Fatigue

I have MDS, not receiving any treatment at this time. I'm in a "wait and watch" phase right now. However, I am dealing with a lot of fatigue. My oncologist/hemotologist claims that since I am not anemic, I shouldn't be so tired. Are other low risk patients experiencing fatigue?

[dgooden]

I am in the same phase, diagnosed almost 2 years ago, and some tiredness mostly afternoon but also not anemic. I'm hopeing this will persist long term rather than progress to what we who have diagnosed all fear.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi debsy8342 and dgooden!

Yes, fatigue is a common complain in patients suffering from myelodysblastic syndromes. In patients who are not anemic the fatigue is due to infection, depression, side effect of chemo drugs, or low platelets or low WBC. If all these causes are ruled out, sometimes a short term iron therapy helps improve fatigue. Light exercise also helps fight fatigue like walking in open air. Talk to your doctors regarding all this. Hope this helps. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.

[Brenda550]

What about the people who do not have low iron?  I have been told I have excess iron in my bone marrow and that I should not take any iron.  Chemo and radiation came a year later after the MDS dx.  I have received 2 units every month so far from October through to the end of January, etc., etc.  So far, 7.2 was the lowest for hgb that I know of.  I also had neutropenic fever.  I am anemic but not low in iron.

Thanks.

Brenda