Anemia

[Mindy1971]

I am a 42 year old female.  I was diagnosed in July of this year as being severely anemic and deficient in Vitamin D.  I was started on Vitamin D and Iron prescriptions since then.  What prompted this wast extreme fatigue and shortness of breath.  Had chest X-ray that was negative and it was the blood work that showed the rest.  My question is....it is now December...5 months since this was discovered...and I still get very short of breath.  My fatigue isn't quite as bad, but I still get more tired than normal.  Shouldn't I feel better by now?  Still taking the supplements as well as Vit C to help with iron absorption.  I tested negative for gastro bleeds and Celiac as well as had a uterine biopsy that was negative.  My on/Gyn put me on birth control pills because he felt my Amelia was likely due to my heavy menstrual bleeding.  I am concerned by my shortness of breath that I still experience.  Is there anything else I should be checked for?  Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Shortness of breath and tiredness are symptomatic of anemia. Even vitamin D deficiency can cause extreme tiredness. I suggest you to get an evaluation done and a complete blood profile for anemia done to determine the type and start with the treatment.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[thatquietgirl]

Did he listen to your lungs?  or have you do any sort of test to test for lung strength/obstruction?  How's your blood pressure and such?  I would go in and mention the shortness as breath as a primary symptom.  Have them test again for anemia because I'm almost willing to bet that the respiratory distress is causing the fatigue at this point.