the hospital low, but low enough to explain everything you've been feeling. Your cells are small, which is most consistent with iron deficiency anemia which is something that occurs with blood loss, such as heavy periods and bleeding within the GI tract.
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SweetieBsMom
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jul 30, 2016 22:35:28 GMT
I was anemic due to heavy and prolonged periods. Finally had a hysterectomy and the anemia and period related problems went away. Me too! Giant fibroids. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 30, 2016 22:35:44 GMT
I feel like I have a CBC if I sneeze! LOL. So surprised it was not ordered along with a comprehensive metabolic panel back then. Glad you have a diagnosis at least, now on to finding a reason and correcting it. Menopause corrected my long time anemia. My hemoglobin has been normal once my periods stopped. I'm surprised he didn't do one then, too. Would it be expected that my hemoglobin would be much lower next week after my period? Should I ask to have the hormones tested that the other provider was going to request (looks like the orders are in my chart online)? I'm 41 so I am not close to menopause. I'm also frustrated with the cough. I can't get in to the allergist until end of October and the dr I saw the other day had no other suggestions other than a GI doctor. |
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Post by papersilly on Jul 30, 2016 22:42:36 GMT
I was anemic due to heavy and prolonged periods. Finally had a hysterectomy and the anemia and period related problems went away. Me too! Giant fibroids. Yup. Golf ball sized fibroids. |
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melissa
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by melissa on Jul 30, 2016 23:09:22 GMT
Would it be expected that my hemoglobin would be much lower next week after my period? It depends on how heavy your period is. If it's a normal period, it won't make a significant change. You mentioned that you have heavy periods. That is probably the number one cause of anemia in your age range. You need that ultrasound more than you need the other bloodwork, but a complete work up will include all of it. For a woman your age, the cause is going to gynecological the vast majority of the time. Not always, but usually. I would not discount your periods as the cause. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 30, 2016 23:25:27 GMT
Would it be expected that my hemoglobin would be much lower next week after my period? It depends on how heavy your period is. If it's a normal period, it won't make a significant change. You mentioned that you have heavy periods. That is probably the number one cause of anemia in your age range. You need that ultrasound more than you need the other bloodwork, but a complete work up will include all of it. For a woman your age, the cause is going to gynecological the vast majority of the time. Not always, but usually. I would not discount your periods as the cause. Thanks. I wasn't sure if having the blood work after my period was strategic (or just the ultrasound? They said to call as soon as I got my period) and if it is lower next week if that would be an indication that the problem was due to heavy periods or not. Last month I thought my period was better than usual, but who knows. I've been going back and forth in my head about whether or not my periods are heavy enough (or if it's just normal aging) to look further into an ablation or hysterectomy, but if having either one of those would help with my other issues as well then I might not be so hesitant. The fatigue and feeling weak are what get to me the most. Today it has been painful to stay awake, let alone do the other projects that I wanted to do. |
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SweetieBsMom
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jul 30, 2016 23:32:15 GMT
Yup. Golf ball sized fibroids. Watermelon sized. Biggest the doctor had ever seen. Looked like I was 7mths pregnant. |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 30, 2016 23:36:25 GMT
Yup. Golf ball sized fibroids. Watermelon sized. Biggest the doctor had ever seen. Looked like I was 7mths pregnant. Yikes! Maybe that is why I still look pregnant. . Probably not but if I have to have another surgery the least they could do is help me look slimmer as well. Lol |
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Jul 30, 2016 23:40:09 GMT
I have had anemia most of my life that is up until I had my hysterectomy 11 years ago.
I bled so much and so long during my periods, I started counting the days of the month that I DIDN'T bleed.
When I went into the doctor when she said surgery was the only thing that would make me better. She wanted to do blood transfusions. She said we had to get the bleeding to stop so I could have the surgery. SO I had to take a months worth of birth control pills in 24 hours. I took 3 months worth over 2 weeks time. I did stop bleeding then I had my surgery and There are times I still get love iron levels but I can feel when I am low and I take a couple pills and I am good for about 6 months or so then I have to have a couple more pills.
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Post by jenis40 on Jul 31, 2016 0:11:11 GMT
I am chronically anemic due to having leukemia and a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant. I received transfusions when my hemoglobin dropped below 8 during the majority of my treatment. Different hospitals have different parameters so the transplant hospital did it closer to 7 or a hematocrit at 27 or below (hematocrit is a different measurement for red blood cell counts). Ironically I ended up with extremely high iron levels post transplant from the hundreds of blood transfusions I had to have and had to take a drug that removed the iron out of my system. Almost two years post transplant my iron levels are close to normal although still a bit high.
My latest CBC showed hemoglobin of 10.9 which is highest it's been in three years! I can really tell when I'm getting too low and need a transfusion because it's almost impossible to function. I hope they find an answer for you soon because it is exhausting to be anemic and I can't imagine taking care of a house and kids on top of working.
ETA Hopefully I will eventually not be anemic. My blood production is still somewhat suppressed due to a chemo pill I'm still on
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 31, 2016 2:11:46 GMT
I am chronically anemic due to having leukemia and a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant. I received transfusions when my hemoglobin dropped below 8 during the majority of my treatment. Different hospitals have different parameters so the transplant hospital did it closer to 7 or a hematocrit at 27 or below (hematocrit is a different measurement for red blood cell counts). Ironically I ended up with extremely high iron levels post transplant from the hundreds of blood transfusions I had to have and had to take a drug that removed the iron out of my system. Almost two years post transplant my iron levels are close to normal although still a bit high. My latest CBC showed hemoglobin of 10.9 which is highest it's been in three years! I can really tell when I'm getting too low and need a transfusion because it's almost impossible to function. I hope they find an answer for you soon because it is exhausting to be anemic and I can't imagine taking care of a house and kids on top of working. ETA Hopefully I will eventually not be anemic. My blood production is still somewhat suppressed due to a chemo pill I'm still on I'm glad you are doing well! |
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Post by mymindseyedpea on Jul 31, 2016 6:52:52 GMT
I have slow circulation, low bp and experience Raynauds.
Sometimes the second day of my period will completely drain me.
I experience lightheadedness, chills and lack of energy.
My face has sometimes turned white. I have my own personal beliefs of what's going on at a deeper level, but years back I had an ultrasound when ovarian cysts were detected and all they told me in concern was how low my bs was.
But I'm sure I have the same experience as Anemia and consider myself anemic prone.
I take a 3 part supplement from Trader Joes: B6,Folic Acid, B12
Someone I know said she took a vitamin that turned her blood 'sour' and disinterested the mosquitos. Maybe it sped up her circulation too because I wonder if there's a connection with slow circulation/low bp and mosquito attraction.
On the emotional level, I'm working on strengthening my backbone and not be such a doormat, as I think that has connection too. ( at least with mine I believe it does )
I embrace my sensitivity but not when it can be taken advantage of.
On the genetic side, my mom had her hemoglobin at 4 once when she almost passed out at a restaurant and experienced the same symptoms I get except the low bp. Hers was hypertensive.
And my grandmother had Raynauds too.
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My hemoglobin has been normal once my periods stopped. 
