The trials and tribulations of Anemia and Hair Loss

[bicentennial_baby]

So I've recently been diagnosed with Anemia, after a CBC, and am now going in for Ferritin and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests tommorrow. I'm tired and cranky, especially knowing that I have to make severe changes to my diet. I'm a picky eater who does'nt really like to eat in the first place. I'm also a vegetarian, which only complicates things. I will not eat red meat, it makes me sick just to chew it.

The most disturbing thing is my increasing hair loss. I once had pounds of thick, curly hair and now I'm getting balder every day. Mind you, I'm only 27. My doctor thinks it may be connected to the Anemia, but she wants to do more research on that. Psychologically, it's devastating. I won't leave the house with uncovered hair, even though it's not that noticeable to others yet.

I have an appointment with the nutritionist tonight. Wish me luck.

/self-pitying rant kinda over :P

[bobbieinok]

1. what kind of anemia?? I have pernicious anemia (reversible) diagnosed mid

1970s.

One of the initial signs of p anemia was major loss of appetite and major loss of energy.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. Iron deficiency

but my Doc said she may check for other vitamin deficiencies as well.

[supernova]

2. Get a cast iron skillet to cook in

I use mine every day.

[Doosh]

4. is the hair loss confined only to your scalp

or are you shedding hair all over?

[HFishbine]

5. Bald is beautiful, baby!

Shave what you have left, it will look intriguing. Wear a hat if it makes you more comfortable, but I'm telling you in all sincerity, bald can be beautiful; yes, even on women.

And please, mange, mange! (Do you cook? One of the best ways to work up an appetite is to cook.)

[spooked]

6. Please let us know what the nutritionist says...

ok? And remember to do your own research...there are so many natural remedies out there that doctors often don't tell us about because they're not by prescription.

[bicentennial_baby]

7. Ugh...Back from the Nutritionist

No more potato chips :-( (I eat a ton of Cape Cod Salt and Vinegar chips!) Need to cut way back on Sodium. Need to increase calcium, and stop drinking soda. Must boost Iron, in addition to my 325mg a day Iron supplement to reverse my anemia. More water, less coffee. More vegetables, maybe switch to (gag) whole wheat pasta. Must quit smoking asap.

The good news is that I can keep my whole milk mozzarella, which I use every day pretty much. My LDL is 103, HDL 164.

Hopefully this will stop my hair loss and make me feel better. It's gonna be a long summer, that's for sure. Sigh....