Anaemia

I've been suffering from anaemia, and I mean really suffering.

We moved house, and at first I thought I was simply exhausted from all the work and hassle that is always involved with moving, but when I was reduced to moving from one chair to the next to try and get around the house, I knew it was time to see the doctor.

He ordered blood tests, and informed me that I was extremely anaemic. He got me in to see a surgeon straight away, who immediately started asking whether stomach cancer and bowel cancer were in the family. My GP suggested it'd be likely that I'd need a blood transfusion. The surgeon said we'd try to do without it.

There was no sign of blood loss in stool or urine tests, and I no longer menstruate. My surgeon was, and still is, convinced I'm losing blood internally, but so far no cause has been found.

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I was scheduled for a colonoscopy (a medical procedure that examines the large bowel), and a gastroscopy (an examination of the upper digestive tract). So I had cameras inserted both ends (day surgery), and the results came back all clear of any nasties.

Next, I was scheduled to have an examination of the small bowel, which involved swallowing barium followed by a series of xrays over a period of a few hours. No bleeding or cause of bleeding was found here either.

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My physical health has improved significantly, but I still have mildly bad days and very bad days amongst the mainly good days. I'm taking daily iron supplements.

I'm pleased my surgeon is insisting on being thorough.  Next up I have to have an ultra-sound of my ovaries (although he said this is just routine as bleeding would not occur in the ovaries). I also have to undergo another procedure which involves swallowing a 'camera pill' and retrieving it for analysis. Technology is amazing.

I'm quite sick of medical appointments, but I'm thankful that modern medicine is available. We certainly live in the 'lucky country'. I'm sick of feeling tired and lethargic, and I'm sick of not achieving all I feel I should in a day. And I'm sick of having 'nanna naps'. I sat down in a shopping centre the other day and promptly fell asleep. It's a worry, but I'm just getting on with life, trying to stay cheery and be positive.