Hello all, 

I have always tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle and never had any medical conditions, but it all changed about a month ago. I had donated blood a few times a year and had my blood work done by a physician at least once a year and everything always checked out great. However, I always had certain symptoms of anemia (feeling cold, irritability and fatigue). 

My last blood donation was a week after my menstrual cycle ended. (which is heavy). I felt they took more blood then usually (i looked at the blood count and mine was actually higher then my boyfriend who donated with me and is over 35 pounds heavier then me) but I was feeling fine. Then a week after my blood donation I did my yearly lab with my physician and my RBC was fine but my Hemoglobin was 11 (range 11.1-15.9)  and my platelets were high 383 (range: 150-379). 

I guess its expected for blood work to not be perfect after a blood donation, but I went ahead and did more iron testing per physician recommendation.

A week later more blood was drawn and my ferritin level was a 6!. My physician got in touch with me right away and asked if I have been feeling fatigued and dizzy and out of breath. And stated if so, I need to come in ASAP to get a blood infusion. I told her that I have been fatigued for as long as I can remember (basically since my teens I believe, which is over 10 years ago) and I only feel out of breath during intense exercise. I opted in for iron pills and took my first one. I am prescribed 325 mg of ferrous sulfate.

I am not sure how to handle this diagnosis and I am hoping that I am not too cocky by thinking that this is temporary and all due to the blood donation I did and the fact that I been giving so much blood the past month (cycle, annual physicial, titers for immunizations for school, more blood testing for anemia). Also, they test your iron before you even donate blood, so I mustve have been just fine before my last donation.

My doctor would like to see me after 6 weeks to check on the progress. Is it realistic to think that as long as I do not donate blood and continue my supplements, I should be able to put this all behind me?

Its puzzling to me to receive the diagnosis, because I do try to eat foods with iron, such as vegetables and cereals. However, it is rare that I eat red meat, but I do eat lean and white meats on daily basis or fish. 

And because my doctor's office was very concerned about my ferritin level, I am getting concerned as well. Also would it be faster to get my ferritin level back to norm with the infusion, instead of the pills?

Also for those of you who take or took ferrous sulfate, is it not a big deal to take it with food? I know the iron absorbs better on empty stomache, but my day involves around food, as I try to eat every few hours and cannot go more then 3 hours without some filling snack or food without feeling like I will pass out (I do have fast metabolism and also eat small portions). Its stressful to think about how to fit this new medication with my food schedule. 

I am sorry this was so long, but maybe some of you can relate when you received this diagnosis and had so many questions. Would be so great to connect with others who understand where I am coming from. Any input would be greatly appreciated.