u/acatwithumbs

I finished my first set of infusions and I’m still physically struggling with fatigue at a concerning level. I’m getting my levels rechecked later this month to confirm if my numbers improved but I’m just so frustrated and exhausted.

I just messed up at work big time and will likely get reprimanded if not put on a probationary status.

I would push myself harder but it just leaves me even more exhausted. For example, this long weekend was the first time I *only* put in a few extra hours of work so I could catch up on sleep and ended up sleeping two 12 hour stretches over 2 days then was behind already on Monday.
And today I’m exhausted as hell all over again.

I just need a few weeks to get more appointments handled and specialists seen and a momentary pause in all the hellish deadlines, but the only way I can think to do so is either FMLA/medical leave or quitting and getting a new job with less cognitive demand. But job market is rough and after few rejections several months ago I haven’t had much else.

Just curious if anyone’s been able to get actual leave from work due to the anemia or if it’s not something providers would likely consider “bad enough.”
I unfortunately work as a contractor so I’ve got very little PTO and no short term disability through work.

(Region -U.S.)
I’ve had anemia for at least a year if not longer (a doctor only thought to test it last year when lecturing me on my exercise and I told him how extremely exhausted I am, all the time.)

After a year of supplements and rechecking with no changes, I finally saw a specialist today. I’m still confused why hematology referral means I’m seeing an oncology specialist but whatever…

I’m happy I’m finally getting a doctor to agree to give me Intravenous iron because I’ve been on multiple supplements and followed multiple contradictory instructions on said supplements and my levels went DOWN.

But our appointment felt so pointless otherwise. He doesn’t think it’s cancer. I’ve already tested negative for celiac, negative for blood in my stool. Limited immediate family history of cancer so he’s just like “who knows, but we’ll give you the IV.”

Like ok, but won’t it just COME BACK if they don’t find the cause?

I’m so sick of being asked the same fucking questions. No I don’t have periods, I quit being vegetarian a year ago when this started, I’m not giving blood.

My brother has autoimmune disease and is trying to give me suggestions to tell the doctor, but they don’t seem to give a shit. I’m not sure what other specialist to see if the BLOOD DOCTOR isn’t investing the cause of issues with my BLOOD.

Is there other specialists I should be trying to coordinate with? Is this doctor just shitty and I should find a different one or are most doctors dismissive? Has anyone had success with getting causes diagnosed when it wasn’t obvious source of anemia?

Just feel like I’m being punished for being proactive in trying to address my health before it gets worse.