Susan
Message 1 of 1
I was diagnosed with Beta Thal at around age 25 (I'm 41 now). They warned me about being prescribed iron supplements, because my blood was naturally anemic (they tested this). A couple of weeks ago my doctor said she was concerned I had some type of blood loss going on & wanted to put me on Iron, even though she knew I have Beta-Thal (she's a new, young doc) & I told her the warning I was issued & that I take a good multi-vitamin with iron daily. She looked through my previous blood tests (thankfully) & discovered they were all consistent as mild anemia (so the warning I got a long time ago worked). I'm naturally anemic. Sure don't want to get an over-dose of Iron! After my initial diagnosis (16 yrs. ago), they said I would be prone to easy bruising, tiredness, possible enlarged spleen, etc. I know from the time I was little, I needed at least an hour more of sleep per night than the rest of my siblings (3) and I was still tired upon waking. I was prone to catching any cold/flu going around & was prone to skin infections, etc. I often felt light headed. At least one of my siblings has Beta Thal also & his two sons have the trait as well. They discovered this because one of his sons, when he was a newborn in the hospital, was experiencing some type of blood loss. After running tons of tests, they diagnosed him with Beta Thal. It's interesting that I've had some doctors say there are no symptoms for Beta Thal at all. They virtually won't admit to any, but the first ones to diagnose me (Osteopaths) said there were symptoms. The docs that diagnosed Beta Thal in my nephew also said there was a problem. I experience virtually all of the symptoms mentioned on these posts. I think it, as well, is true that some do not experience symptoms, perhaps because they aren't as anemic as some of us. I know another thing & that is that, for me, eating a good steak and loading up on garlic sometimes makes me feel better. I've found the posts here very interesting. It's good that we've found a place to share. Thanks to everyone.