Slowly but surely I am regaining some much needed energy. While in the hospital last month for a much needed clean out, it was discovered that I am severely anemic. My ferritin levels were 5 ng/ml when normal range for females are 12-150 ng/ml. I was amazed that this wasn't discovered sooner! I must admit that I was ignorant of the symptoms of iron deficiency and had to research it on the Internet after a brief explanation by the intern. Thankfully a knowledgeable RT explained the workings of iron and how it helps bind to the red blood cells to produce oxygen. And my nurse printed out at least 20 pages of material for me to read. Some symptoms I was having were chronic fatigue, additional shortness of breath, headaches, hotheadedness or dizziness and feeling irritable or feeling that you cannot think clearly. I have had these symptoms for a very long time. I simply thought that all of these symptoms were do to my CF. So I just want to let other people with CF know about my experience so that they can ask their doctors to test their ferritin levels if necessary.

Crazy stuff. Because my body doesn't seem to be absorbing iron, I may need to get iron infusions periodically as an out patient. I will know more next week when I get levels taken to see if the infusions last month took. But I do feel differently that's for sure. The doctors seemed to believe that even if I decided to take iron supplements by mouth that I wouldn't absorb them. I am so thankful that someone checked my levels for me while in the hospital. There is so much more happening in my life right now it would take a lot to write it all down. Hope to write good news soon...


http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003490.htm