A
female
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes: For over five years now my doctor has been saying that I have symptoms of chronic fatigue - but I think that what is wrong is that I am anaemic. Does anyone know much about long-term anaemia? I don't think I have really bad anaemia but enough to undermine my health - my symptoms vary, but generally are: nauseau (can come anytime for no apparent reason), extreme weakness, sometimes faint and dizzy, sore mouth and gums including at times very severe mouth ulcers in the run up to my period or if I am unwell with a cold I will get mouth ulcers just before becoming ill, general feeling of being very unwell, often very pale with red rimmed eyes. I notice if I do take liquid iron supplements the mouth ulcers stop. When I was pregnant years ago I was extremely anaemic - a lot of my hair fell out - and I have tested either mildly anaemic or borderline a couple of times when I have had blood tests in the last five years. My doctor says that anaemia can actually be very serious and any long-term condition could undermine my immune system, which is why I may be getting so many colds and flus. To me this makes more sense than the chronic fatigue diagnosis. Anyone have any experience of anaemia? I know if I do have it - being tested tomorrow - I will immediately start the supplements again, but any other advice would be great. Many thanks
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (9 September 2011): Obviously wait for your results from the doctor and take his advice. And you might be correct because some of your symptoms do sound as if you are suffering from anaemia. But some 'non harmful' things you could do in the meantime are.Try testing for allergens if you haven't already. You might have an intolerance to certain things. That could account for the feeling of being generally 'under the weather'. Some thing around you or that you are ingesting might not agree with you. That could account for the sudden onset of nausea for no apparent reason. Nausea and 'cold like' symptoms are common indications of an intolerance or allergy. Once you have ruled out allergens, really beef up your diet with more protein and mineral rich foods.Also a visit to your dentist might be prudent. Ask for an examination to rule out any underlying dental infection or oral thrush. An easily treated condition. Changing your toothpaste to a very mild children's paste might help as well because you could be having a reaction to the stronger 'adult' toothpastes.And lastly, exercising more might help to combat the feelings of fatigue, strange as it sounds! But things like swimming and walking are very good low impacts exercises that will actually leave you feeling more energized.
A
male
reader, CaringGuy +, writes (9 September 2011):
I would say wait until the test comes back, and then listen to what your doctor has to say. Be cautious as to how much medical advice you take over the internet! You don't want to take the wrong advice and wind up making things worse.
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