The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Iron Deficient Anemia.  I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it.  As I said on the index page, I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible.  I have collected this information over time from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well. DEFINITION Iron deficient anemia is a decrease in the red cells of the blood caused by too little iron. ETIOLOGY The causes of iron deficiency are too little iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron by the body, and loss of blood [including from heavy menstrual bleeding].  It is also caused by lead poisoning in children.  Anemia develops slowly after the normal stores of iron have been depleted in the body and bone marrow. Women, in general, have smaller stores of iron than men and have increased loss through menstruation placing them at higher risk for anemia than men. In men and postmenopausal women, anemia is usually due to gastrointestinal blood loss associated with ulcers or the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications [NSAIDS]. Iron deficient anemia is the most common form of anemia.  Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women, and 3% of men are iron deficient.  Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment in the blood.  Iron is normally obtained through the food in the diet and by the recycling of iron from old red blood cells.  The incidence is about 2 out of every 1000 people. SYMPTOMS Although there may be no symptoms if anemia is mild, the following are the more common symptoms. Pale skin color Fatigue Irritability Weakness Shortness of breath Orthostatic hypotension Sore tongue Brittle nails Unusual food cravings Decreased appetite Headache TREATMENT Treatment for iron deficient anemia begins with identification of the cause.  Iron deficiency cannot be overcome by increasing dietary intake alone.  Iron supplements are always required.  Oral iron supplements are in the form of ferrous sulfate.  The best absorption of iron is on an empty stomach, but many people are unable to tolerate this and may need to take it with food.  Milk and antacids may interfere with absorption of iron and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements.  Vitamin C can increase absorption and is essential in the production of hemoglobin. MY POINT of VIEW Prior to and since being diagnosed with Iron Deficient Anemia, I have noted many of the above symptoms.  However, I cannot be sure as to which diagnoses they are attributed to.  Treatment for me has been the addition of Ferrous Sulfate to my daily pill regime.  And though I have not found anything on the web to indicate this, I have been told not to take it along with my Synthroid. 2000 UPDATE Though improved, I still have anemia and anemic symptoms and still take iron. 2001 UPDATE Latest blood work shows regular RBC's so maybe there was something to that Synthroid interaction. 2002 UPDATE Blood work continues to show I am NOT anemic.  Considering I have not taken any iron since the early part of the year, I think that is good.

Destination JO | Home
My Story |  Story Index
Diagnoses Index | Update Index
Websites | Email Me

Disclaimer:
The author of this page does not promote, support, or recommend any
particular treatment or medication for any medical condition. The opinions
expressed in stories or links are the responsibility of their authors.
No treatment should be undertaken without the supervision of a physician.

Website created, designed and maintained by JO
© 1998 - 2007 Jo Trackler
All Rights Reserved

This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without my consent.