I have Thalassemia anemia. I worked in a medical laboratory. One day I had my blood looked at under microscope. I noticed my red cells were really small in size and paler to normal red cells.
I looked up a cause for it and found Thalassemia Anemia. It’s an hereditary anemia found in people of Mediterranean accents. Being Italian, I dug deeper and found taking Iron supplements (via mouth or IV) may cause an Iron Overload (within red cells) that’s detrimental. Coming from an Italian family I was able to alert my relatives and get screened for it. Hope this alerts others of Mediterranean to get screened for this type of anemia. ❤️
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 2, 2023
@rosy54, thank you for this information about the prevalence of thalassemia anemia in those of Mediterranean descent. How is your anemia being treated or controlled?
@sylvz, how are you doing? Are you getting iron infusions?
@rosy54, thank you for this information about the prevalence of thalassemia anemia in those of Mediterranean descent. How is your anemia being treated or controlled?
@sylvz, how are you doing? Are you getting iron infusions?
Hello; Thanks for your response. I did see the info on the web site, but it does not answer my question. I'd like to know if anyone else has ever had an iron infusion.
Yes, I have had a couple of blood transfusions in the past few years. More recently my hemoglobin levers are down below 8.
Thanks again
Blood transfusions is alternative to raising your iron levels.
Fe (Iron injections) stay stored in cells it DOESNT get released into blood stream. Your doctor should help you.
I have been diagnosed with beta-thalassemia minor for decades now and my blood work always shows me as mildly anemic. I now have been diagnosed with a severe aortic aneurysm which requires open surgery to repair. My doc wants to put me on Retacrit plus an infusion of Venofer to boost my RBC before surgery. I am a little worried this will not be effective given my thalassemia. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on this matter?
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I have Thalassemia anemia. I worked in a medical laboratory. One day I had my blood looked at under microscope. I noticed my red cells were really small in size and paler to normal red cells.
I looked up a cause for it and found Thalassemia Anemia. It’s an hereditary anemia found in people of Mediterranean accents. Being Italian, I dug deeper and found taking Iron supplements (via mouth or IV) may cause an Iron Overload (within red cells) that’s detrimental. Coming from an Italian family I was able to alert my relatives and get screened for it. Hope this alerts others of Mediterranean to get screened for this type of anemia. ❤️
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1 Reaction@rosy54, thank you for this information about the prevalence of thalassemia anemia in those of Mediterranean descent. How is your anemia being treated or controlled?
@sylvz, how are you doing? Are you getting iron infusions?
Really not much off anything I just make sure I never get Fe injections esp IVs Yearly check ups for my hgb n hct
Blood transfusions is alternative to raising your iron levels.
Fe (Iron injections) stay stored in cells it DOESNT get released into blood stream. Your doctor should help you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have been diagnosed with beta-thalassemia minor for decades now and my blood work always shows me as mildly anemic. I now have been diagnosed with a severe aortic aneurysm which requires open surgery to repair. My doc wants to put me on Retacrit plus an infusion of Venofer to boost my RBC before surgery. I am a little worried this will not be effective given my thalassemia. Does anyone have any words of wisdom on this matter?