MS and Iron deficiency anemia

[SaraSmile2021]

on Jan 1 2023 I was taken to emergency room. I was barely able to do anything. I short of breath, heart pounding and extremely exhausted. I would be in bed for hour. I was admitted to the hospital for sever anemia. I was given a blood transfusion and intravenous iron. I had an upper and lower gi which was normal.

The combination of MS and anemia has zapped the life out of me. Doctors don’t look at the whole person. I also have heart failure, NASH, pancreatic insufficiency, COPD, Bipolar, depression, anxiety, ect. I am a mess and it’s hard to stay positive when your body wants to stay in bed.

I do not like my gi Dr. And think she’s pulling at straws. I am lucky to have a wonderful care taker three times a week who keeps me going. I have had enough.

[TDonahue58]

Hang in there Sarah, I'm rooting for you! Send me an email if you ever want to talk and or vent. Do you take any supplements?

[SaraSmile2021 in reply to TDonahue58]

Thank you! I take vitamins D,E,B2,magnesium, and something for my eyes, melatonin, and Iron.

[BettysMom]

I believe that the diagnosis of "iron deficiency anemia" is incorrect. What you have is "anemia of chronic disease." You can google it, but here is a short explanation: Anemia of chronic disease happens when you have an autoimmune disease or other chronic illness that causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation can affect your body's ability to use iron needed to make red blood cells. You would be better served by a hematologist rather than a gastroenterologist.

[SaraSmile2021 in reply to BettysMom]

Thank you! I am making an appointment today! 😉

[TDonahue58]

I take mostly B Vitamins in Powdered Form (PureBulk.com) only.

There are no additives, just the pure form of the actual vitamin.

Always get in the habit of looking at the ingredients of everything you buy from Food to Supplements. The less additives the better.

[lbenmaor]

I am praying for you SaraSmile2021.

I am so sorry you are going through this.

Leslie

[Mollyabigail]

SaraSmile, BettysMom is a doctor. She's probably right in that you need a hematologist. Are you rural? I find that the doctors in my rural area are just not exposed to M.S. patients and seem to have little knowledge of it. Advocate for yourself, friend! Ask around until someone recommends a doctor they like! The MSAA website has a list of doctors in your area. If I ever get to retire, (one day!) I am going one state over to an MS clinic in Birmingham. Prayers for you as you go through this!

[Tazmanian]

My primary doctor gives me a physical once a year, he does bloodwork and iron is included. Good luck!

[Brindisi1]

Lots going on. Yes we need doctors that look at the whole picture/ May you find healing and a good doctor .

[greaterexp]

Most of us here deal with more than MS. Some are directly related to MS, some not, but we understand how difficult it is to deal with many issues.

I’m glad you’re making an appointment with a hematologist. Feel better quickly.

[Scout4x4]

Find another GI doctor. It sounds like this could take awhile it sounds like .

[Raingrrl]

As someone who dealt with a complex medical situation all last year, I sympathize with your gripe about doctors not looking at the whole person. I ran into that a lot for months until I was able to find two doctors who said “complicated is what we do” after they heard my whole story. After those two doctors performed a 5 hour major surgery two months ago, I’m on the mend. The other annoying thing I ran into was a couple of doctors who couldn’t admit they were beyond their knowledge and should refer me elsewhere. Such ignorance!

[SaraSmile2021]

Thank you all for acknowledging my post,, it really helped. Knowing I’m not alone also helps. Be well.

[Mollyabigail in reply to SaraSmile2021]

You are not alone!! No one understands better than folks that have it! Keep us posted. God bless!!

[BlanketTime1]

that is a lot to deal with! i'm glad you got treatment in time. i imagine all of this would be depressing, so please keep communicating with us. i always feel better emotionally after visiting this site. & if you don't like your doctor, you have every right to fire them.🤗

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Do feel better soon, SaraSmile2021 ! You will get to the bottom of what ails you, so do not ever give up! 🙏