Well Folks I'm Anaemic And Borderline With Under-Active Thyroid!
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
January 22, 2010 11:03am CST
Who'd have thought it?! The last time I was severely anaemic I was 14 years old...and skinny! These days I'm more rotund and it turns out I'm severely anaemic again. However, if I do have an under-active thyroid (more tests are necessary) then that will explain my weight gain and er, loss of blood which has caused the anaemia in the first place.
On Monday I'm also going to have my belly prodded as I have discomfort in that area and the blood tests show that the doctor "isn't happy with my kidney functions" but are the kidneys at the back? I'm sure they are. Mmm, this is like a mystery isn't it? The further along we go the more we find out.
One thing's for sure, at least I DO have something wrong with me which explains why I feel tired all the time and have no energy at all. I've never been the same since I had a severe cold 2 Christmases ago (which was more like flu) and, combined with er, the time of the month I became more ill than perhaps I would've been if it had just been the cold. You see what I mean?
Perversely I'm actually glad I'm seeing the doc on Monday now. Once all this gets treated I'll be able to hold down a job without feeling so tired and ratty!
On Monday I'm also going to have my belly prodded as I have discomfort in that area and the blood tests show that the doctor "isn't happy with my kidney functions" but are the kidneys at the back? I'm sure they are. Mmm, this is like a mystery isn't it? The further along we go the more we find out.
One thing's for sure, at least I DO have something wrong with me which explains why I feel tired all the time and have no energy at all. I've never been the same since I had a severe cold 2 Christmases ago (which was more like flu) and, combined with er, the time of the month I became more ill than perhaps I would've been if it had just been the cold. You see what I mean?
Perversely I'm actually glad I'm seeing the doc on Monday now. Once all this gets treated I'll be able to hold down a job without feeling so tired and ratty!2 people like this
3 responses
@BarBaraPrz (45681)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
22 Jan 10
Feels good to finally get some answers, doesn't it?
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jan 10
Yes it does and I know all the problems I have are treatable. I remember when I was anaemic in my teens I was put on iron supplements and my energy levels sky-rocketed, it was great! Hopefully, this will happen again this time round. The thyroid will be harder to treat (as I am "borderline" after all) but at least we're on the right path and I know I'm not just being lazy, I genuinely have no energy...so that's a relief!
1 person likes this
@rushelle0927 (23)
• United States
25 Feb 10
I found out 8 years ago that I was severely anemic, my iron level was a 2. I was 22 years old and about 135 pounds. I was always tired but somehow managed to just keep going. I guess that's because I was 22 though. Thankfully, after a year, I was able to get that under control. Then 2 years ago I found out that I also have an under-active thyroid. I get this checked every six months and I still can't seem to get it under control. Now, I'm 30, about 180 pounds and again, always tired. I try to diet, exercise and do whatever I can to lose weight, I'd be happy with losing 40 pounds, but can't seem to be able to do it. Hopefully you have better luck than I do! Wishing you well!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
25 Feb 10
Thanks for your response, it's much appreciated, especially since you have been through both the anaemia and the under-active thyroid. Well, I had another blood test last week and received the results today. Inconclusive but it looks like my anaemia is under control - which I'm pleased about because I'm taking 3 x 210mg of iron per DAY! I have made an appointment to see the doctor on 15th March as he wants a chat with me about something else...I suspect it is the kidney function. I don't know if I'm still "borderline" with my under-active thyroid, but, like yourself I'm still tired despite being on these iron tablets. I'm miles better than I was (at least I've stopped yawning which used to drive me mad) but, of course iron isn't stored in the body is it? So I'm bound to feel tired at certain times of the day, like I was before. At least I'm being treated though, but, like you said, it can take years to get it right. Thanks for your support and I wish you luck for the future too. We can keep each other updated can't we my friend?
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
22 Jan 10
As far as disorders go hypothyroidism is a very easy one to deal with and thankfully the medication is very affordable. It takes some time to get everything back on track and adjusting the medication(s) does take a bit of trial and error but all in all it is totally manageable. It is so nice to have some solid answers as to WHY you haven't been feeling like yourself, isn't it? Before I went to the doctor to have my thyroid checked I had myself convinced that I was just a lazy whiner, but the test showed that it definitely wasn't all in my head. Now it's a few years later and I feel MUCH better. I hope you get everything sorted out soon!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
22 Jan 10
Thank you so much, it is great that you can "educate" me on the subject. I hate to tell you this but my treatment would be free if I'm placed on it. The reason? I'd be on it for life...and any subsequent treatment i.e. the iron tablets for my anaemia would be free as well. The NHS has its critics but I cannot stress how amazing this public service is here in the UK. We are so lucky to have it and really take it for granted at times. I am so pleased that you are now feeling better, I hope the same happens with me my friend.
The NHS has its critics but I cannot stress how amazing this public service is here in the UK. We are so lucky to have it and really take it for granted at times. I am so pleased that you are now feeling better, I hope the same happens with me my friend.