Ok here is one.....is anyone anemic? I have been anemic for years. Its not due to being female because I don't menstruate anymore, so that is ruled out. Of course now they want to run all kinds of cancer tests, but I figure I have been this way for at least 8 years, wouldn't I be dead by now LOL? Anyone else have this symptom?
Thanks,
Marlene
Not necessarily (the dead part). Anemias can be related to all different kinds of things. Are you iron deficient? Protein? Sickle cell? That would help me answer your question better. Make sure they check out your kidneys. Best wishes
very technical, but might help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anemia_of_chronic_disease
less technical:
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch172/ch172e.html
and, of course, the anemia could be related to other causes, like iron deficiency...
Dr. told me it was iron deficiency, liver levels are up a bit ( I think that is due to pain meds ) and I am now taking iron, but I was wondering if it had to do with sarc, or just a coincidence?
Hello Marlene1!
I wanted to share my experience with chronic anemia with you in hopes that it may help you understand how some long term medical conditions can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Here's the short of it. I was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma years ago - and as such, I too have iron deficiency anemia which has become severe in recent years. Because of the Scleroderma, I developed a condition called Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia ( Watermelon Stomach or GAVE) which is common in Scleroderma patients, and is characterized by chronic, slow bleeding from the lining of the stomach.
The chronic bleeding has become somewhat dangerous in the past year. My hemoglobin level stays in the 8.0-8.9 range (normal is 12.0-16.0), and my hematocrit level stays in the 28.9%-31.6% range (normal is 37-47%). Of greater concern, is the fact that my MCV level ranges from 62.6-68.7 (normal is 80-100)! These values have been consistently low for 4 years now. As a result of these very low levels, I have periodically needed hospitalization for blood transfusions, and am currently receiving IV iron weekly.
Recently, I saw an excellent hematologist here at the Cleveland Clinic by the name of Dr. Alan Lichtin, who has suggested that I may have an autosomal (inherited) hemorrhagic disorder known as Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome, based on my family history of sibling iron deficiency anemia, and the presence of GI bleeding (GAVE), as well as multiple areas of telangilectasis (spelling?) spots on my fingers, nasal mucosa, gums and legs. Specific blood tests were done recently, and I am awaiting those results to confirm the diagnosis which may also point to yet another reason why I am chronically iron deficient.
The iron transfusion helps - for awhile. I will have to get these transfusions for the rest of my life because they are not my cure - they are my treatment. Marlene1, I would encourage you to see a good hematologist who is knowledgeable about the relationship between chronic disease and iron deficiency anemia. It may be that you are suffering from an unknown medical condition - other than the Sarcoidosis - which is the reason why you are chronically iron deficient.
Here's something very interesting my doctor taught me about iron deficiency anemia: many people with it crave ICE! They - and I definitely do - chew ICE! I was blown away when he asked me did I ever crave ice. When he looked at my labs for the past 4 years, he pointed out the times when I probably chewed ice constantly. My iron levels were in the basement! Interesting isn't it?
Also, I discovered another interesting fact about people with iron deficiency anemia: they are also likely to have Restless Leg Syndrome - which I do! Do you also suffer with it? I hope this has helped you somewhat. I know what you are challenged with daily, and my prayers are with you Marlene. Be Well In Spirit and Body!
I've been anemic off and on since I was nineteen (now 47). I always attributed it to my heavy periods and clotting. I've also never had a normal cycle. But, I've tapered down to barely spotting the last few years and occasionally clotting so now maybe my periods weren't the cause of my anemia. Hmm. I've also had a colonoscopy/endoscopy and they found no internal bleeding. My last blood count result was 8 which I've been told is very low. Unfortunately, my husband has been laid off (last day is tomorrow) and my insurance coverage disappears tomorrow as well.
In the mean time I'm taking Ferrous Sulfate 2 to 3 times daily to try and get my blood count up. Iron and me do not agree with each other. LOL. I've got major constipation issues and a rather nasty stomach ache everyday. Why is it that the thing that is supposed to help can often times hurt too? :)
Prunes anyone? LOL.
xoxoxox Jackie7
Thanks doc and everyone! I just had an iron binding test, haven't heard results yet. I do crave icy drinks and the corners of my mouth are always cracked as well (I didn't know that was a sign of anemia!). I will keep my fingers crossed and if I don't get better, off to a hemotologist it is!
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