Fatigue and Fibroids

[Guest guest]

Dear Smiln2004:

You write that you have heavy periods, but state in your message that you are

NOT anemic:

But, are you really CERTAIN that you're *currently* not anemic?

Have you had a *recent* CBC done?Are you aware of what your counts were

recently--specifically the red blood indices: and most importantly, the

hematocrit

& hemoglobin. If you were borderline normal, it doesn't take much to bring

the h&h down. Just ask the anemic LOL (i.e., Ladies of the List).

WHEN was this blood test last done?

Many experts believe that a separate blood test--namely, the FERRITIN test is

the best indicator to determine iron deficiency anemia. Ferritin is a storage

form of iron; simply put, if your ferritin is low, you have insufficient iron

storage.

When you have such heavy bleeding, the first value to drop (and the last one

to normalize) is generally the ferritin. If you have not had this test, you

probably should ask your doctor about having it done.

Everyone should have some iron in storage: enough to compensate for sudden

changes in diet, and for blood lost during our periods.

You ask how could fibroids contribute to fatigue (in the absence of anemia):

well, to the extent in which fibroids cause pain/discomfort, or frequent

waking up during the night due to pressure on the bladder, yes, fatigue is

practically a given with pain or interrupted sleep.

Fibroids can contribute to bloating and constipation, which can make anyone

feel out of sorts and lethargic.

At the emotional level, it's really quite draining to have to concern oneself

with *any* chronic medical condition. With fibroids, there's always the worry

about future growth, or worsening of the condition, worrying about what, if

anything we can do in our diets/lifestyles to control the situation, having to

make all the &!!!^$^$ doctors' appointments and ultrasounds, and

requesting results...not to mention researching and weighing treatment options.

PHEW! I'm getting exhausted just thinking about it!

Your fatigue may or may not be caused by fibroids. Remember we Fibroidians

are subject to the same ailments of our non-fibroidian peers. So, given your

level of fatigue, it's imperative that you discuss your debilitating fatigue

(which you described as " too tired to function " ) with your GP to rule out OTHER

contributing causes.

It's hard to be proactive with your health when you're feeling so very tired,

but you owe it to yourself to go to your doctor to try to find answers.

Good Luck to you,

Roma

In a message dated 3/30/2004 6:04:29 PM Eastern Standard Time,

smiln2004@... writes:

Can anyone shed some light on how a fibroid can zap you of your energy?!?