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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anemia And Anxiety

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Question: Hi - I was recently diagnosed with severe anemia, was told to take iron for a week and to return to gp

I also have some undiagnosed anxiety so I'm not sure if symptoms are real and from anemia, from something more serious, or from anxiety.

I feel random aches in my left arm and both legs and lower back for days. My stomach is bothersome but not nauseating just cramping or reflux.

When I am breathing I feel like I might not be getting enough oxygen. All symptoms are worse at night. I am freaking out I might be having a heart attack even though I am only 21. I am female, have hypothyroidism, and am overweight (240 lb).

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Iron deficiency anemia

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I need to know a few more details in order to come to better conclusion of the problem

1. Please tell me your Hemoglobin values and also serum iron study values
2. What is your TSH value currently and what are you taking for the hypothyroidism
3. Are you taking anything for anxiety?
4. Do you eat regularly and on time?
5. Please mention a few lines about your lifestyle and also your profession.

Please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (10 minutes later)

I don't have my blood levels. I have been treated for hypo for 6+ years and take 50 mcg Levothyroxine. I do not take anything for anxiety. I was recently put on 40mg omeprazole for stomach discomfort.

I am having also some random sharp pains in my left hand and sometimes chest.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply, it was a very busy day at the hospital.

Here is how you go about this

1. I would like you to get your Thyroid profile checked. Sometimes when hypothyroidism is over corrected patients tend to have a similar picture especially anxiety
2. I suggest you to take Tab Omperazole twice daily, once in the morning and once at night on an empty stomach.
3. Feeling of breathless at night is because of obesity, I strongly recommend that you lose weight.
4. Sharp pains is typically suggestive of involvement of the nerves. Correction of anemia by iron capsules unmasks the Vit B 12 deficiency causing these sharp pains.
I recommend that you get your Vit B12 and Vit D levels done

I believe that before diagnosing someone as anxiety disorder all possible causes for the symptoms have to be ruled out.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

My gp tested everything else and the only thing wrong was my iron.

My upper back is achey and my left elbow often bothers me.

I have not been written off as being with anxiety. I have not been formally diagnosed. I just know that it runs in my family and I am often very nervous and anxious and have had panic attacks. Most of my anxiety is about my health.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back

Is the pain in the upper back is towards the centre and if it is bone pain in nature then it is most likely to be arising from the spine. However considering your age it is most likely to be arising from the muscle which means that the best treatment for it would be to lose weight and also stretch a little more at work if you are sitting for long hours.

Please let me know if the pain in the elbow has been there for a very long time? Is the joint which pain on moving it?

The best treatment for anxiety would be beta blockers, it reduces the sympathetic drive and makes you feel comfortable. I also put my patients on Tab Tryptomer at night. It has given good results.
I also suggest regular cardio vascular exercises like running, jogging, cycling, etc for atleast 30 min a day, 5 times a week. Please meet a dietician as well as soon as possible.

I hope I was of help

Regards

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar