I have not yet be diagnosed with anemia, but after speaking with a friend of mine who is a nurse, I figured that perhaps I could be so I'm planning on setting up a doctors appointment. I happened to have blood tests done in June of 2008 and my iron levels were good, but since that time I've been dealing with a ton of stress and not eating properly. I've lost 30lbs altogether and am now only 103lbs at 5'7. I don't take any dietary supplements which I probably should. I also have stayed away from meat for about 4-5 months since the stress I'm under really limits what I can eat without feeling sick.

My symptoms are:
**shortness of breath. this usually happens MORE when i'm standing but has also been happening while sitting seometimes. along with this i get a tightness in my chest that feels like pressure.
**rapid heartrate whenever i'm standing/moving around. occassionally happens while sitting. very uncomfortable feeling.
**lightheadedness upon standing and while standing, frequently feel like i'm going to pass out. had an episode of near-syncope in walmart not too long ago (wasnt fun)
**i always feel so tired and weak, especially when i try to move around. it feels like my arms/legs are just going to fall off from weakness.
**i feel off balance
**a couple of my friends have told me that im pale, and i've also lost my lunulas (white moons) on my finger nails which that nurse told me was a symptom of anemia also.
**constantly craving ICE water. can't drink it unless its ice cold, then i like to crunch on the ice.

All these symptoms have basically left me in the house barely moving around. I guess what my question is, can someone develop anemia that quickly (From June 2008) from not eating due to stress? Anyone here have similiar symptoms?

Thanks. I'll let you know what the DR says.