Anemia frustraion.?

Question

I'm 14 and I'm pretty sure I'm anemic.
I'm always tired, fatigued and irritable. My skin is VERY pale. I'm weak when standing up and I get lightheaded and have "dizzy spells" very easily and often.
My parents haven't yet taken me to a doctor. And I don't think they plan to quite yet.
But they told me to start taking multivitamins. They just barely help at all. Is there anything else I can do to make the symptoms I have a little less... bothersome?

Answer 1

Go to a doctor .

Answer 2

Well, you have some of the symptoms of anemia.

You should get checked out, and it's time to confront your parents. They may be under the impression that you're being melodramatic. There's a certain stereotype to being a 14-year old female. Sorry.

If you feel rotten all the time, your grades are probably slipping at school. You can go that route, and talk to the school's nurse, too.

Multivitamins have some problems. Some of them require that you take them with food to have any benefit whatsoever. For Iron deficiency, if that's what your problem is, taking Iron supplements may not solve the problem. There may be something in your system that's affecting your Iron uptake.
Red Meat, like it or not, is the absolute best thing to eat to beef you up, so to speak. High protein foods are a good place to start- pork is good as well, as there are some fats there that are good for you. Chicken is good, as always. Vegetable-based proteins from beans won't do you much good- they're like wonder bread, as far as nutrition goes. Make sure that you're properly hydrated, too- dizzyness and lightheadedness, pale clammy skin, etc, can come from dehydration, too. Lots of water, a balanced diet, and supplemental vitamins are a good thing for you, but a doctor's visit at this point is just as important.

Answer 3

I went through a period of time (several years) when I was slightly anemic - and of course it showed most during the wrong week of the month (not uncommon). The birth control I was on was designed to help with that and had iron (Fe) supplements instead of placebos; it helped quite a bit. I'd get some iron supplements or at least make sure whatever multivitamin you're on has plenty. There are different forms of anemia, but iron-deficiency is far from rare. One thing to be aware of though - the first several times that you take an iron supplement, be sure that your parents and close friends are aware. Some people have an allergic reaction to them and this way they can keep an eye out for anything unusual. (Remember, an allergic reaction won't happen the first time you take the pill; you have to already have it in your system to create a hystamine reaction. After the first 3 or 4 pills I'd say you're good to go!)

Answer 4

You sure do sound anemic. My parents wouldn't ever take me to the doc. either, but being adopted I was in a bad family. In your case, if you really think you have a problem, there are a few things you can do, but #1 in your favor is to go to your school nurse and tell her. The school can help out alot. I am guessing also that you don't eat much either. You have to be open to your parents first, but I know it is hard in some situations. Again...then you go to your school nurse. They are not just there for emergancys, they are there for the well being of all you in school, and that includes health problems that stem from home also. I say all this because I am not only concerened because of your symptoms and you said your parents barely help, but my wife grew up the same way. There was alot more to the story, but she was bulimic and anorexic also and no one knew for years, not even her. She thought it was normal for the feelings she had. I don't want to elaborate to put feelings in your mind, so I will just say that you need to talk to your mom and dad AGAIN, and then to your school nurse. OK? Please. You have my email if you need more. Again, I say this all because I have seen other girls just like you that waited too long for help...even when it might just be from being anemic.

Answer 5

I'm not sure you have anemia, but if you do, here's the rx: Make sure your vitamins include iron. Eat cereal that is vitamin and iron fortified. Nutragrain waffles are also fortified with iron. Look at labels and find foods you enjoy that have iron in them. Grapes, raisins, milk, OJ...

Make sure you're eating enough.

If you're not feeling better in a month or so, I'd insist you go see the dr. Expect a diagnosis of depression.

TX Mom
Not an expert

Answer 6

You need to get a CBC (complete blood count) to determine if you have anemia or not. The symptoms you have can encompass many different things (from hormone imbalance to anemia as you suggested) the best thing you can do is to get to your doctor. Just taking a multivitamin is masking the problem not treating it.

Answer 7

i would get a food pyramid from online and follow it to a tee... healthy eating should make the symptoms less bothersome... also, if the problems persist.. insist that your parents take you to a doctor, or see the school nurse on your own or something, and let her give you a note to take to your parents

Answer 8

Are you eating? I am not trying to be judgemental, or mean, it is just a question. It is possible that you are anemic. Sounds like maybe you might need a multivitamin with iron.

Answer 9

If it's really anemia, spinach and beef will help because they have iron. You could have low blood pressure, though.

Answer 10

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables (ecspecially green veggies!) See if that doesn't help!