Camy-7 boybarians 1 lady Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 At 40 years old, it seemed to me that my person was the perfect anatomical specimen. Talk about delusional thinking! Since my miscarriage in June 2007, I have felt tired and worn. It seemed to me that my age and numerous daily duties would be a likely explanation for this state of physical condition. After all, don't we get tired as we get older, and those of us homeschoolers with many children of different ages push it even further? Well, last week it made sense to me to get my hemoglobin checked in order to evaluate the thought that I could still be anemic from the miscarriage. The doctor also decided that I needed the range of "Congratulations your 40 and now we need to check other things, too" gamut of tests. It surprised the doctor (and me) when the tests showed that I was very anemic (groan) and hypothyroid! All I could think was "What???!!" No, not me, the super achiever (wannabe..grin)! Sigh. However, these tests did reassure me somewhat. I have been tired and other physical system issues were put into perspective. So, I am in the midst of figuring these things out and seeking out my family physician's expertise. Those of you w/ either hypothyroid or anemia, please don't hesitate to give comment on your experiences. I also had my first mammogram (warning: those of you who hate to hear about these things, exit now. Do not read the rest of the story :o). It occurred to me that I should be very thankful for this technology...*and* for the beautiful facility which did the examination (very "spa" like). I sat in the gorgeous waiting room w/ my pretty gown on, while watching the news on a large, flat-screen television. As I sipped on ice-cold mineral water, the technician called my name. My number was up. After having numerous children, my modesty and sense of privacy has been given a new definition. Many things that compromise those areas pale in comparison to childbirth (grin). The mammogram seemed like a walk in the park, but it was a bit humorous to me. I realized a few things during the examination: Mammogram technicians are great at giving instructions on what to do during the process (i.e. "You may stick to the plate, so be careful as you step back after the x-ray is taken" LOL). The particular part of the female anatomy that is being x-rayed, cannot move itself like a limb, and it must be moved and put into proper position (thank you, attendant..grin). The exclusive part of the female anatomy being referred to is very flexible and subject to various contortionist positions...LOL). I need to get my rear in gear and keep up w/ different diagnostic testing as I get older. I can now say that I have graduated from "now you're a real woman" school of physcial experiences and diagnostic tests. Oh, I take that back...can you say "colonoscopy?" That may be next..... Blessings, Camy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soph the vet Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I'm 40 and can identify with almost everything you described! I got turned down to donate blood last year because of anemia! Your mammogram highlights reminded me of a hilarious story about a woman getting trapped in a mammography machine while it was on fire. I wish I could remember the book, something about Decisions Women Make and the story was read out loud at a Hearts at Home conference and it was just one of those laugh until you cry and your cheeks hurt kind of stories. She's stuck to the machine, it's smoking, the attendant runs out and a fireman runs in....trying not to look...you get the picture:lol:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 At 40 years old, it seemed to me that my person was the perfect anatomical specimen. Talk about delusional thinking! Since my miscarriage in June 2007, I have felt tired and worn. It seemed to me that my age and numerous daily duties would be a likely explanation for this state of physical condition. After all, don't we get tired as we get older, and those of us homeschoolers with many children of different ages push it even further? Well, last week it made sense to me to get my hemoglobin checked in order to evaluate the thought that I could still be anemic from the miscarriage. The doctor also decided that I needed the range of "Congratulations your 40 and now we need to check other things, too" gamut of tests. It surprised the doctor (and me) when the tests showed that I was very anemic (groan) and hypothyroid! All I could think was "What???!!" No, not me, the super achiever (wannabe..grin)! Sigh. However, these tests did reassure me somewhat. I have been tired and other physical system issues were put into perspective. So, I am in the midst of figuring these things out and seeking out my family physician's expertise. Those of you w/ either hypothyroid or anemia, please don't hesitate to give comment on your experiences. I also had my first mammogram (warning: those of you who hate to hear about these things, exit now. Do not read the rest of the story :o). It occurred to me that I should be very thankful for this technology...