I was wondering if many here suffer with anemia because of the pmr? I am white as a ghost, usually I have a very pink complexion. I am so tired some days I simply can't get going. I was doing some research and anemia is listed as complication of pmr. ( hadn't known that) All of my blood work is great except this last test showed a very tiny drop in red blood cells. Dr. says not enough to cause anemia. I decided to start eating some foods with iron and just see if I feel a little better. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Make it a wonderful PMR day
Linny
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Linny3
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I was diagnosed with PMR in May and was recently told I am now aneamic. Aneamia is quite common with autoimmune conditions, which PMR is. I had an Endoscopy on July 1st as the doctor wants to know why I’m suddenly aneamic. The Endoscopy was clear, so perhaps the aneamia is PMR induced. I am also on iron -rich foods and have been feeling better, energy-wise, as my dose of Pred is reduced and the inflammation goes down.
Otherwise, having regular blood tests and waiting to see what doctor comes up with next, she’s on holiday at the moment! Ps. I am also ghost-like in the mornings!!!
Well, I am going to try a piece of Lambs Liver tonight, don’t normally eat liver but know it’s really good for iron, been told to do it in pan, with milk &little bit flour on it, with onions! Stornaway black pudding is a favourite, very tasty, also developed liking for steamed kale, leeks & all green leafy veg. Little packs of dried raisins as a snack also contain iron. Eat a lot of fish, salads & chicken, have cut out potatoes completely so far weight has been ok (touch wood) oh and egg yolks contain iron. I also use pumpkin seeds(iron again) on my breakfast porridge and nibble nuts like almonds and pistachios, another source. If you google foods containing iron you get lots of ideas!
Instead of a bowl of cereal for breakfast I now have an orange, 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds and two eggs. I reckon that's a good iron boost to start the day. Harder for me because I'm vegetarian, but in my pre-veg'n days I was fond of liver. We also do a lot of our cooking in a cast iron pan.
Hi Linny3. I was diagnosed as anemic several months ago and was prescribed Ferrous Sulphate tablets 3 per day. After my latest blood test last Wednesday my Doctor's surgery contacted me today to say I don't need them now so that is good - 3 less tabs to take each day, great. I am down to 4mg Pred now so probably that helped put it right? Good luck.
My nurse friend brought me the most spectacular chicken Liver Pate. (Organic chicken liver, sauteed with a bit of bullion, some onions and a bit of garlic. Put the whole mixture in food processor and smooth it out). Let it cool, and eat...or check out some recipes on pinterest for variations. Good eats and pure iron! Really helped me. Good with crackers, bread crisps, cucumbers or on sandwich.
Anaemia is diagnosed on the basis of blood tests - haemoglobin levels and number of red cells. It has nothing to do with the colour of your face. I have never had a low blood count in my life except early in pregnancy but in the early days of PMR I was grey, not just white. I even bought make-up (more than I had ever bought in my life before!) The fatigue/tiredness is a part of autoimmune disease in general, even without anaemia.
Improve your diet by all means - but don't try taking iron supplements if you don't really need them.
Thank for the info. I have been reading about pmr and anemia and it seems that taking iron tablets is a really bad idea. We are not lacking iron, but rather we are not using the iron we have to its fullest.
I am in my 5th year of pmr, and in March this year I 'ran out of steam'. Saw my gp, multiple blood tests, diagnosed with severe anemia. Urgent referral to Ipswich Hospital. Haematologist said could be caused by pmr, but investigations will take place. Lumbar puncture awaited (should be in August). Received 2 units of blood in a very pleasant transfusion unit.
After a second appointment I was put on an 8 week tfansfusion cycle, which is making a difference, next visit to the 'filling station' and to the haematologist next month. Meantime a bit of a flare by pmr! Preds upped, but only by 4mg.
My PMR and GCA symptoms started in April last year and I was finally diagnosed at the end of July. My GP sent me for blood tests in April and these showed that I was anaemic. He gave me iron tablets which upset my stomach, but the rheumy told me in July to discontinue them if I liked as her treatment would stop the anaemia.
Just home from having an iron infusion for bad anaemia. Levels been falling over last couple of years but blamed by haematologist and Rheumy on PMR. Recently though my kidney function also dropped and renal consultant says this has added to it big time. Couldn’t tolerate oral iron so got this today. Supposed to improve energy levels in a couple of weeks, so looking forward to less fatigue. General vitamins mostly have small doses of iron in them so maybe worth a try. Good luck
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