What It Feels like to Have Anemia

I was diagnosed with iron-deficient anemia in 2020 and started having severe anemia symptoms in the summer of 2021.

This is my story of how my anemia symptoms snowballed over time, what was done about it and how long it took me to recover.

I waited too long to get treatment, and if anything I hope this video can help others to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention early on.

00:00 Introduction
2:00 My Anemia Symptoms
5:03 Anemia Treatment

FOLLOW DIABETES STRONG ON:

DISCLAIMER: I’m not a medical professional, never stop your current treatment without consulting with your doctor

[kayp]

I am a 38 year old man with mild iron deficiency anemia. I was referred to a GI doctor who did a colonoscopy and found a small stage 1 colon cancer tumor. I was so lucky they found it early. I didn’t have to do chemotherapy or radiation. I take iron supplements. The tumor was causing the anemia.

[natasha]

I had ferritin deficiency for about 20 years straight due to malnutrition in childhood and while growing up. I just went to doctor and they were shocked that I have been living with it that long

[sda]

I have thalassemia anemia which I’ve had my whole life. Iron is toxic for me. I’m really hoping to find relief. You look really healthy! I’m so happy for you. Thanks for sharing your story!

[garygibson]

I’m learning more about anemia as I try to figure out my symptoms. Thank you for your candid explanation of your symptoms and your treatments. This means a great deal to me and I’ll be using your transcript as a guideline for future research into my diagnosis. Being proactive with your health is the best way to keep on the grassy side of life. ❤😂✌️✅

[rentoz]

That getting very dizzy with only moving your head fast is 100% one of my worst symptoms. I will try to see a doc today

[Ben-uyvq]

My life has been hell the past week or so having anemia, I honestly felt like i was dying. All my bloods came back fine but i still didn’t feel right. I had spare 5mg folic acid from years ago and took them and the boost was instantaneous. I must have anemia

[harshvipatel]

I had low iron levels since birth. When I was 2 to 4 I had anemia still don’t know how much. For the last couple of years I would often be the last one to complete the mile in school. Small exercises would make me out of breath. My family kept telling me I was lazy but I knew I had anemia. I had very heavy periods with unbearable cramps. When I checked it out it was an 8.9. Quite low. I didn’t think it was a big problem then but after watching this video I see the importance. I got prescribed iron supplements and multi- vitamins. I will see how it goes and will continue to take my supplements. If you have a doubt check it out without thinking about the money. American systems needs to improve. Anyway as a 14 year old and freshman school takes a toll and anemia is hard when it comes to physical education in school. It is great you made this video to help educate others and myself about how severe anemia is. Never would I have know my anemia is bad. Looking a at numbers doesn’t help but looking at a insight.

[mariaziarnik]

I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency. Finally to have those questions answered. Visited the hematologist prescribed the iron iv. I am hoping I will feel better.

[dustinpotter]

Thank you for sharing. I was hospitalized for for a week from a medical procedure that revealed an infection I had and that I lost a lot of blood. My hemoglobin dropped to 6 something and has only recently broken 10.0. People don't realize that just getting you blood back up is only part of the problem because we all have blood that dies and needs to be replaced too. that can't be done without a constant practically surplus supply of iron. Your post reminded me I need to take my iron for the day. I have been rebuilding for three months now yesterday and don't think I have crested an 11 count. Get well soon!

[russandnancyogawa]

I was 67 when I was diagnosed with anemia. I found a lump in my neck, couldn’t get in to see my doctor as usual so I went to urgent care. The nurse practitioner listened and she ordered an ultrasound and complete blood panel. The next day I got a call from my doctor and was told to the emergency room. My hg was 6 half of what low normal is. They gave mecwhole blood transfusions. They ordered a colonoscopy and endoscopy. I showed signs of previous bleeding in my esophagus and also stomach. I got it by taking too many otc pain killers which I took due to shoulder pain and lack of ability to get Norco. Turned out I had a tumor in my neck and a shredded rotator cuff. Two surgeries later I still take iron whenever I have a dizzy spell. Anemia is nothing to treat lightly.

[AnthyMelange]

I was diagnosed with BORDERLINE Anemia about 2-3 years ago. Just last week I was told I now have MILD anemia… I also have depression for majority of my life. I found this video very difficult to watch, less than half way through because I already get upset for not having enough energy to do all the things I want to do. I feel so cursed and I can’t even enjoy life like this. I don’t want to be out of breath or have blood transfusions! 😢😢😢💔

[JSoPhisticateD]

I totally can relate. I thought the dizziness was from my ear problem. A lot of your symptoms I have but I started to think I was starting menopause early....

[ajjahkama]

Thank you for your upload, brought tears to my eyes as I have been experiencing this for many years, you sound like a reflection of me, I am happy to hear you are much better and has given me hope as I am so upset at the moment, I want a long healthy and happy life and I wish the same for you. You have really taken away alot of that pain and hurt, I was really 💔 but smiling now 😊

[schneiderchege]

Great lessons here. I recently discovered my hymoglobin levels are at 7.4 . Scared what could be the underlying cause for this😢

[keimaye]

Thanks for sharing your experience. My hemo levels are 5 - I'm pretty much dazed and confused on a daily basis. Finding it SO hard to concentrate! I can't look up for more than a few seconds cause like you were saying - I get dizzy. Started taking supplements and - fingers crossed

[franny]

I had to go for iron IV treatments for six weeks, and it actually worked where as pills and liquid iron was not absorbing and so far, so good. Hopefully this will not have to become a yearly thing.

[quiblack]

Thank you fir sharing your story... Yesterday i had to go to E.R fir dizziness and shortness of breath... They did blood work my Hemoglobin level was 3.7 and i immediately had to get 3 units of blood transfusion and 1 iron transfusion... After that i was at 8.8

[janetf]

I had anemia in the past. My periods were also very heavy. I started eating a lot of organic steaks and I felt a lot better and my hemoglobin numbers increased.

[jacquelineblue]

Thank you for sharing your story, I to felt that it will pass IT DIDN'T, I wish I knew someone like you to tell and show me the light sooner. I am now on the road to recovery.

[rosewood]

When I was first diagnosed, my dr put me on B vitamins, including B12 shots every month. It’s really helped my nails to grow! But I still felt like crap. He put me on iron and calcium. BUT, no one told me not to take them together. I found out through my own research that calcium basically negates the iron. So I had to change the time of the day I took the iron. It’s just continued to get worse but I finally have an appointment to see a hematologist I had gastric sleeve surgery, and I had diverticulitis and they had to remove 14 inches of intestine. It really got worse after I had hip replacement surgery. Although my doctor said, I did not lose that much blood from the surgery, I just didn’t have any to spare. From what I read all of this contributes to anemia. I’m just praying that the hematologist can help me. Thank you for telling us your story. It’s something that people don’t talk about that much, and it’s important to know.