Anemia and asthma: I am finally going to... - Living with Asthma

Living with Asthma

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Anemia and asthma

Willow7733 profile image
16 Replies

I am finally going to see the pulmonologist on Thursday. Had another batch of testing done before my appointment. Chest X-ray, bloodwork, and pulmonary function test. My PF test showed I was still only using 57% of my predicted value. I had several tests, including the one where you are in a booth. My chest X-ray showed something....the technician had me sit in the X-ray room and went to get a second technician for her opinion. I heard them taking, and was asked if I had pain in my left hand side at all. I said yes. So they talked amongst themselves and one said my pulmonologist will see it on Thursday. I don’t know what that means.

When I got home, my GP had left three messages on my phone. My blood work showed that I only had half the hemoglobin that is normal. So I called him back and he wants to see me tomorrow morning to treat it. He kept telling me to go to the ER if I get faint or dizzy.

All this to ask if anyone has had really bad anemia ? I have waited for the pulmonologist appointment for so long, I wonder if the anemia will over shadow anything else. Just wondering if it is possible to have asthma problems and anemia? I find it hard to think both are causing my problems, but this has been a strange year so who knows!

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Willow7733
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16 Replies
AirIsUnderrated profile image
AirIsUnderrated

Hi lovely!

Wow, you’ve had a bit of a go of it haven’t you? I’m sorry I’ve no experience with anaemia. Was it yesterday you had the appointment with the pulmonologist? Or next Thursday? X

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to AirIsUnderrated

I went to see the pulmonologist on Thursday, and he was really concerned about my anemia. He said that I don’t have to worry, that they will find an asthma solution for me and that I will be feeling better son. What a nice doctor!!

AirIsUnderrated profile image
AirIsUnderrated in reply to Willow7733

Good! Now when are they planning on doing this? 😉

AirIsUnderrated profile image
AirIsUnderrated

How are you doing lass? X

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to AirIsUnderrated

Omg so much has happened! Last Sunday I noticed my left leg was swollen and very painful. I couldn’t walk on it. Really short of breath. So I put aside my fears of going to the doctor, and went to the ER. They took me back and did tests right away. My hemoglobin was dangerously low at 60 the days before and they found it had dropped to 56. The did a CT scan and I had blood clots from my left calf all the way up, many in in my lungs, one near my liver, and one an inch from my heart! So I was admitted to ICU and given Heparin IV and here I am...I am in the step down unit but have been seen by at least four pulmonologists! They were worried I have an asthma flare on top of not breathing well with the clots. I have NEVER had a blood clot in my life. They don’t understand why I have so many. They did every test and I know I have no cancer. Phew! I just don’t know what caused this.

AirIsUnderrated profile image
AirIsUnderrated in reply to Willow7733

Oh my goodness!

This may be a silly question but have you had Covid? Have you had a test in hospital? The 42 year old daughter of one of my colleagues had a massive stroke - they found lots of blood clots. Previously perfectly healthy. The only thing they found was Covid antibodies and she hadn’t had any symptoms. Covid can cause clotting problems. Im so glad you’re being treated, finally. Take great care and keep us updated? X

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to AirIsUnderrated

I have been tested. I have been tested for a whole lot of things. My lung function right is what is worrying them. Still at 56%.

AirIsUnderrated profile image
AirIsUnderrated in reply to Willow7733

May I ask how old you are? x

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to AirIsUnderrated

I am 47. This whole things is an eye opener that is for sure. I am still having trouble getting enough air...

AirIsUnderrated profile image
AirIsUnderrated in reply to Willow7733

Oh honey. Feel free to PM me if you need a chat, OK? I hope they find something they can treat, and quickly. 🥰

LuvJadeBloomEOS profile image
LuvJadeBloomEOS

Hey 👋 Hope you’re feeling Better 🤗 🙏

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to LuvJadeBloomEOS

I am!! Today my hemoglobin is at 139! Back to normal. So happy! I went for an endoscopy ( the specialists were convinced I was bleeding somewhere for me to have become so anemic...but he found nothing at all! Another good news. Monday I am calling the other specialist to cancel my colonoscopy because this doctor said there is no reason to go through it because I don’t have bleeding in my intestines. Yay! I was not looking forward to that test in March. Still so tired but maybe it is the working full time, trying for this new job, and having to leave during my lunch break to go to tests or appointments? I just am so tired I go to bed every night at 5pm! That is not like me at all.

Gloria411 profile image
Gloria411

Hi I just read your posts. Are you better and less fatigued?

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to Gloria411

I am still so tired. It hits me about 1pm at work and I have to fight keeping my eyes open until I am finished at 3pm. I co e home, make something quick to eat, and am in bed by 5:30-6pm. I only sleep for around an hour to three hours a night. I don’t get it. I am trying everything g. Eating right. Not sleeping with the tv on. I am constantly moving at work. Drinking more water. I just don’t know...

Gloria411 profile image
Gloria411

I’m sorry.... I do hope that as time progresses that you will feel better. It is very frustrating not knowing what is going on and the medical field is not helpful either!

Willow7733 profile image
Willow7733 in reply to Gloria411

Thanks! It is so frustrating.

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