When fatigue and weakness became constant, I tested positive for anemia. Since my diagnosis, I've noticed just how much effect it has on my daily life. Here are a few things I've come to understand from being anemic.
1. "Hangry" has a whole new meaning.
No, seriously. Keeping nutrients in your body at all times is key to avoiding the infamous crash. If you don't get enough protein or iron-rich foods, prepare to meet an irritability that stings like the burn of a thousand suns.
2. It's hard to find the right makeup when your face is so pale.
Even when the rest of your body is tan, your face is still ghostly pale. The pastiness will vary by the hour, which makes matching your foundation to your skin tone that much more difficult. What's even worse is when you blush or sweat from exercise and your cheeks turn as red as Rudolph's nose while the rest of your face is still pale.
3. Fiber is an essential part of your diet.
It's a little TMI, but if your doctor didn't warn you about the effects of iron supplements on your poops, you've got a big surprise coming. Just eat lots of fiber and try not to get scared when tiny black rocks are coming out of your butt.
4. There are no words for the exhaustion you feel on a regular basis.
You know you're anemic when you complain about feeling weak and exhausted and everyone around you is like "OMG, me too! I'm so tired I could pass out." NO YOU'RE NOT. YOU HAVE NO IDEA. Sometimes you just have to take a power nap between classes or resort to caffeine, sugar, and extra snacks because you just can't deal.
5. You're a pro when it comes to blood tests.
Been there, done that (like a thousand times). While it may not ever be pleasant, those needles and eerily friendly nurses don't scare you anymore. Just take my arm, I'll make a fist, and you do what you have to do.
6. You have a whole new reason to dread your period.
One of the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia is a heavy period. Iron is lost in a heavy flow, and in some people the blood cannot keep up with the nutrient loss. Whether or not this is why you have the blood disorder, pretty much every anemic girl notices an extra crappy feeling during that special time of the month.
7. Salads just don't cut it anymore.
Iron-rich foods can be surprisingly hard to come by, especially when you need them the most. Greens like spinach and kale are great, but most anemics need extra meat in their diet, especially red meat like pork or beef. The frustrating part is that eating lots of red meat and eating a healthy, balanced diet generally don't fit together. Just do your best!
8. Anemia is more common than you might think, but you still have to explain it to everyone.
Yes, I have a blood disorder. No, it won't kill me. Yes, I take medication. No, you can't catch it.
Did you know over 3 million people in the United States are diagnosed with some type of anemia each year? Most of those diagnosed are women of menstruating age who develop iron-deficiency through pregnancy or heavy blood loss during periods. Anemia actually defines a number of blood deficiencies, from lack of iron or B12 to a lack of hemoglobin or red blood cells throughout the body.
9. Being told you look exhausted or sick is a regular occurrence.
I've heard everything from "have you slept this week?" to "you look like you're on meth," which is what every girl wants to hear, of course. Anemics often experience paleness or yellowing of the skin, sunken eyes, and dark circles beneath the eyes. So yeah, maybe I can look like a drug addict sometimes, but everyone do me a favor and ignore that.
10. The stereotype that anemics eat ice is no myth.
Since I was little I've sucked on car keys (gross, I know) and anything metallic. Thankfully, I've grown into eating ice instead. Pagophagia, the craving and addiction of eating ice, is often related to iron-deficiency anemia, but no one really knows why. One hypothesis is that it increases alertness in struggling anemics, but no exact reason is known.
11. Anemia is not just an excuse to nap or get out of doing something.
Anemia is a very frustrating and very real blood disorder which affects millions of women. Diet alone is almost never enough to treat anemia, and even medication fails to help some days. Don't be too hard on yourself if you're not feeling well. Go home, get in your favorite pair of sweatpants, have a snack, and nap the day away.
