How do you know if you're anemic? I take a mulitvitamin with iron in it, and I follow a vegan diet. A lot of people tell me that I'm pale (even though I'm from an Irish background and have fair features) and I've noticed lately that I'm incredibly lazy--much more so than i usually am. Could this be anemia?

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You really need to have bloodwork done to determine whether or not you're anemic. They measure blood counts like hemoglobin, hematocrit, white and red blood cells.

hi, i was just trying to find out the same thing. Recently i have been noticing that my pulse rate is high at rest compared to everyone else around me(90-110). And when i checked my blood pressure it was pretty low. I am eating a totally organic diet with no red meat and rarely chicken. I was just wondering if anyone knows if low blood pressure is factor in anemia. Thanks!

hi, i'm new to this board and hoping to get some answers. I take 2 vitamin B12 shots a month and also take a high dose of thyroid medication each day plus a vitamin tablet daily. I have blood work done every 6 weeks and even tho my doctor says he expects my "level" to be perfect...they are always low and a higher dose is needed. I am good for a few days following a shot..and then it's back to bed.They tell me that my blood pressure is good. I get so weak and tired. This has been going on for a very long time and I've never been a lazy person. I hate "having" to go to bed in the middle of the day after sleeping 12 hours already! but I need some energy. At this point "Any amount would do"! Anyone have an idea what is going on?

Hi Angeline,
I wondered that too, and I read this article. (http://www.hairtotoes.com/article1024.html) It says paleness is not a sign of anemia.

For screaminwoman, have you tried munching peanuts? They're really high energy without the sugar.

[This message has been edited by khayek (edited 02-28-2001).]

[This message has been edited by khayek (edited 02-28-2001).]

[This message has been edited by khayek (edited 02-28-2001).]

I too have B12 shots and continually feel tired, run down and the simplest of tasks require me to rest afterwards. like yourself I dont like it and would love to know a way to make myself feel better. I guess if nothing else its kinda a comfort to know that im not the only one feeling like this. its awful.

Also paleness is a symptom of anemia the article said it is not a reliable sign. However doesnt rule out paleness as a symptom. Paleness can mean a number of things, but if you suspect you are anemic, it is impotant to see your doctor and have blood tests to confirm. Other wise an iron suplement can be bought from your local chemist. If your body is not in need of Iron, you body will only excret it as the body doesnt store excess vitamins and minerals.

[This message has been edited by Kezza (edited 04-21-2001).]

MY advice is to get the blood work done... it is the only true way they can find this out. There are many sytoms. Paleness, shortness of breath, bruising, losing hair. But in order to rule out any other possibilitys have the blood work done...you'll be glad you did. Do not take iron unless your doctor tell you. That is my personal view. I had to have a blood tranfusion because my blood count was so low. It takes time but you do and feel better. Good luck!

Originally posted by screaminwoman:
hi, i'm new to this board and hoping to get some answers. I take 2 vitamin B12 shots a month and also take a high dose of thyroid medication each day plus a vitamin tablet daily. I have blood work done every 6 weeks and even tho my doctor says he expects my "level" to be perfect...they are always low and a higher dose is needed. I am good for a few days following a shot..and then it's back to bed.They tell me that my blood pressure is good. I get so weak and tired. This has been going on for a very long time and I've never been a lazy person. I hate "having" to go to bed in the middle of the day after sleeping 12 hours already! but I need some energy. At this point "Any amount would do"! Anyone have an idea what is going on?

Is anemia a temporary or life long problem?

Hi,
My sister has had all the same symptoms as you are experiencing and was told at one time she had anemia. So for years she was treated for just that... but later on in life she got worse and went to her doctor again and he finally sent her to a specialist and found out she has Cronic Fatigue Syndrome. She was always so tired and weak, had the sweats whenever she would try to do anything. She finally got on the right meds and it finally subsided. You never really get over it, but it does go into remission. Here's a site that tells you just about everything you want to know on the CF Syndrome. You might find more symptoms than you can recall. Good luck!!!
http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/default.asp