Does anyone here suffer from anemia?

I noticed it again maybe 2 or 3 months ago when my hair started drying out and breaking. So mum really had to cut my hair. I thought I was getting on top of things by eating better. But I've noticed a white ring around my mouth. My lips are always dry and go white.

I'm going to start the high does of iron tablets today but if you can recommend any tips I'd really appreciate it!

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Threepio

Careful:

Excessive iron can be damaging to the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Over time, iron can accumulate in the organs, and cause fatal damage to the liver or brain. As red cells break down over time, the iron in the hemoglobin is released. Your body has no natural way to rid itself of excess iron, so extra iron is stored in body tissues. That's why patients receiving transfusions are at risk for iron overload.

A blood test for Iron Content will tell you what you need to know before randomly popping iron tablets.

A ferritin (FAIR-eh-tin) test (blood test) helps doctors know how much iron is stored in the body. Iron is needed to make red blood cells, so when ferritin levels are low, the body makes fewer red blood cells. But Ferritin levels can be high with some medical conditions.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Threepio my gp won't send me for bloods. Its pissing me off!

Threepio

@Mellowgirl Call the testing site and ask how much it would be for "private" pay. IDK about there, but here, we usually get a big discount for private 'cash' payment. You can even order ANY test you want to have done.