*and* for the beautiful facility which did the examination (very "spa" like). I sat in the gorgeous waiting room w/ my pretty gown on, while watching the news on a large, flat-screen television. As I sipped on ice-cold mineral water, the technician called my name. My number was up. After having numerous children, my modesty and sense of privacy has been given a new definition. Many things that compromise those areas pale in comparison to childbirth (grin). The mammogram seemed like a walk in the park, but it was a bit humorous to me. I realized a few things during the examination: Mammogram technicians are great at giving instructions on what to do during the process (i.e. "You may stick to the plate, so be careful as you step back after the x-ray is taken" LOL). The particular part of the female anatomy that is being x-rayed, cannot move itself like a limb, and it must be moved and put into proper position (thank you, attendant..grin). The exclusive part of the female anatomy being referred to is very flexible and subject to various contortionist positions...LOL). I need to get my rear in gear and keep up w/ different diagnostic testing as I get older. I can now say that I have graduated from "now you're a real woman" school of physcial experiences and diagnostic tests. Oh, I take that back...can you say "colonoscopy?" That may be next..... Blessings, Camy Oh it was not that bad was it? lol..... I was avoided it because I thought it would hurt but thankfully I have the ones that don't hurt:D I experienced the "because of your age thing" when I had was pregnant with my daughter. Geesh I was only 38 you would have thought I was turning 89. This year was the year of the the dr visits from mammograms to full bloodwork ups tat I have been putting off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I am glad you have an answer to why you have been feeling badly and I hope you feel better soon! It takes @ 3 weeks for the thyroid meds to kick in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I am sorry you have been feeling poorly, but rejoice that you have answers and can start getting better. I struggle with chronic anemia. If they have not already tested your ferritin, you should insist on this test in addition to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin tells only half the story. Ferritin is a measure of your iron stores. Your ferritin can be terribly low before your hemoglobin dips into the anemic range. Conversely, your hemoglobin can be okay but if your ferritin is still low you will still feel horrible. You should monitor BOTH and keep up with iron supplementation until BOTH are in good shape. Once you are no longer anemic you should still check both your ferritin and your hemoglobin every six months to make sure it doesn't dip again. It is possible you may need to stay on iron supplementation. I will be taking iron for the rest of my life. I took 125 mg of iron per day for eight months before my ferritin/hemoglobin scores were up in an acceptable range. I felt better the first month on iron, but really didn't feel consistently better for several months. You should expect a long, slow gaining of energy. I continued to take 50mg per day to maintain but that wasn't enough--we are currently experimenting with 75mg per day to see if that will be the right maintenance amount. When you do not have access to iron pills for some reason, molasses will do in a pinch. Try 3 T. twice a day. I have found that pills are more effective for me, though I have been glad to have the option of molasses for myself or my son at different times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose in BC Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I turned fourty and just figured that was the end of life as I knew it. I was tired, dizzy, couldn't concentrate etc, etc. . . .at 41 I bit the bullet and talked to my doctor (about my 12 day cycles). Turns out I was so anemic the doctor told me he was amazed I could lift my head from the pillow -- I was at a transfusable level. Two months later, after pinpointing the problem, I had a hysterectomy and today, two years later, I feel ten years younger. I'm in better shape than I was my whole thirties. I got a knew lease on life!! Literally! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 :grouphug: I'm glad you are going to have some relief. It stinks feeling run down day after day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeOnTheRanch Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 When my youngest was 6mos I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and they decided to rip out the gall bladder that had been bugging me for a few years and...well, I felt like at age 32 I was over the hill and falling apart. Now? I feel like a million bucks...as long as I get my daily nap. :lol: I enjoy going to my prenatal appointments and having everyone tell me how fine and healthy I am. Even though being diagnosed wasn't fun way back when, it has definitely improved the quality of my life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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