Just diagnosed with CAD

Posted by xfitgurl13 @xfitgurl13, Oct 17 3:54am

Hi everyone, I’m hoping to connect with anyone who’s been through something similar.

After years of odd lab results (low red blood cells, enlarged cells, and repeated notes of “cold agglutination”), I was recently diagnosed with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA), more specifically Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD). Basically, my immune system attacks my red blood cells, which leaves me dealing with fatigue and low endurance. This isnt iron deficiency anemia. My iron levels are sky high.

For context:
Age: 60
Height/Weight: 5’8”, ~140 lbs
Nutrition: typically 45% carbs / 30% protein / 25% fat
Training: CrossFit 5-6x a week, though fatigue has made me scale back recently and avoid heavy cardio

My questions for the group:
1. Has anyone else here been diagnosed with AIHA or CAD? What treatments worked (or didn’t work) for you?
2. For those managing non iron deficiency anemia or autoimmune conditions, did you adjust your training or nutrition to help with energy and recovery?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 17 10:54pm

@xfitgurl13 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Question: how has CAD affected your training and fitness programs? What did you notice before you got a diagnosis?
Members will see your discussion tomorrow (it may already be tomorrow for some members depending on where they live!). I will try to find some members who also have CAD.

xfitgurl13 | @xfitgurl13 | Oct 18 6:56am

I noticed a substantial decline in my cardio capacity, endurance as well as terrible fatigue.

Workouts and movements that I normally do would leave me gasping for breath. At first I thought it was a combo of new programming at my CrossFit box, working 2 jobs and needing to eat more.

Since seeing the hematologist at the end of August, my numbers have further tanked. I only do minimal cardio now and focus on strength and moving my body.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | Oct 18 1:00pm

I remember in residency (long time ago) we treated this condition with plasma exchange in hopes of ridding the body of the malfunctioning antibodies. Not sure if it is still used. You could ask

xfitgurl13 | @xfitgurl13 | Oct 18 2:12pm

I can ask about this. Thank you!

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