Anemia lingering on
 

I am almost 6 years post-chemo, and I'm still anemic. Iron supplements make me sick, and no matter how many green leafy veggies I eat, I can't move past the anemia. From what I have read, certain people have more trouble absorbing iron than others. Whether it is due to the chemo changing my body, or whether I have always been this way, I am not sure. But I do know I am exhausted!

Any suggestions (short of a blood transfusion)?

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

Have you had B12 tested?

Are you sure it is an iron deficient anemia? What is your ferritin count? An oversupply of iron can decrease the enzymes in some steps in the production of heme. Do you have any history of Porphyria in your family?

Have you tried the supplement liquid chlorophyll?

Have you tried a prescription for Aranesp?

Light to moderate exercise? I know you are dog tired, but I read that it helps to build blood cells unless it is strenuous exercise.

Sorry you are tired. It is difficult to enjoy life when there is just no steam in your engine.

Sending prayers

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

SDStarfish,

This blog sounds like your soulmate. Eating to increase iron, and I think I saw some recipes without green stuff.

https://www.myfooddiary.com/blog/eat...ron-absorption

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

Try using food with vitamin C with food that has iron.
Vitamin C helps the body absorb the iron better.
Beans also have a fair amount of iron.
Have your B12 checked too.

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

Do you happen to like liver?
I tried everything... but it wasn't until I started eating beef liver (only once a month or so) that my hemoglobin finally climbed back into the normal range.

Could have been a coincidence I guess... but it might be worth a try.

Being tired is a real bummer!
Good luck
Denise

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

Hi, Denise,

I really appreciate your reply. I have written these things down and I will look into them further. I am exercising once a day, even just a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I can function, and on the outside I look fine - but I know it's not normal to be this tired, you know? My ONC didn't seem to think it was a big deal, but I also had blood work done via my chiropractor, and he said he was surprised I could function at all!

I did not know that liquid chlorophyll would help, although I have just begun having spirulina on a daily basis.

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

Traditionally liquid chlorophyll was used by midwives to help counteract anemia. I take Chlorella and it might be more beneficial according to this source.


Chlorophyll Benefits #3: Alleviate Anemia?

Claim:

• Chlorophyll is effective against anemia. It stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body.

Fact 5: In a recent study published in the Plant Foods for Human Nutrition Vol.65 (1), chlorella supplementation has shown to reduce the risk of anemia, proteinuria and leg edema. The subjects were recruited from pregnant women who visited Saiseikai Nara Hospital, Japan.
At Koriyama Womens College, Japan, another study has shown that anemic rats fed with 5% and 10% chlorella recovered rapidly, while the recovery of the rats fed with less iron content diet (1% chlorella) was delayed. Rats fed with iron deficient diet showed no recovery.


Ponder this
What is it in chlorella that is responsible for the results above?
Is it chlorophyll as many have claimed?
Besides, chlorella contains large quantities of vitamins and minerals, namely folate, vitamin B-12 and iron that are important during pregnancy.
Or could it be the G-factor in chlorella?
G what?
I coin the term “G-factor” to distinguish it from the “X!” More on this below.
In another in vitro study, a 3 to 5 fold increase in the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) was shown using wheatgrass extract.
HbF is a hemoglobin common in the fetus and newborn, but normally present only in small amounts in adults. It has been found that stimulation or induction of fetal hemoglobin in thalassemia (a form hereditary form of anemia) of can improve the patient’s clinical condition.

http://www.no-hype-nutritional-suppl...-benefits.html

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

Hey All,
Sorry about the late reply to all of your great responses. I just started a new job :)

Lizbeth, just wanted you to know that I tried putting spirulina vs. chlorella in my smoothie. Not sure if it was other factors or not, but I feel a bit more energized after chlorella smoothies.

Elaine, thanks for the advice about the B12 and the Vit C. Yes, I take a B12 supplement and I did know about Vit C with iron. It just seems like my body has a harder time absorbing it.

Denise, no, I can't eat liver, but thanks :)

Re: Anemia lingering on
 

SDstarfish,

I feel better after the Chlorella too.

Perhaps it is time to try some of AndiBB's techniques. So perhaps the fatigue is not just diet related. It could be that you need a different level of exercise, or that you are experiencing stress.

Have your tried focusing on your breathing? You could try it with AndiBB's breathing square technique. Here is her thread:

http://her2support.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=58965

Most of us breathe shallow when we are stressed and it gets to be a habit pattern. Really belly breathe down into the diaphragm and let that tummy fill with the expansion for about a count of 4, hold it for a count of 4 and slowly release the air. Repeat about 7 times to reset the stress reflex.

Feeling tired is not fun. Hope you are back to feeling energetic soon!