anemia and fatigue

[alex44]

The title says it all and also why I have not been active. My apology's for that. I am severely anemic and have all the symptoms (Medicine is my Avocation and I used to be a Para-medic. in addition to my ministry. The fatigue is awful. plus I don't have mch clotting factor - I lost a pint or so in mexico getting my teeth done in Mexico. If I get one or two things done I feel lucky. Now the dam VA wants me to go to a substance abuse class ( that I could teach, I'm sure, which is a waste of my time and I WILL bill them for the gas. things have been better, I have no ne to talk to about some things, like money, My S/O does not want to hear it - she thinks - incorrectly, that we have plenty - I wish - we get by and I am very grateful for that = but it would help her to understand why I am not in favor of three dollor egg's. I am all for the ethical treatment of animals but when you add up all the "organic, etc. Vs. the regular variety, it adds up quick. I hope I am not stepping on anyone's toes here, I love animals but I have to put our familys welfare first - we have cut so many things, the gov't keeps chipping away at our checks, food is higher then ever. food stamps - the gov't gives you a cola, the food stamp people reduce you. how does that help me? needless to say, we eat a lot of chicken and beans. Pain control - forget it. it is the beancounters calling the shots. I have been cut to the bone and even though the dea ha been told to back off mmj for vets in states where it is legal and the vet is properly paperworked (not cheap $225 if you are on SNAP - 300 if not, and the price to get it from a legal source its unreal - the VA will not cooperate - just frustrated and depressed - with ptsd thrown in, tired but hopeful.
thanks for listening
Alex44
Sky pilot

[Mark N]

Alex, I can hear the fatigue, frustration, and depression in your post. You have so many things to deal with it doesn't help to be anemic especially with all the pain and lack of pain medication. Don't get me going on VA and what this gov't is doing to us veterans compared to what they are doing for people on gov't money decade after decade. It is a shame that we sacrifice a part of our life and then get treated like you have been. I am glad I decided years ago to opt out of VA as I was getting the help I needed.

I agree with you about food, at some place you have to go by the cost or just do without the eggs. The middle income has been hit hard the past decade and it seems like the things we can't live with keep costing more and more while our income stays level. I wish you had someone to talk to as it helps, is there a VA mental place you can see a therapist to just talk to? Maybe some community group that matches up older people with younger people so we can stay in connect with what is going on? Hang in on the hopes and I pray that they come in soon.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Alex)))))) ~

Just want you to know that I'm sorry for all that you're enduring. The treatment you and other Vets receive is shameful and horrible. All Vets should get top of the line medical care and a lifetime stipend. You should want for nothing, and you shouldn't have to be on food stamps. You should be able to buy organic food! I'm just so sorry.

Have you had your blood tested to determine your hemoglobin? If you are too low (I think the level is 7.5 or below), you might be a candidate for a transfusion. Enough time has passed since your teeth removal for your blood to recalibrate, but if it hasn't, then you might need a boost.

Are you taking vitamins? You should take a good multi vitamin, plus additional Vitamin D3 (cholecaciferol). You might also benefit from taking a multi vitamin with iron.

You might also want to increase your intake of iron-rich foods. Here's a list from Mayo Clinic of foods with iron in them:

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Make a smoothie with spinach and kale and fruit. Eat hummus.

Have your thyroid level checked, as hypothyroid can cause extreme fatigue. So can diabetes. So can stress and depression. So can low Vitamin D.

Regardless of the cause of your fatigue, eating properly, getting some fresh air, a little exercise within your capabilities, and vitamin supplements might help you to feel stronger, which will enhance your outlook.

It won't change The System, but it will be good for your system.

Sending more (((HUGS))) and healing prayers ~

Love & Light,

Rose

[alex44]

Hi All - I am sorry I have not been here but my partner has been very sick And this has put even more stress on me. There are a lot of things I could say but I suspect my Doc. (very Cool) has found this board -anyway, thank you Rose - Excellent suggestions, I take a Multi-Vitamin every day, an Iron Supplement, and Milk thistle for my liver. Thank all of you, Depression is no fun, although I feel it is more Melenchooly due to my partners illness, she is disabled also after being hit by a car back in 92. I am trying to get better, hope this finds everyone well.
Blessings
Alex44Skypilot