Time To Get Personal

Not that I want to depress anybody, this is to inform, and open up about issues. Over two billion/relatively 30% of the people in the world are anemic, many due to iron deficiency, and being in poor conditions, and areas. First off, anemia is a condition marked by deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness. I have iron deficiency anemia.

Diagnoses

I was first diagnosed late 2015 with anemia, and had to take iron pills. And at the beginning of 2016, I was tested for diabetes. There are at least three types of diabetes known to us. I was tested for it in general. It came back negative. The reason they tested me was because I had all the known symptoms: fatigue, random bruises here and there, yeast infections, iron deficiency, coldness, losing weight suddenly (without trying to), and increased thirst (I always drink water by the way.) Honestly, I was scared. Diabetes runs in my family, so of course my first thought when they took blood work was, "oh my gosh..." I prayed in that doctor's room before I left. They called me a couple days later, and that's when I got the good news.

Everyday Life

My anemia is tough. It has given me symptoms that I wouldn't wish on anyone, partially because these symptoms are often shared with early signs of cancer and such. It has strongly weakened my immune system. Besides that, I am freezing all the time. The temperature I'm comfortable with is 78 degrees. Yeah, that's pretty high. I still like to be cold at night with a big blanket, and a fan in my face, so it isn't that great considering it's hard sleeping without a fan. I have to remember taking iron pills, and bundle up before I leave anywhere (if the temp. is below 55 degrees). I still live a normal life, don't get me wrong. I eat the same things (more meat due to there being higher iron levels offered), I hangout with friends normally (I just prefer warmer hangout spots). I exercise when I get the chance, everything that one does without being terribly sick, I can do. The only difference is, I lack the things in your body, in mine.

Is It An Illness Then?

Anemia is a chronic disease. And NO! People with it are NOT contagious!!! There are many different types of anemia, and it can be cured through iron supplements! However, aplastic anemia can be fatal if left untreated. Sickle-cell anemia can be hereditary, but treatable.