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Just diagnosed with Anaemia

Posted , 7 users are following.

kyroar
kyroar

Can anyone enlighten me as to what the actual symptoms are of anaemia or Pernicious Anaemia? I've had a hell of a lot of problems over the last year and only now have i been diagnosed with an iron deficiency...and im very confused! thanks in advance x

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • aveline
    aveline kyroar

    Posted

    http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-symptoms

    This may help you as there are many similarities and a few differences, too.

    Have you been tested for B12 levels? That's the deficiency known as "pernicious" anaemia. 

    It's quite confusing as we all seem to have different symptoms and there could be co-existing conditions that are mixed in with the anaemia. Plus, many of the symptoms you/we have can look like other issues. But, I hope you just have low iron that's helped with supplements! 

    Good luck!

  • kyroar
    kyroar

    Posted

    Anyone???
    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 kyroar

      Posted

      hi Kyroar. sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time and been diagnosed with iron deficiecny anaemia. whilst iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and Pernicous anaemia (PA) are different conditions, they are however related. IDA is the lack of sufficient iron in the cells whilst PA is deficiency of the water soluble b12 vitamin & sometimes 'folate'.

      deficiency of one will impact recovery of the other. they share similar when one has a mild or moderate form of eachm the symptoms overlap. however, PAm can in the early stages affect the brain and central nervous system and can have detrimental & irreversible affects on one's health if left untreated. either can leave one succeptible to getting infections and other conditions.

      1)Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a condition where a lack of iron in the body leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells. this can be caused by a number of things, from inability to absorb iron from food, to poor diet, bowel problems, peptic ulcers etc. etc.

      Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood. If you have fewer red blood cells than is normal, the body's organs & tissues will not get sufficient oxygen and Iron deficiency symptoms will ensue. they include (like all symptoms of anaemia): fatigue, tiredness, lethargy, feeling down, depressed if severe. other physical symptoms can also occur like mouth ulcers, sore tongue and inflammation at the sides of the mouth. anemia can also cause shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, coldness in your hands and feet, pale skin, chest pain, weakness.

      Also, the red blood cells your body makes have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

      IDA is corrected by taking iron tablets, folate if there's a deficiency. addressing the cause if found and eating iron rich foods.

      hope this is helpful

      Caitlin.

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841

      Posted

      p.s. hi Kyroar. para 2 should have read: when the conditions are mild to moderate, they can share similar symptoms i.e. the symptoms can overlap.

      Caitlin

    • kyroar
      kyroar caitlin39841

      Posted

      the symptoms im having are very similar to fibromyalgia, aching joints, muscle weakness, tiredness, problems with walking and balance, depression, over urinating, not sleeping and other things so I wasn't sure what was going on with me. its been a frustrating 10mths with all this plus family stress...I appreciate your help on this x
    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 kyroar

      Posted

      sounds v. like PA Kyroar. often IDA can be found alongside PA or b12 deficiency anaemia. stress can always make health conditions worse, especially PA . i'd ask the GP for a b12 test and as marion says bring along the ticked off list of PA symptoms with you. hope you get help soon whether by elimination of conditions by testing or by seeing a specialist.

      Caitlin.

    • liz23617
      liz23617 kyroar

      Posted

      hi Kyroar. i  have fibromyalgia so understand the confusion that you have, i also have b12 deficiency have had injections and now my levels are high! My doctor spotted problems with my blood levels, various things. i am now also anaemic so the tiredness fatigue pain and sleeping problems are now horrendous, i have been awake and up since 3.00 i am exhausted. i may also have sleep apnea which also links to fibro and anaemia, it never ends.my dr has referred me by way of pathway at our hospital which is the cancer check route, to probably have an endoscopy and colonoscopy oh joy. i am sure its all precaution. i wonder if you or anyone on the site can give me any advice. thank you
    • marion29181
      marion29181 liz23617

      Posted

      Hi Liz, there are reasons why the levels in the blood may be high, but symptoms get worse. This usually means your body can't actually process and use the injected B12. We're you tested for ferritin and folate when they first checked your B12 levels? We need thse to enable us to use the B12. Plus we can be low in lots of other vitamins and minerals, it's a good plan to take a multivitamin tablet and extra Vit C. They are checking your digestive system to see if there are problems there which could have caused your levels to fall in the first place. Wishing you well. Marion
  • marion29181
    marion29181 kyroar

    Posted

    Hi Kyroar, you might like to have a look at the Pernicious Anaemia Society website. They have a list of symptoms that you can print out and tick all that apply to you. This might be useful to take to the doctor. My symptoms were confusion, numbness, aches and pains, extreme fatigue, and burning skin. There are many other symptoms too. Good luck with getting everything sorted. Marion
    • kyroar
      kyroar marion29181

      Posted

      some of the symptoms you have are the same as me.. I do get burning legs and feet but mainly at night, and the aches and pain are horrendous, im poppin pain killers for fun because of it..thank you for your input x
  • MadgeC
    MadgeC kyroar

    Posted

    Hi Kyroar,

    There is a very good symptom site that pretty much describes how deficient you are in B12. Unfortunately I can't post the link on this site as they won't let me. I can put it in your in box if you are interested. Basically you look down the list of symptoms and see how many you come up with. The more you do, the more you are deficient. FYI iron deficiency anemia normally precedes B12 deficiency anemia if you have hypothyroidism. Have you had that checked?

    • kyroar
      kyroar MadgeC

      Posted

      Hi Madge, ive not had anything else tested yet, Drs gonna ring me friday to discuss what things..ive looked on one website which basically listed evrything thats going on with me..but i will mention to her about B12 test..thank you so much x
  • Heather2612
    Heather2612 kyroar

    Posted

    I have personal messaged you a link to all the symptoms.
    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 Heather2612

      Posted

      hi everyone. wonder if anyone has the 'side effect' of constant 'red/watery eyes' from b12, if there's a know reason for it and a means of getting rid of it? it's beocming rather unsightly for me.

      with thanks in advace.

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