Quick Update 5

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

By Mayo Clinic staff

Initially, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But as the body becomes more deficient in iron and anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms intensify.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms may include:

·         Extreme fatigue

·         Pale skin

·         Weakness

·         Shortness of breath

·         Headache

·         Dizziness or lightheadedness

·         Cold hands and feet

·         Irritability

·         Inflammation or soreness of your tongue

·         Brittle nails

·         Fast heartbeat

·         Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch

·         Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia

·         An uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs (restless legs syndrome)

·         Shortness of breath

·         Headache

·         Dizziness or lightheadedness

·         Cold hands and feet

·         Irritability

·         Inflammation or soreness of your tongue

·         Brittle nails

·         Fast heartbeat

·         Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch

·         Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia

·         An uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs (restless legs syndrome)

Now I know why she has been grabbing at her legs and feet and saying owie. And her head and mouth and saying owie. Why she has not been letting me put her down much or sleeping well and why when I do hold her, she is putting her head on my shoulder or squeezing my neck so hard it makes me want to cry (or take a picture). I know why she has been falling a lot too. Blood work today shows that Lil has iron deficiency anemia. 

The doc says not to freak out. At least I know I was right and something has really been bothering her.  I do not know how serious this is yet.  It could be just because she drinks so much milk.  That is what the good doc thinks it might be.  It could be that she is bleeding internally so we are going to get a stool sample Tuesday to make sure.  Of course any issue with red blood cells makes me worry about lymphoma which is one of the possible side effects of Humira. 

I have to talk to Dr R about if this could also be the reason her lesions are acting up and her temperature has been going up and down like a roller coaster.  Seriously, her temp will go from 98.9 to 100.6 back to 99.9 in a matter of two hours.  Her lesions are acting up with the same speed.  I actually sat and watched three pustules pop up, get red and sore and pus filled again within hours and then go back down again in the next 24 hours.