I’m dealing with severe anemia, which gives me a complexion reminiscent of the Vampire Lestat. While I find it adds a punk rock or goth vibe to my look, the constant fatigue I experience is far from cool. I often find myself napping every afternoon, a telltale sign of my condition. The exhaustion can be overwhelming—I’ve even shed tears over my inability to climb a mountain I had previously conquered. While many are familiar with the classic symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, there are numerous lesser-known signs that often go unnoticed.
Anemia isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition; it manifests in various forms. For example, sickle-cell anemia is genetic and linked to the shape of red blood cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, other types include thalassemia, which involves insufficient hemoglobin production, aplastic anemia, where the body stops generating red blood cells, and vitamin deficiency anemia, resulting from inadequate Vitamin B-12, Vitamin C, and folate intake. Iron deficiency anemia, which I have, occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron.
What Leads to Iron Deficiency Anemia?
As noted by Hematology.org, anemia is the most prevalent blood disorder. A study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that 11% of American women, approximately 3.3 million, suffer from iron deficiency anemia. This condition arises when the body lacks enough red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the pigment that gives blood its red hue and enables it to transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and return carbon dioxide back to the lungs.
Iron is essential for creating red blood cells, and iron deficiency anemia indicates that the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce a sufficient number of these cells. Pregnant individuals often experience this condition, as do those with heavy menstrual cycles. Interestingly, heavy periods can also be a consequence of iron deficiency anemia. Dr. John Smith, a gynecologist at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Roosevelt in New York City, explains that excessive blood loss can create a cycle of depletion and replacement that makes it difficult to maintain sufficient iron levels.
I’ve always had heavy periods, and I’m not great at getting enough iron into my diet. I’ve had a lifelong aversion to meat—while I occasionally indulge in bacon, chicken, steak, or BBQ pulled pork, I mainly stick to a vegetarian diet. Seafood is off my list too, except for oysters. Just last week, I had meat once, swiping some chicken tenders from my kids.
My periods are so intense that if I were postpartum, I’d likely send ER doctors into a panic. Picture the worst period you’ve ever had, then multiply it. Think of using multiple layers of protection and days when stepping outside feels impossible.
Diagnosing My Anemia
Three months ago, my doctor, noticing my pale complexion and severe fatigue, along with dark lines on my fingernails and cracks at the corners of my mouth—both signs of vitamin deficiency—decided to check my blood. Normal hemoglobin levels for women sit at around 12 grams per deciliter. Mine was just eight, indicating I was lacking nearly a third of my red blood cells.
My doctor proposed referring me to a hematologist for iron infusions. During my last pregnancy, I had infusions twice a week, where I would sit for three hours getting iron dripped into my veins. While it wasn’t unbearable at the time, the next day would bring bone-deep aches that lasted for about two days. I really didn’t want to go through that again.
After pleading for three months, my doctor agreed to give me a chance to improve my levels naturally and sent me home with prescription iron pills.
Honestly, over-the-counter iron supplements don’t work for me; they wreak havoc on my digestive system, requiring me to stock up on prunes and laxatives, and even then, it’s hit or miss.
Managing My Anemia
Some of my iron issues likely stem from disordered eating habits stemming from my past with anorexia. I usually only eat one substantial meal a day, not particularly worried about calories, but I hardly snack, skip breakfast, and often forget about lunch. My husband realized that getting me to eat two more meals daily would be a struggle, so he devised a chili recipe packed with pureed iron-rich greens, legumes, and veggies—essentially, a superfood. As long as it’s something I enjoy, I can eat it every day without overthinking it, which helps me avoid decision fatigue, especially during dinner time.
So, I eat a lot of chili. I also consume chickpea pasta, which provides about half of my daily iron requirements.
Clearly, this alone isn’t enough to combat iron-deficiency anemia, so I’m on medication and a vitamin supplement called Floradix, which I down quickly despite its less-than-pleasant taste. After three months, despite enduring three grueling periods, my iron levels improved to 9.5. Now, I’m only missing about a quarter of my blood cells. The lesson? Don’t underestimate the power of chili.
I must continue this regimen to prevent my levels from dropping again. So, it’s a lifetime of supplements and chili for me. At least I won’t need to nap for four hours each day, and my complexion has shifted from vampire-like to just a standard goth.
And thankfully, I genuinely enjoy that chili!
For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post and consider visiting Make a Mom for authoritative resources. For those exploring similar paths, this NHS page provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
This article shares a personal account of living with severe iron deficiency anemia, detailing the symptoms, causes, and challenges faced. It highlights the importance of proper nutrition and medical intervention while offering insights into managing the condition with dietary adjustments and supplements.
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