My story: Sam S.
"Iron deficiency stops me being the person I want to be."
As a 15-year old, I was constantly exhausted, even if I slept for 12 hours. I couldn’t concentrate at school and fell asleep all the time. Then, when I was 16, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and iron deficiency. Over the years, my Crohn’s was largely controlled but I constantly fought through the tiredness and fatigue of iron deficiency because I thought this was normal.
As a mother, wife and business owner iron deficiency affects not just me, but my family and my work.
I worry that I’m too tired and confused to drive my daughters to school or do a good job for my clients. Iron deficiency stops me from being the person I want to be. To be able to get up in the morning with enough energy to make it through the day and then spend an evening with my husband. I want to feel useful and fulfilled!
Today, I’m more aware of the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency so, I work more closely with my doctor to proactively monitor my iron levels; I ask for help when my loved ones notice I’m more tired and, I bring balance into my life by attending yoga classes.
My story: Elena B.
"I felt misunderstood by everyone at that time."
My symptoms came on gradually. I felt exhausted all the time and I was struggling to get out of bed in the morning, despite being in a very happy period of my life. My hair was also falling out more than normal. I’m an active person – I work as a radio host, I spend time with my son, I love to go out and I keep fit in the gym.
I visited several doctors and none of them were able to identify anything was out of the ordinary. They suggested my worsening symptoms were a result of stress. I felt misunderstood by everyone at that time. Something just felt off, and I knew there had to be another explanation for the way I was feeling.
Eventually I went to visit a doctor who suggested we test for iron deficiency. She found that my ferritin levels were very low. My symptoms were a result of iron deficiency and I was recommended an intravenous iron infusion.
For me, the results of that first treatment were quick. I felt significantly better physically. Having my energy back totally changed my life at that time, and I could get on with doing the things I love. I regularly go for check up’s with my doctor now, to make sure my ferritin levels are still within a healthy range.