If I were forced to sum the entire anemia experience up in a single word, the answer, hands-down would be "frustrating". I cannot begin to tell you how it feels to have to pace myself throughout the day, when what I really want (and need!) to do is to take care of tasks. But instead, I have to perform an activity, take a rest; another activity, another rest. This isn't exactly my style, if you know what I mean. I'm a "do-er", a mover, a shaker, a get-things-done-right-now kinda' gal. Well, I was. Until the road block. And after 2 weeks (today, as a matter of fact), on the iron therapy, I expected more consistent results. I wasn't looking for high numbers on the recent lab work, but I did expect to be feeling a bit better with each passing day. What I am seeing is that I have a good day followed by a not-so-great day. Thursday was fabulous. I paced myself (because of overdoing it on Wed.), got things done, and felt tired, but no chest pains, no shortness of breath, etc. at the day's end. Wonderful! And today, almost from the beginning, it was a struggle. The chest pains, the labored breathing, and that good 'ol frustration that so defines this experience for me. I cannot wait to be strong again. And I will. But until then, I will occassionally vent here regarding the frustration I experience. But I will also add something worthwhile, as well. Such as this...
The chest pain associated with severe iron deficiency anemia is actually angina, which is temporary chest pain due to a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. Scary, huh? The pain from angina is felt directly beneath the sternum and is often described as "heaviness" or "deep pain or ache". Shortness of breath is also associated with severe anemia and the angina that sometimes accompanies it. There is also a link between anemia and congestive heart failure (CHF). Some of the symptoms that may present with both of these disorders are similar (fatigue and shortness of breath), and I have been told that CHF can occur with severe anemia, but will go away with successful treatment for the anemia. Swelling in the legs and ankles coupled with any or all of the above listed symptoms could be an indicator of CHF. If you have any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to see your health care provider to discuss intervention and future treatment.
Keep taking your iron, and stay strong!
Iron Woman FeFe
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