It’s March 1, 2026. I am officially 87 pounds heavier than I was on the same date twenty years ago and 27 pounds heavier than I was ten years ago. I’ve been frustrated with my weight for years and concluded it was due to stress, anxiety, and aging. When I retired, I lost 25 pounds in the first six months (gained 13 pounds back in the past year). In February 2025, I started to feel dizzy, short of breath, extremely fatigued, with cold hands and feet, and my heart racing. I knew the problem! Anemia was once again pushing me into oblivion!
I contacted my Physician with concerns, and she emphasized taking the prescribed 325 MG of Ferrous Sulfate at least every other day. I wanted a blood test, but she stated the oral iron should be enough. It was in June 2025 that I finally convinced the Physician to do a blood test, as the stomach pain and anemia issues were really impacting my life. I believe taking Ferrous Sulfate should help, but it also caused stomach pain, and I think it increased bleeding.
The blood test verified my suspicion!
- Hemoglobin should be 13.5 - 17.5 g/dL - I was 10.3 or 76% of the minimum
- Ferritin should be 26-388 ng/ml - I was 13 or 50% of the minimum
- Iron should be 35-180 ug/dl - I was 18 or 51% of the minimum
Therefore, in August, I was able to proceed with infusions. I also convinced my Physician to refer me to a Hematologist. However, the first appointment was three months away. That was frustrating, but it was my only option!
After the infusions, I felt better and am now fully recovered. The infusion may have helped, but it only brought me close to the baseline. My Physician agreed to do another blood test. After the infusions, I was still below the threshold.
- Hemoglobin should be 13.5 - 17.5 g/dL - I was 12.7 or 94% of the minimum
- Ferritin should be 26-388 ng/ml - I was 21 or 80% of the minimum
- Iron should be 35-180 ug/dl - I was 23 or 65% of the minimum
I met with the Hematologist in November. He did another blood test, and my levels stayed the same, still below the minimum thresholds. So, I was planning to get another round of infusions, four months after the last one. I had a follow-up blood test six weeks later, and my numbers looked good after 6 infusions! The numbers were:
- Hemoglobin should be 13.5 - 17.5 g/dL - I was 14.8 - mid-range of recommended
- Ferritin should be 26-388 ng/ml - I was 59 or slightly above the minimum
- Iron should be 35-180 ug/dl - I was 126 or slightly above mid-range recommendation
When I met with the hematologist, he ordered blood tests every 3 months and mentioned we might need to do annual infusions if my levels aren’t maintained. He attributes the issue to a large hiatal hernia I have and believes I slowly lose blood from that problem.
So, that brings us to March 1, 2026. I am feeling better two months after completing my last infusions. One of the best ways to reduce health issues is to lose weight. So today, I started tracking again, as I did in 2006. I’ll weigh myself each morning when I wake up. I also do a few push-ups and timed planks before starting the day. I will monitor my diet and do some form of exercise every day. I'll vary the routine to ensure adequate rest. On an off day, it might only include a 45-minute walk around the neighborhood. Today was a great 16-mile bike ride!
I aim to get this under control so I can enjoy retirement again. Wish me luck!
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