u/DarknessEchoing

Recent labs show my ferritin is 8.25, hemoglobin is 11.4, iron saturation is 9% (UIBC is 531, TIBC is 583), and I'd been assuming my other chronic conditions (POTS, EDS, PMOS, etc.) were to blame for my worsening fatigue, hair loss, palpitations, etc., but it seems like anemia has probably been playing a role, too. Previously, I'd tried supplementing with iron pills, but I wasn't able to tolerate them (they kinda wrecked my stomach). I've tried eating more iron-rich foods, but evidently, that hasn't been helping much. I'm seeing a doctor soon and hoping to get an infusion because oof I'm exhausted.

If the cause isn't identified, though, I'm wondering if the issue will keep popping up. I have heavy periods, so it's possible that could be a cause, but I've always had them, so I'm not sure why it's been dropping off more. I wanted to know y'all's experience with this. Thanks so much!

Recent labs show my ferritin is 8.25, hemoglobin is 11.4, iron saturation is 9% (UIBC is 531, TIBC is 583), and I'd been assuming my other chronic conditions (POTS, EDS, PMOS, etc.) were to blame for my worsening fatigue, hair loss, palpitations, etc., but it seems like anemia has probably been playing a role, too. Previously, I'd tried supplementing with iron pills, but I wasn't able to tolerate them (they kinda wrecked my stomach). I've tried eating more iron-rich foods, but evidently, that hasn't been helping much. I'm seeing a doctor soon and hoping to get an infusion because oof I'm exhausted.

If the cause isn't identified, though, I'm wondering if the issue will keep popping up. I have heavy periods, so it's possible that could be a cause, but I've always had them, so I'm not sure why it's been dropping off more. I wanted to know y'all's experience with this. Thanks so much!

Just curious if anyone else has ever heard this before. One doctor said this in a way that irritated me because the exam was quite painful and she wasn't the most attentive. The second time, the doctor was much kinder and more gentle, and she said that she was saying it to validate that the condition was real and was legitimately affecting me (and that she hadn't seen an exam where it was that significant for a while, I guess?).

I just found it odd that two doctors would say this. I get that they mean well, but I feel the implication was like "it's impressive how bad you are," even though I don't think that was the intent. I wanted to know if anyone else has heard this language or if it's something common.

Hey friends, I recently saw an OBGYN mentioned that Botox (along with pelvic floor physical therapy) may be a good option for my vaginismus. I know EDSers don’t always react to medication the same way as others, however; I wanted to see if anyone else has tried Botox for vaginismus and how it worked for them. I’m a little wary of it at the moment. Thanks so much!