how fast can your levels drop? - Anemia Message Board

GreenGal77 · 02-14-2009, 07:39 PM

I'm not sure if this is even something any of you can answer, but I'm wondering how fast a drop can occur?

I posted earlier concerned about my period, and I did see my doctor and they ran tests to see where I was, but I've been getting progressively worse since then. The bleeding continued and has gone on longer than I am used to and was heavier. I was at 10.9 with a ferritin of 11 when I started bleeding. I wouldn't think I could drop back to where I was when this was discovered (7.7, ferritin 0) from one period, but I'm feeling so awful I'm starting to wonder.

Plus, they took a lot of blood at my doctors. More than normal, so I doubt that helped.

But I've found that I'm increasingly tired despite the new B12 supplementation, and I'm back to being really pale and cold and my chest hurts...and even my hair has been coming out in clumps for the last 48 hours or so. It's really frustrating because I won't know my results until Tuesday, and all my doctor said was that if I become more symptomatic I should go to an urgent care facility or ER. But unless it's even possible to drop that low that quickly, I don't think there is any point in me going because they won't do anything for me unless I'm really low.

So any advice would definitely be appreciated.

Thanks

flowergirl2day · 02-14-2009, 09:48 PM

Green gal,

I can't help much with your questions but I can tell you this: it takes very many blood tests/draws before any effect is felt in regards to ferritin stores or other blood levels, according to either:/ one of my books, or a national anemia council action newsletter, I can't remember which. I will get the details. Because I have very frequent labwork done, I -like you -am very concerned about the blood loss. The article I mentioned eased my mind in this regard. So, don't worry - a few tubes of blood drawn won't affect your overall levels much, according to what I've read.

I have been following your posts and admire your attitude. You are one gutsy gal! Not knowing what is wrong is scary. Like you, I have some unresolved issues. I find the wait for a diagnosis probably the worst part (especially since the most likely one is listed on all the paperwork!!!

) This does not even take into account my anemia -no one is paying any attention to it at this point. I still don't know the cause. I am not taking any iron supplements. I will ask my internist the next time I see him whether I should.

I hope you will get to the bottom of your problems. Good luck and keep us posted.

P.S. I have too many symptoms to list and don't know which ones relate to anemia. Shortness of breath, palps, tired all the time, tingling arms/hands.....you name it.
My fingernails have never been worse. They break before they even start growing. They are nearly white and have vertical ridges now - a first for me.

The salon protein treatments do absolutely nothing. Waste of money IMO.

flowergirl

Audrey-B · 02-15-2009, 02:25 AM

Greengal - did you ever have a gluten intolerance test? Secondly, have you ever thought of going to a naturopath to help correct your heavy periods, unless your periods are heavy for a reason eg: fibroids, PCOS etc.

My periods were getting heavier and i didn't know whether they were starting or stopping. It became so annoying, i couldn't go away for the weekend or go swimming, would always have to pre-prepare and take panty liners, pads, tampons etc with me wherever i went and the constent spotting drove me nuts. At one point i thought my low iron was due to my periods, but even when i got help from a Naturopath and my periods became regular and much lighter again, i still couldn't build my ferritin up fast.

Part of my issues lie with my thyroid condition and i also have problems digesting protein foods due to insufficient pancreatic enzymes. My doctor says a lot of hair loss is due to insufficient protein.

I don't know what to suggest in your situation, but it might be good to visit a Naturopath. I don't know where i'd be if i hadn't gone down that road. The herbs took a few months (roughly 2 - 3 periods) to start noticing results, but it was better than waiting on doctors and specialists who couldn't get their act together. At least now that my periods have become light, i have bought myself more "time" in which to tackle my gyno related issues.

With the question on how fast iron can drop..... My only experience is when my ferritin hit an all time high of 78 and 6 weeks later had bombed to 50, but that was due to stress and inability to digest foods when stressed and therefore unable to absorb nutrients. My ferritin then bounced back to 69 in the next 6 weeks, but after another 6 weeks it bombed to 53 again. I'm due for another blood test in 2 weeks and i wonder where i'll be at. It took me 3 years to get from 8 to 78. I've risen very slowly, yet always rising. I never expected to experience this set back after getting up so high.

ps: if you wish, i can list the herbs i'm on, but any good Naturopath should be able to help you.

GreenGal77 · 02-15-2009, 07:01 PM

Thank you both for your kind responses, I really appreciate it.

And yes, I had the gluten intolerance test (the biopsy anyways) and it came back negative.

I haven't done much for my periods, I can't really afford a naturopath right now...and to be honest, I'm just annoyed I can't get the doctors to do something more permanent. I know why they are so heavy, I have really bad endometriosis. But they won't do anything like an ablation or hysterectomy because of my age...even though I decided a long time ago I'm not going to try and have children. If all of a sudden a maternal instinct kicks in (which I doubt because i've felt like this my whole life) I think I would be happy to try and adopt. As far as I'm concerned, I can't keep living like this when there are things that could help it. Maybe that's selfish or stupid of me though.

What I could really use now is some information or advice...I can't understand why I'm being told that if my symptoms don't improve I should go to the hospital. Because short of a transfusion, I don't think there is anything they can do. Maybe they could help with the pain (my head is just killing me and my vision is almost gone in one eye) but other than that I think they will just test my levels, tell me to try and have someone with me and send me home. And I don't want that. I'd rather stay at home under my blanket and try and stay comfortable.
BUT, the symptoms are getting worse. So if I'm missing something or there is some reason I should seek out help, I would love it if someone could point it out. I want to make sure I'm being smart because deep down I feel a bit like giving up.

FLFLOWERGIRL · 02-15-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenGal77

What I could really use now is some information or advice...I can't understand why I'm being told that if my symptoms don't improve I should go to the hospital. Because short of a transfusion, I don't think there is anything they can do. Maybe they could help with the pain (my head is just killing me and my vision is almost gone in one eye) but other than that I think they will just test my levels, tell me to try and have someone with me and send me home. And I don't want that. I'd rather stay at home under my blanket and try and stay comfortable.
BUT, the symptoms are getting worse. So if I'm missing something or there is some reason I should seek out help, I would love it if someone could point it out. I want to make sure I'm being smart because deep down I feel a bit like giving up.

GG--It's normal to have feelings of giving up, this will come and go. Anemia and symptoms are a lot for you to deal with. You are right, there's probably not too much that they can do, but if your symptoms are worsening and you don't feel comfortable with them, perhaps you should seek help. I really hope that they can do something for you soon. At least you would feel better with some meds for the pain and may regain your vision. We are thinking of you. Take care.