I WASN'T CRAZY!!!!!
After having issues with hair falling out to the point of having to shave my head, nails that bend, brain fog so bad I can no longer drive, body swelling in my legs and feet, severe body pain and stiffness in my joints, major headaches, and a plethora of other symptoms, we found out I have severe iron deficiency anemia, low ferritin, and low Vitamin D causing hyperthyroidism.
I am a bariatric patient 7 years post op, so oral supplements are not an option due to my body not absorbing them. I am waiting on approval from insurance for my first iron infusion thanks to an amazing hematologist who immediately recommended the infusion, as well as an appointment with endocrinology.
After YEARS of feeling like this, I have answers. I was not crazy and just "making up symptoms" and it "wasn't all in my head". A ferritin level of 7.4, hemoglobin of 10.8, iron of 26, saturation of 7%, RDW of 19.5, and CO2 of 17 has taken a major toll on my body. My ferritin has been below 13 for YEARS and no one ever caught on. I have to take naps during the day to function. Work has become unbearable due to pain levels and tiredness. Bariatric patients are doomed for low iron and low ferratin. Finding this out the hard way. No leaky gut, no h pylori, or gut issues.
Considering trying my hand at a channel on TikTok to raise awareness for other bariatric patients of longterm issues that can be experienced that aren't talked about enough. I went into my surgery with all the knowledge possible, but major complications this long out, I was not educated on. I'm hoping I can help other patients as well be aware of what can happen. Supplements for us are just not enough a lot of the time.